Farmers invited to deck the halls for festive event

CAROLS: Mart’s special evening designed to combat the issue of hidden loneliness among the rural fraternity

Farmers across Angus and the wider rural area have been invited to a Christmas carol service at Forfar Mart tomorrow evening.

The event, organised by the town’s St Margaret’s Parish Church, aims to help tackle hidden loneliness in the farming community.

Around 200 people are expected to gather at Lawrie & Symington’s premises for the evening start.

The service will be led by the Rev Maggie Hunt, who described it as an opportunity for farmers, farm workers, their friends, families and rural neighbours to come together, enjoy some festive good cheer and have a bite to eat.

“This is the first carol service of its kind to be held in Forfar Mart and we are very excited,” she said.

“The idea is to bring the farming community from across Angus together to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

“We are very aware that in the depths of winter people can feel very isolated, so this is an opportunity to be a light shining bright in the darkness.

“The service has really captured people’s imagination and they have come out in force to support it and offer to help.”

After the traditional carols there will be mince pies, mulled wine and stovies, and prizes will be raffled in aid of rural charity RSABI, which provides emotional, practical and financial support across Scotland.

Local farmer Louise Nicoll of Newton of Fothringham Farm, Inverarity, who runs Newton Farm Holidays, said Carols at the Mart was a great opportunity to invite anyone in the farming community who may be struggling – particularly at this time of year.

She said: “We want everyone to reflect on who may be feeling lonely in your area.

“Do you have a neighbour you’ve not seen for a while, who works all the time and who may not see anyone for days?

“Maybe they need you to make all the difference to ask them along to this event. I believe there is a lot of hidden loneliness out there across all age groups and especially in farming, where there is so much lone working.”

The service follows the success of similar events at Ayr Mart by the Rev Chris Blackshaw, the Church of Scotland’s only dedicated minister to the farming community, who recently gave a talk in Forfar.

The Rev Blackshaw can often be seen at Ayr Mart’s livestock sales and visits farms across Ayrshire to provide spiritual and family support, plus counselling.

Everyone will be made welcome at Carols at Forfar Mart, 48 John Street, Forfar, DD8 3EZ, tomorrow at 6pm.

Picture: Kim Cessford. The Rev Maggie Hunt is going to conduct a special farmers’ Christmas carol service in Forfar Mart tomorrow. She is pictured with Louise Nicoll, alpaca Bolt and goats Michael and Lucius at Newton Farm Holidays, Inverarity.