Farmworker walks length of Scotland for mental health

North East farm worker Duncan Maclellan is walking from John O’Groats to Gretna Green to raise funds for the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi) and highlight the mental health challenges faced in the agricultural industry.

Duncan, 31, from Turriff, set off on the two-week journey across Scotland to raise awareness of the pressures facing those working in farming and to encourage more open conversations about mental wellbeing.

Now past the halfway point, Duncan has been buoyed by messages of support and donations as he continues the 300-mile trek.

See also: Farmers offered health checks at Hawes Mart

Described as Scottish farming’s Forrest Gump, Duncan said he was inspired by his own experience.

“I’ve struggled with depression for more than 15 years,” he said. 

“I hid it for the most part, but things really spiralled in 2022, and I attempted to take my own life. Since then, I’ve made a big effort to talk more openly and honestly about how I’m feeling.”

He added: “There’s still some stigma around mental health, particularly for men, and that needs to change. Farming can be a very lonely and isolating job.

“There’s a lot of pressure, whether it’s financial, the weather, or the wider challenges the industry is facing.

“We’re not always great at looking after ourselves or talking about it, and I want to do what I can to help others speak up and get support when they need it.”

This is not Duncan’s first fundraising challenge for Rsabi.

Last year, he completed a 184-mile walk from Aberdeen to Morar in wellies and climbed Bennachie 17 times in 24 hours – a distance equalling the height of Mount Everest.

He raised £4,800 from those efforts, and has already raised more than £3,300 for his present walk.

Rsabi chief executive Carol McLaren  said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Duncan, what he’s doing is quite outstanding and making a real difference.”

To support Duncan, donations can be made via JustGiving. 

Rsabi’s confidential support is available 24/7 on 0808 1234 555.