Kintyre charity walk raises £89,000 for Rsabi

A charity walk spanning 100 miles along the Kintyre Way has raised more than £88,000 for the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi).

The walk took place in memory of Borders farmer Neil Stewart, who tragically took his own life in June 2024 at the age of 60. 

Neil’s wife Caroline, together with her three children Victoria, Emily and Charlie, and a close group of family and friends, embarked on the “100 for One” challenge from 2-7 June 2025, which was an opportunity to reflect and share fond memories of Neil, while shining a light on mental health challenges in agriculture.

See also: Farmworker walks length of Scotland for mental health

The route was chosen because Neil had a special connection with Kintyre as it was where his mother came from, and he spent many childhood holidays there.

Later in life, he continued to visit the area with his own family and passed on his love of Kintyre to them.

“The kindness, encouragement and solidarity shown, along with the amazing donations raised for Rsabi, are what kept us going.

“If our message has managed to reach just one person and encouraged them to reach out for help, then it has been more than worth it,” said Caroline.

Carol McLaren, Rsabi chief executive, said by bravely sharing Neil’s story, the family made a profound difference to the farming community “delivering an incredibly important message that no one in Scottish agriculture should feel alone and that help is available”.

Ongoing fundraiser

To support the Stewart family’s ongoing fundraising, donations can still be made via JustGiving, or by texting 100FORONE to 70450 to donate £20. 

Rsabi’s free confidential support service is available 24/7 (0808 1234 555) or through a confidential webchat service, available on the Rsabi website. 

The charity also offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services.

It has recently appointed a full-time suicide prevention lead, to address the rising suicide rates in agriculture, offering vital support to those at risk.

Helplines

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:

• The Farming Community Network Helpline 03000 111 999
• The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution 0800 188 4444
• Rsabi 0808 1234 555
• The DPJ Foundation 0800 587 4262 (or text 07860 048799)
• Tir Dewi 0800 121 47 22
• Papyrus 0800 068 4141 (or text 88247)
• Rural Support 0800 138 1678
• Samaritans 116 123
• Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 
• NHS 24 mental health hub 111

If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.