Popular farmer to be remembered at charity rugby match in Thurso
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Millbank is to host a charity rugby match in memory of a popular farmer from Caithness who died in April last year.
The sudden death of Alexander Mill, who farmed at Achscrabster, near Westfield, shocked family and friends.
The match at Caithness RFC's base in Thurso on Saturday, October 22, has been arranged to mark Alexander's spell with the club.
He played 30 times for the Greens in a career cut short by injury.
The 45-year-old lived with his wife Norma, daughter Ferne and son Gregor.
A veterans' match between Caithness Evergreens and Orkney Vikings at 1pm is the centrepiece of a programme of events that will raise money for two local good causes.
The Come Ashore Cup will be contested by over-35-year-olds from either side of the Pentland Firth.
The trophy, which is to be played for each time the sides meet, has a Caithness flagstone base topped by a traditional Orkney cog.
One of the visiting guests, Ed Crozier, a former president of the Scottish Rugby Union and grade one referee, is to officiate one half of the inaugural match.
In charge of the other will be Ross Sutherland stalwart Alan McLean, who refereed for many years in the north of Scotland.
Piper Martin MacDonald, a friend and near neighbour of the Mill family, is to play a selection of tunes throughout the afternoon.
Ian Macleay, of Armadale, is to run a grand auction and a raffle will also boost the takings for the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution and John O'Groats Development Trust's drive to open a playpark in memory of Julie McGee.
The event has been organised by Alexander's cousin, Caithness RFC vice-president Russell Mill.
He said: "The support for the event has been overwhelming. It's amazing to see how strong our community is and just mind-blowing the backing we have received.
"The Come Ashore Cup is not just a rugby match. Its true purpose is to bring friends together and rekindle links that make a difference."
