Fife farmers’ literary efforts raise tens of thousands for cause

CHARITY: Brothers’ light-hearted looks at agriculture have proved a big hit

Two books penned by Fife farmers have reaped more than £72,000 to support agricultural workers.

Brothers Andrew and John Arbuckle penned Farming Is A Funny Business and Farming Facts And Fake News, collections of humorous tales of life harvested from people across Scotland.

Proceeds from their sales have gone to RSABI, a charity which supports those employed in the industry.

The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution was originally founded in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee and in recognition of the deep agricultural depression at the time.

Andrew, an agricultural journalist and former farming editor of The Courier, said he and John were delighted with the phenomenal success of their books.

He said they aimed to raise many a smile among fellow farmers while raising money for the good cause.

“

Our hope was that we could raise a good sum to assist the vital work of RSABI through the sales of the books but we never dreamed that the result would be the sort of figure which has been achieved. ANDREW ARBUCKLE

As well as amusing anecdotes and jokes about the trials and tribulations of everyday rural life, the works include entertaining farming facts and personal reminiscences.

The latter, Farming Facts And Fake News, was launched by Countryfile presenter Adam Henson.

Andrew said: “We were very pleased with the response from people involved in many different aspects of farming in Scotland when we initially put out an appeal for quirky tales and light-hearted stories for our books.

“Our hope was that we could raise a good sum to assist the vital work of RSABI through the sales of the books but we never dreamed that the result would be the sort of figure which has been achieved.”

The brothers, who farmed near Newburgh, thanked those who have bought the books and supplied them with pages full of funny anecdotes.

RSABI’S staff provide financial, practical and emotional support to individuals and families linked with Scottish agriculture.

Chief executive Nina Clancy said: “Our sincere thanks to Andrew and John for their superb efforts in producing two very successful books.”

Both titles are available at numerous outlets, including Gloagburn Farm Shop, Tibbermore, Perthshire, and on RSABI’S online shop, rsabi.org.uk

John, left, and Andrew Arbuckle have generated more than £72,000 for agricultural charity RSABI.