In August, Johnston Carmichael once again took on the Great Glen Challenge, raising funds for the fantastic RSABI, a charity that provides critical financial aid, emotional support, and guidance to those in need within Scottish agriculture.

As Corporate Supporters of RSABI, at Johnston Carmichael we care passionately about the rural sector. We have many clients in the sector and they are at the heart of the communities in which we operate. In addition, many of our people come from farming or agri backgrounds, so we know both the importance of the sector to the UK economy and the challenges that those operating in the sector can face. Team JC is always excited to be involved with the Challenge, which sees participants cycling, kayaking, walking and running through the stunning scenery between Fort Augustus and Fort William.

We caught up with this year’s GGC team to find out how the event went and why they love taking part.

Andrew McMillan, Tax Partner and Head of Innovation Taxes, Dundee – 49km cycle

This was my second year competing. I knew what to expect this time round after being fooled by an unnamed colleague into thinking that the route would be mainly flat last year. You could imagine my surprise after a short flat section to start when the course headed off up into the hills which never seemed to end! I did also manage to go the wrong way and take in an extra 1,000 meters of hill (entirely my own fault). I’ve never been so grateful to see a finish line in my life! But I was happy to go through two hours of challenge and effort to raise funds to support such worthy causes. RSABI is a fantastic charity and provides brilliant support to those who need it.

The atmosphere has been fantastic both years I have participated. There is a real camaraderie amongst competitors and the organisers and RSABI reps are so friendly.  It is also worth noting that the scenery is utterly spectacular, even if you can only half see it because of the amount of sweat in your eyes. We were delighted that our collective efforts secured a 2nd place finish out of the 27 teams involved. More important than that though, it was announced on the day that in excess of £54k was raised for the charity, which is an absolute credit to all involved.

Andrew MacKenzie, Business Advisory Senior Manager, Inverness – Support crew

My role in the team is that of support driver/team organiser – crucial for making sure everything runs smoothly. I register the team, set up the fundraising page and make sure everyone is organised for the day of the event.  On the day itself I am responsible for driving each member of the team to their respective start points and then picking them up after they have finished their events. It is a bit of a logistical nightmare as each event is at a different location between Fort Augustus and Fort William and they all have different start times, but luckily this year it all went very smoothly! I enjoy taking part in the Great Glen Challenge as it is a fun way to raise money for a fantastic cause, there is always a great atmosphere throughout the day and it is great to see all the teams supporting each other. It is also a fantastic way to network with professionals from other teams who all work in the rural sector.

Christian Ramsay, Business Advisory Senior, Forfar - 6km kayak

This is the second time I have competed in the kayak stage of the Great Glen Challenge and I would like to say how greatly I improved at installing myself in the kayak on the water but that wouldn’t be entirely true… however, once I got back into the swing of the technique it was very enjoyable. It gives you a chance to see the astonishing landscape from a completely difference perspective. The chance to participate in such a social and engaging event whilst raising funds for RSABI makes for a fantastic day out. We were particularly lucky with the weather which makes all the difference not only for moral of the competitors but for all the spectators, friends and families. RSABI do such amazing work in the agricultural community so I’m always keen to support their charity.

Jane Mitchell, Business Advisory Director, Inverurie – Support crew

I am a Trustee of RSABI in addition to my role at JC, so this event is very important to me. As well as marshalling the cycling and running sections, I was also in charge of accommodation provision and, along with Andrew, designated driver duties for the JC team! It was definitely a benefit having everyone together the night before, and I really enjoyed seeing Andrew and John coming through the check points I was marshalling. As luck would have it, we got the first dry day on Lochaber for the whole of August!

John Gold, Business Advisory Director, Stirling - 17km run

I really enjoyed talking part in the RSABI Great Glen Challenge by completing the running leg of the team challenge. The funds raised from the challenge allows RSABI to continue to give vital support to those working within Scottish agriculture. I found the run particularly challenging this year due to the warm weather on the day. I especially enjoyed catching up with previous connections from other teams and making new connections from the rural sector on the day.

Jenn Stewart – Business Advisory Partner, Head of Rural and Head of CSR, Dundee - 18km walk

I have always been part of that support team behind the scenes and this year it was very exciting to be part of the team competing on the day. I must say I looked at the map and thought, ‘That’s fine, the walking route looks quite flat and it is half the Kiltwalk in terms of distance, I’ll be grand!’

Well, it certainly was not flat but it was a super route - so scenic and such beautiful countryside. In terms of challenges, dare I say Andrew McMillan’s driving on the way to Fort William the evening before…. I am just joking. I would not say I found it a challenge but I was marginally out of my comfort zone - I normally like to be in complete control of where I am going, knowing exactly where I am, and where I will finish. Having not been a competitor in the event before, my complete trust was in our fantastic support driver Andrew MacKenzie, ensuring we got to the right destination at the right time and then collected at the end.

As Head of both our Rural sector and our Corporate Social Responsibility at Johnston Carmichael I was delighted to be able to take part and give something back to the communities in which I live and work. I love walking, and setting myself a couple of challenges in August really motivated me to get outside and do some training and prioritise my own wellbeing, which is something everyone should do.

You can still donate to the team’s fundraising page for RSABI here.