22 Dec Update: Match Funding Provides Boost to Big Build
SAYFC secures major match-funding injection for the Big Build but issues urgent call for further donations
Significant fundraising contributes towards new centre for future generations of farmers
The Scottish Government has committed to match the £98,000 raised through SAYFC’s own network, a sum that has been matched again by the SAYFC International Trust. Together these contributions add £196,000 to the total.
These latest contributions bring SAYFC’s overall total to approximately £700,000, a strong start towards the £1.6 million required to complete the project. However, the organisation is urgently calling for sector-wide backing to close the remaining gap and enable construction to begin in 2026.
The new centre is needed following the loss of SAYFC’s former building on the Royal Highland Showground. The structure, which served as a HQ for generations of Young Farmers, was recently demolished after being condemned. Its removal has left SAYFC without a permanent centre for the first time in decades, and without an all-important base during one of its busiest times of the year, the Royal Highland Show.
The Big Build will restore this vital presence, a space where young farmers can come together, connect, socialise, and feel part of the wider rural community.
As a long-term investment in the future of Scottish agriculture, the new facility will serve multiple purposes beyond providing SAYFC with a year-round base;
- Providing a communal office space for agricultural charities and organisations, enabling greater collaboration across the sector.
- Acting as a social hub for all SAYFC members, helping to tackle rural isolation, strengthen connections, and support mental wellbeing among young people.
- Offering a flexible event space to generate additional revenue for SAYFC.
- Provide an archive and exhibition space to protect and showcase SAYFC’s rich heritage.
Penny Montgomerie, Chief Executive of SAYFC, said: “This project is far more than bricks and mortar. It represents long-term investment in Scotland’s rural youth, the future of our agricultural industry, and the resilience of farming communities. It will provide a home for our young people for generations, a place to come together, learn, socialise and feel part of a wider community.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported The Big Build so far. The commitment from the Young Farmers–linked Trusts, the Scottish Government match funding, and the generosity of our clubs and individual members who have already raised hundreds of thousands, have given us a strong start and real momentum.
“We want to be in a position to break ground early next year, but that will only be possible with further generous support from across the agricultural sector. We simply cannot deliver this without you, we must make significant and rapid progress on fundraising so we can begin construction, and we need the whole industry’s support to do that.”
To encourage support, SAYFC has created donor tiers offering permanent recognition on Donor Recognition Boards that will be displayed in the building, creating a lasting legacy at the heart of the Young Farmers community:
- £200 – £1,000 – Young Farmer Supporter
- £1,001 to £5,000 – Bronze Supporter
- £5,0001 to £10,000 – Silver Supporter
- £10,001+ – Gold Supporter
- Platinum Supporter – potential for naming rights or sponsorship of specific rooms, spaces, or facilities – available on discussion
With construction timelines tied directly to fundraising progress, SAYFC is appealing for supporters to step forward now.
While the building will not be ready for the Royal Highland Show 2026, SAYFC aims to have it open for the Royal Highland Show 2027, a milestone entirely dependent on securing the remaining funds as quickly as possible.
Businesses, individuals, trusts, and organisations interested in contributing, securing naming rights, or discussing major gifts are encouraged to contact: bigbuild@sayfc.org