The hard work and contribution of Scotland’s farming community has been recognised in the heart of Edinburgh at a Harvest Thanksgiving service hosted by St Giles’ Cathedral and supported by RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland).
This years’ service held particular significance for RHASS, with its 2026–27 Presidential Initiative (PI) representing the Lothians and celebrating the people, produce, businesses and organisations that make the region one of Scotland’s most important agricultural areas.
The annual service took place on Sunday 4 October at the historic cathedral and was conducted by Rev Scott Rennie, Chaplain and Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, who is also a member of this year’s Lothian Presidential Team.
Bringing Scotland’s rural and city communities together, the service celebrated the people behind the country’s harvest and recognised the vital role farmers and producers play in putting food on tables across Scotland.
Displays of seasonal vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, parsnips, broccoli and pumpkins, were donated by RHASS Directors and M&S, with produce sourced from farms across the country to showcase the variety of food grown in Scotland.
Following the service, the produce was donated to Edinburgh charities Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, the Grassmarket Community Project and The Salvation Army, helping to provide nutritious meals for people in need.
Those arriving at Sunday’s service were also greeted by a John Deere 9RX, a four-track tractor which is built to pull massive tillage, seeding, and land-preparation equipment across huge acreages and kindly provided by Thomas Sherriffs of Haddington. Bringing a striking piece of Scotland’s farming industry to the heart of Edinburgh and highlighting the machinery used by farmers during harvest.
The Harvest Thanksgiving service takes place annually at St Giles’ Cathedral, with this year’s service forming part of the RHASS Lothian PI 2026–27, a year-long programme celebrating the people, businesses and organisations across the region.
The programme will culminate in a dedicated Presidential Showcase at the 2027 Royal Highland Show, RHASS’s flagship fundraising event.
Funds raised throughout the Presidential Initiative’s 2026–27 tenure will support RHASS and its partner charities, RHET (The Royal Highland Education Trust) and SAYFC (the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs).
RHASS Chairman, James Logan, said: “Our role at RHASS is to champion Scotland’s rural community all year round, and the Harvest Thanksgiving service is an important opportunity to recognise the hard work of farmers and producers across the country.
“It also gives us the chance to celebrate the incredible variety of produce grown here in Scotland and to bring farming into the heart of Edinburgh, helping people connect the food on our plates with the people and communities who produce it.
“This year’s service is particularly poignant as our Presidential Team is representing the Lothians, making it a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the farmers, producers and fantastic produce we have right here on our doorstep.
“We are extremely grateful to the farmers and RHASS Directors who donated produce, which will now benefit local Edinburgh charities, and to everyone who joined us at St Giles’ Cathedral. We hope the service helped shine a light on the essential contribution Scotland’s farming community makes every day.”
The service followed the team’s first fundraising event at St Giles’ Cathedral on Saturday 3 October, which saw guests enjoy a special evening of live music from performers from Sing in the City.
Wider PI activity will continue with a Day at the Races in January 2027 and a Gala Dinner at The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the National Galleries of Scotland in March 2027, alongside farm visits, community events and fundraising activity throughout the year.
