Caithness rugby memorial event will feature two days of activities
Rugby and farming representatives in the far north are coming together to stage the third instalment of the Come Ashore Cup.
The charity event in Thurso held in memory of Alexander Mill has grown to span two days of diverse activities.
The focus will again be on the annual over-35s rugby match between Caithness Evergreens and Orkney Vikings at Millbank on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). But it is supported by an eclectic programme designed to appeal to all and sundry.
It kicks off on the Friday with a tour of four distilleries and John O'Groats Brewery and an evening function at the rugby clubhouse in Thurso, called Tractors, Tastes and Tackles.
Guest speakers are 65-times capped Scottish prop forward Allan Jacobsen and Easter Ross farmer John Scott, who chairs Farmstrong Scotland.
The buffet, prepared by prominent far north chef Grant MacNicol, is to feature all-Caithness ingredients, while Thurso’s Colin McFeat will provide the music.
The following morning a tour of Bilbster Mains, by Watten, has been arranged.
The rugby match is the third in the series, with Orkney last year avenging their defeat in the inaugural contest by turning the tables in Kirkwall.
Andy Morris, the Greens’ record cap holder, who had two spells as captain in the noughties, is travelling up from his farm in Newburgh in Fife. He co-captains the home side along with Forss farmer Derek Bain.
Their opposite number is Al Watson, whose 266 appearances for Orkney make him third top in the club rankings.
The home outfit will be keen to win back the trophy, which takes the form of a traditional Orkney bridal cog set on an engraved Caithness stone base.
The challenge was inaugurated in memory of Mr Mill, who died suddenly at his home at Achscrabster Farm in April 2021, aged 45.
The afternoon will also see Caithness Krakens take their season’s bow when they defend the trophy they won last year in their own seven-a-side tournament (starting at 1pm).
Rugby fans will also get a chance to take a selfie with the Calcutta Cup and the Doddie Weir Cup, which will be on display along with the National Plate, which the women’s side won last month in Edinburgh.
Immediately following the rugby action, a charity auction is being held.
Millbank will also host a range of other attractions, including Caithness craft and produce and Caithness Youth Farmers displays, a turnout of vintage engines and a bucking bronco challenge.
The event ends with a marquee dance to Addie Harper and Friends.
Proceeds are to be split between Farmstrong Scotland, a farmers' wellbeing charity, and Befriending Caithness.
The event two years ago raised £18,000 for the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution and John O’Groats Development Trust.
Caithness RFC spokesperson Russell Mill said: “We’ve had an amazing response from the community and our colleagues in Orkney in preparing for it.
“It is shaping up really well. As well as raising money for the two charities, we want the event to bring positivity to the farming community and raise awareness about the importance of good mental health.”
Club president Frank Bremner said: “The Come Ashore Cup extends our reach as a community rugby club into the hearts and minds of us all, promoting positive interaction far and wide.
“Our ability to share even a little time to create meaningful fun and laughter in very challenging times would be very difficult to achieve without the huge forum the Come Ashore Cup creates for us all.”
Chef Grant MacNicol said: “The Come Ashore Cup and what it represents is close to my heart and I’m always keen to support this event because it reminds us to help each other out all year round, offer support and a listening ear for those who need to talk.”
