A remarkable fundraising effort at the Royal Highland Show

Fundraising EventsAgricultural Shows
Written By Lynne Dickens

At this year’s Royal Highland Show, the Highland Cattle Society was delighted to welcome back a much-missed tradition - a community BBQ that brought members and friends together for an evening of warmth, laughter and exceptional generosity.

The idea was first raised at the 2024 Annual Members Meeting when member Catherine McKechnie suggested reinstating the BBQ as a way to strengthen the sense of fellowship within the Society. Catherine later reflected with a smile, “I had no idea that by making the suggestion, I would end up organising the whole thing!”

Fortunately, she was not alone, as Melissa Curran quickly stepped forward to help bring the plan to life.

Catherine proposed that any funds raised should be donated to Robin House Children’s Hospice in Balloch, a charity deeply meaningful to her and her husband Jim. “Honestly, I thought we would be lucky to raise a few hundred pounds,” she said. What followed far exceeded all expectations.

Catherine and Jim generously donated all the food: burgers, sausages and even freshly made coleslaw prepared in the Society tent. Alastair McIntyre of Cedar Tree Cottage provided the cooking equipment along with two chefs, a contribution that made an enormous difference to the success of the event.

Members and non-members alike helped to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Donations of beer, wine, whisky and spare change filled the charity bucket quickly, especially as Mel and her husband Shaun continued serving food throughout Friday and Saturday. The remaining burgers vanished as quickly as the growing pile of notes and coins.

By the end of the Show, the BBQ had raised an extraordinary £3,240, far surpassing Catherine’s hopes. But the generosity did not end there. In a remarkable act of kindness, Kevin and Sonia Fletcher of Coul Estates, Laggan, offered to match the full amount raised, bringing the final total to an incredible £6,480 for CHAS.

Catherine shared her gratitude:

“I am immensely proud - and deeply grateful - to be able to hand over such a significant sum. To every single person who helped, donated, cooked, ate, laughed and supported us in any way: thank you. Your kindness and generosity turned a simple idea into something truly extraordinary.”

The Highland Cattle Society extends its warmest thanks to Catherine, Melissa, and all who supported this wonderful effort. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and spirit of our community.

Lynne Dickens

Spot On Creative is a Northants-based creative team who have the hard-earned skills, expertise and industry knowledge that only come from having worked for years in advertising. It’s all managed by Lynne Dickens who has over 20 years’ experience in marketing communications, and ten years in website design and build, and creative team project management.

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