Dingwall’s Harvest Thanksgiving Service Unites Community on November 2

Farmers, crofters, and churchgoers from across the Highlands are invited to the annual harvest thanksgiving service in Dingwall. This event, set to take place on November 2, 2024, will be hosted at Dingwall Free Church at 14:00. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd and the local church community, aiming to strengthen support for those in agriculture.

Rev Calum Iain Macleod, the minister of Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church, initiated this partnership by reaching out to Dingwall Mart to enhance the church’s role in supporting farmers and crofters. The thanksgiving service is a follow-up to the inaugural event held in 2023, which saw over 200 attendees and was well received by the community.

This year’s service will feature a traybake buffet following the main event, creating an opportunity for fellowship and connection among attendees. Families are particularly encouraged to participate, with a kids’ club and creche available to accommodate younger attendees.

Donations collected during the service will go to RSABI, a respected charity that offers vital support to individuals involved in the Scottish agricultural sector, addressing their practical, emotional, and financial needs.

Rev Macleod expressed enthusiasm for this year’s gathering, stating, “Everyone is looking forward to gathering once again for this special service. This year we will be exploring how we can provide effective pastoral support and encouragement for our hard-working farmers and crofters at a difficult time.”

In addition, Grant Macpherson, managing director of Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, emphasized the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the farming community. He noted, “We are delighted to partner with the local church community this year again. The encouragement provided through this annual harvest thanksgiving service is greatly appreciated.”

This event not only celebrates the agricultural bounty but also underscores the community’s commitment to supporting its members during challenging times. The collaboration between the church and the mart reflects a broader effort to foster resilience and connection within the farming community in the Highlands.