THE Scottish fruit- growing community has raised more than £27,000 for charity, more than doubling its previous total.
The Soft Fruit Growers Ball was held at Fingask Castle, Rait, at the end of last month to mark the finish of the fruit-growing season.
The event was hailed a major success, and three charities will now benefit from the guests’ generosity.
Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Royal Highland Education Trust, which provides opportunities for children in Scotland to learn about food, farming and the countryside.
The rest will be evenly split between Tayside Children with Cancer and Leukaemia, and Alzheimers Scotland, chosen by guests on the night.
Aileen McDonald, chairwoman of the committee, said: “The ball could not have gone any better. We are completely overwhelmed with the amount of money we have been able to raise for charity.”
This is only the second time the ball has been held.
The committee, which includes Aileen, Karen Neill, Julie Husband, Julia Grant and Donna Macdonald, from across the industry, decided to hold a one-off event in 2011 and exceeded all expectations by raising £10,000 for charity.
Back by popular demand, all 350 tickets were sold in February, eight months before the ball took place.
They secured sponsorship from Thorntons Law Firm, Sealed Air Ltd, Berry Gardens, Everris Ltd, Mack Multiples and Infia UK, Caber Energy, Engage Agro and Mackays Jam.
Aileen said: “When we held our first ball in 2011 it was only supposed to be a one-off event, but it has grown way past our expectations and I don’t think any of us could have imagined it being this popular.
“The night was a fantastic evening of great food, company and entertainment, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who came along to this event and contributed to its success.
“Our three nominated charities carry out vital work across the country, and this money will go some way in helping that to continue.
“We would also like to thank our sponsors for their support and commitment to the ball.”
Liz Barr, head of the Land and Rural team at Thorntons Law Firm, said: “It was a great evening for the soft-fruit growing community to come together and celebrate the end of another season.
“The industry plays such an important role in the overall agricultural community in Scotland that it’s fantastic that the businesses’ hard work is recognised.
“The committee are also to be congratulated on all their hard work that went into this event.” She said raising £27,449.47 in one evening was a “phenomenal” achievement.