RHASS and Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral come together to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Scotland’s farmers in a Harvest Thanksgiving service
A John Deere tractor and a seed drill took centre stage outside of Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral yesterday (5th October) as the exceptional efforts and hard work of Scotland’s farming community were recognised in a Harvest Thanksgiving service in partnership with RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland).
Conducted by Rev Dr Scott Rennie, the service celebrated the tireless efforts of Scotland’s farming community, while acknowledging the ever-changing weather conditions farmers across the country have faced ahead of this year’s harvest.
Displays of seasonal vegetables, including broccoli, pumpkins, potatoes, parsnips and carrots were donated by RHASS Directors for the service from farms across the country to shine a light on the array of local produce grown in Scotland.
RHET (the Royal Highland Education Trust) also supported the Harvest Thanksgiving celebrations by creating a display inside the cathedral.
Their exhibit drew on educational resources used in schools to highlight what’s in season, Scottish crops, images of harvesting through the ages, examples of school growing projects, and a seasonal calendar.
This provided visitors with a chance to reflect on Scotland’s food harvest and the work of farmers, while showcasing RHET’s role in connecting young people with food and farming.
The produce on display during the service has since been donated to Edinburgh charities, Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, the Grassmarket Community Project and the Salvation Army Hostel, to be made into meals for those in the city who are in need.
RHASS Chairman, James Logan, said: “At RHASS, we’re proud to stand side by side Scotland’s rural community all year round and the harvest season provides us with an opportunity to take stock and show our incredible gratitude towards those farmers working day and night to help feed our nation.
“This year has brought more unpredictable weather and following a dry spring harvest experiences can vary widely for each farmer. Everyone involved in farming and rural life plays a vital role in producing our food, and they all deserve recognition and thanks. Sunday’s service provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these efforts, and we are grateful to all who joined us and shared produce in support of local causes.”
Speaking on the Harvest Thanksgiving service, Katrina Barclay, Executive Officer at RHET, commented: “As an education charity, it’s an honour for RHET to be asked by the team at St Giles to be part of this celebration of harvest and to share some of the learning information we create for teachers all about food and farming in Scotland.”
Catherine Jones, Social Enterprise Director, said: “We are truly thankful for this incredible donation of fresh vegetables again this year.
“Every week, we support more than 230 vulnerable adults who often struggle to access healthy and nutritious meals. Food poverty continues to be a serious issue across our communities, and contributions like this make a real difference to those most affected.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to St Giles’ Cathedral for their ongoing support, and to RHASS and the dedicated farmers whose hard work has made this gift possible.”
Rev Dr Scott Rennie, Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, said: “In this time when we are more than ever aware of our need of local food production and the vital role that Scottish farmers in bringing the food we need to our tables, we are delighted to partner with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.
“There is a particular poignancy to celebrating the Harvest in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, a city filled with tables set for visitors and residents alike. We are reminded of where our food comes from, and the labour in its production. For all this, and more, we give thanks to God.
“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of all of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food.”
For further information about the work of RHASS, visit: rhass.org.uk
