WATCH: North coast farmer Joyce Campbell among those helping to raise spirits this winter in a special Christmas carol
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Swapping machinery for microphones, Joyce Campbell of Armadale Farm, Sutherland, has joined a host of famous farming faces from across Scotland to record a unique adaptation of Silent Night in aid of tackling rural loneliness this winter.
The video has been launched as part of agricultural charity, RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign, with a very important message encouraging farmers and crofters to reconnect and support each other during what is a particularly difficult time of year for the farming community.
The video includes singing from The Sheep Game’s Cammy Wilson; The Hoof GP, Graeme Parker; comedian Jim Smith and This Farming Life’s Emma Gray along with others including Martin Kennedy, president of NFU Scotland, Lucy Mitchell, chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, and auctioneers from across Scotland.
"RSABI is a great rural charity that supports folk when they need it most," said Joyce. "I cannot sing to save myself, but that's why I agreed to sing on the RSABI Christmas carol. Their #KeepTalking campaign is a timely reminder to keep in contact with folk during the dark days of winter."
The adapted version of the carol was pulled together by the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture.
While the standard of the singing varies in the recording, the message prevails that the winter months can be particularly challenging for farmers and crofters and a visit or a kind word or two can make a huge difference.
Lyrics such as “so pick up the phone and mak someone’s day, it’s no the weather to be out makin’ hay” and “talk to someone – we care” are featured in the video.
Among the auctioneers singing are Jim Craig (James Craig Ltd, Ayr), brothers Scott and Fraser Chapman and Colin Slessor (ANM, Thainstone), Graham Low (Orkney Mart) and Farquhar Macrae (United Auctions, Huntly).
The light-hearted video, which the charity hopes will raise a few smiles, has a serious message at its core as it aims to raise awareness of people of all ages in farming communities who may be more vulnerable to loneliness and isolation during the winter months, with little daylight, freezing temperatures and worries about cost of living and rising input costs.
Talking about the video, RSABI chief executive Carol McLaren said: “We've had incredible support from friends and colleagues in the farming community and our thanks go to everyone who helped us record the song.
“There is no doubt that the standard of the singing varies through the verses but that is part of what makes it so special, and our hope is that it not only raises a smile but also reminds people to look around them to see who could do with some support.
“The winter months are traditionally a tough time for farming folk, with mud and cold to contend with very often working long hours on their own. It can be easy to get a bit down and we hope that watching the video will inspire people to reach out to someone they haven’t heard from in a while. Just a small gesture could make a massive difference to how someone is feeling.
“RSABI offers emotional, practical and financial support. A free, confidential support service is available 24/7, including over Christmas and New Year. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling Freephone 0808 1234 555, emailing helpline@rsabi.org.uk or using the webchat service on our website.”
The Silent Night video is just one in a series of initiatives by RSABI encouraging farmers to #KeepTalking and supporting good mental health in people of all ages involved in farming and crofting this winter. RSABI is raising awareness of the ‘Carols at the Marts’ events across Scotland and is trialling a Thrive Mental Wellbeing app in partnership with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC).
As the temperature plummets, the charity is also reminding people about its Help for Heating grants available to people struggling with the costs of heating their homes.
