Mental health message at the heart of Come Ashore Cup weekend
This weekend will witness the fourth staging of the Come Ashore Cup, the annual rugby veterans’ challenge between Caithness and Orkney that is credited with raising the profile of mental health – particularly in rural, isolated communities.
Orkney is hosting the event which was conceived in the wake of the sudden death of Alexander Mill at his farm at Achscrabster, west of Thurso, in April 2021. His family and the rugby clubs on either side of the Pentland Firth came together to secure a positive legacy from the tragedy.
Once again, the event is supported by a number of mental health charities and based around the promotion of the “It’s okay to not be okay” message. It is also taking place during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
A raffle, a grand auction and other activities also raise funds to support Farmstrong Scotland and other charities.
The centrepiece of the weekend will be the annual tussles between the Caithness Evergreens and Orkney Vikings, and the female over-35 teams of the Caithness Krakens and Orkney Dragons.
The event kicks off with a “walk and talk” at Laga Farm, Evie, on Saturday morning, followed by lunch.
Among the charities supporting this year’s event are Soma’s Light, the Men’s Shed, Orkney Prostate Awareness, the Blide Trust, Andy’s Man Club, Mikeysline and the Scottish Action for Mental Health.
Some will have stalls at Pickaquoy playing fields during the matches, while spectators can also visit a craft tent showcasing hand-made produce.
Caithness RFC stalwart Russell Mill, a cousin of Alexander’s, has been involved in organising the event since the start. He is pleased with how it has evolved and has involved so many in both Caithness and Orkney.
"Every year it has grown a little bit but it has kept to the ambition of engaging with the farming and rural community, recognising that they can need that extra bit of support,” he said.
“It is also about promoting the work of mental health charities and raising a bit of money for them. It is a day which welcomes everybody.”
Russell said his island counterparts have gone the extra mile this year in arranging a packed programme outwith the rugby matches.
He has been working on the logistics of getting an expected party of 75 players and camp followers over to Orkney and organising their accommodation.
Caithness won the Come Ashore Cup last year with proceeds split between Farmstrong Scotland and Befriending Caithness.