Burns Suppers raise £100,000 for The Big Build

20 Feb Burns Suppers raise £100,000 for The Big Build

Scotland’s rural community came together across the East and West to celebrate our National Bard and ‘the original Young Farmer’ Rabbie Burns, raising an outstanding £100,000 in support of The Big Build.

An impressive £70,000 was raised at the West event hosted by Jim Shanks, and a further £30,000 at the East event hosted by Jillian and Martin Kennedy. This brings the total funding for The Big Build to £900,000, with 100% of funds going directly towards the campaign to build a new permanent home for SAYFC at the Royal Highland Showground.

The Big Build will create a dedicated a hub where young people can connect, collaborate and feel part of the wider rural community. The facility will provide a central base for events, training and social opportunities, ensuring Scotland’s Young Farmers have a permanent home all year round.

The East Burns Supper was attended by First Minister John Swinney, who reinforced the Scottish Government’s continued support for young people in agriculture and rural development.

The events also welcomed a number of notable names from across the industry, including Carol McLaren, Cammy Wilson, Joyce Falconer and The Rt. Hon. Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, demonstrating widespread backing for the campaign.

Funds were generated through a combination of ticket sales, generous donations, sponsorship, raffles and an online silent auction. Auction prizes ranged from unforgettable experience to prizes to opportunities strengthen herds with top-quality genetics.

One standout auction prize was generously donated by tomato grower Jim Shanks, who offered the unique experience of a one-hour private flight in his aircraft, which proved hugely popular on the night.

Penny Montgomerie, Chief Executive of SAYFC said; The Burns Suppers were an incredible success and a real testament to the strength of our young farming community. Raising £100,000 has taken us comfortably beyond the halfway mark towards our overall target. We remain firmly on track and the momentum behind The Big Build continues to grow stronger. It has truly been a collective effort from everyone who got involved in some way or another. From our hosts, sponsors, and donors to those who bought tickets and made donations. Every contribution brings us closer to creating a permanent home with will have lasting impact for generations of young farmers to come.