Scottish ‘keepy uppy in wellies’ challenge goes viral

A social media challenge launched by the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi) is gaining momentum across rural communities as excitement builds ahead of the charity’s first farmer football tournament.

The Rsabi “Keepy Uppy” challenge encourages farmers, crofters and rural businesses to complete as many keepy uppys as possible while wearing wellington boots, before nominating others to take part online.

The campaign, which has generated 500,000 views across social media already, was launched to encourage people working in Scottish agriculture to keep talking about mental wellbeing while raising funds for the charity.

See also: Over 1,000 Scots rural mental health first aiders trained

Cammy Wilson gives it a go © Rsabi

Well-known figures from the farming community have already taken part, including Dalscone Farm’s Ben Best, Cammy Wilson from The Sheep Game, Aberdeenshire livestock farmer Nicola Wordie, and Crawford Niven of Crawford Farms, alongside Young Farmers Clubs and rural businesses across Scotland.

Farmer Football Tournament

The challenge comes ahead of Rsabi’s first farmer football tournament, due to take place on 7 June at McDiarmid Park in Perth, home of St Johnstone FC.

The seven-a-side event, which is free for spectators, will feature teams from across the agricultural sector, including property consultancy Bell Ingram, law firm Gillespie Macandrew, estate agent Galbraith and United Auctions.

Pauline Macmillan, Rsabi’s head of fundraising, said the response to the campaign had “exceeded expectations”.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people getting involved, having fun and helping spread the important message to #KeepTalking,” she said.

Bringing people together

Familiar faces from BBC programme This Farming Life are also expected to take part, including Callum Lindsay, Ally and Noah Williamson, Rob Smith, Adam Johnstone, Ben Imrie and Ewan Irvine.

“Both the challenge and the football tournament share the same purpose of bringing people together and having some fun while sparking important conversations around mental wellbeing and raising awareness of the support available through Rsabi,” added Ms Macmillan.

Participants are encouraged to donate £3 to Rsabi by texting “KEEPY” to 70460.

To support the football fundraiser donate via Rsabi’s Just Giving link or visit the event page.

Rsabi provides practical, financial and emotional support to people in Scottish agriculture, including a free confidential helpline (call 0808 1234 555) and counselling service available year-round.

A confidential webchat service is also available via the Rsabi website.