Blether Together with Farmstrong Scotland

Farmstrong Scotland
  • 0.0 (0)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Stories from farmers and crofters across Scotland, to support your wellbeing and share their top tips. A small change can make a big difference, so you can live well, and farm and croft well. Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer programme, driven by science and real-life stories. Together, we can share, learn and support our wellbeing. You can visit Farmstrong Scotland online to find more information: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/

  1. FEB 5

    Dave and Sandy Hay: Curling and community at the Chuck Hay Memorial Bonspiel

    Sarah finds warmth on ice - and plenty of competition! - at the annual farmer's curling competition at Perth's Dewar Centre. 160 people from all over Scotland take part in the Chuck Hay Memorial Bonspiel, in teams of 4, over three days in January. There is camaraderie and connection - which is especially important in the bleak dark month of January, when isolation can feel particularly pronounced. In this episode: event organisers and brothers Sandy and Dave Hay tell Sarah what the event is all about, and pay tribute to their father, Chuck Hay, a former curling world championsheep farmers Glen and Thomas Muirhead - brothers of Eve Muirhead - stop by to share thoughts on the competitionFarmstrong's own Alix Ritchie shares thoughts on why events like this are great for social connection and wellbeing If listening to this episode has made you want to check out curling, please visit Scottish Curling's "Try Curling" website. It has info on all the ice rink venues across Scotland where there are organised taster sessions with qualified coaches. The sessions are open to anyone who wants to give it a go. You simply enter your postcode / location to get a list of times and venues. Link here: Sandy Hay is a trustee for RSABI - whose 24-hour helpline (below) is available to anyone in Scottish agriculture, and who offer practical, emotional and financial support: https://www.rsabi.org.uk/ How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.

    34 min

  2. JAN 20

    Tommy Dale: Compost, conservation and self care

    Tommy Dale must have more hours in each day than the rest of us. He's run Forth Resource Management and Caledonian Horticulture since 2002, when he started both as an SRUC student project to recycle, compost and re-use garden and landscaping waste. He heads up Brose oat milk, works with Heriot-Watt University and others to run a lobster hatchery, and has a mission to clear plastic from Scotland's beaches, Scottish Coastal Clean Up. And there's plenty more charity and social enterprise work beside all that! He’s also been very generous in this chat for Farmstrong Scotland - sharing with Sarah the difficult lessons he learned in 2013, when he had a serious mental breakdown. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.

    35 min

  3. JAN 8

    A change of pace: Willie Thomson and Anna Davies

    This is a groundbreaking episode of Blether Together - as Sarah Stephen meets our first ever husband and wife duo – Willie Thomson and Anna Davies. Anna and Willie are tenants on a 250-acre arable farm near Haddington. They recently converted a steading into co-working spaces. Anna also runs rural PR and marketing firm Scene and Herd, and hosts Scottish farming podcast OnFARM. It’s a busy life – but recent health challenges for Willie have prompted a change in pace and approach. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.

    47 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    Young Farmers and wellbeing: an SAYFC special episode

    Being involved in Young Farmers - SAYFC - is fun, empowering, and a vital social connection for younger people across rural Scotland. In this special Blether Together, recorded with a live audience at AgriScot, Sarah Stephen speaks with Jack Young, a current young farmer, and Catriona Gemmell, who recently aged out of being part of SAYFC. Together, they consider the part SAYFC plays in wellbeing in rural Scotland - and how to keep social connections going when the dreaded day comes that you are too old to be part of Young Farmers! Also featured in this episode: Emily Simpson - SAYFC Events and Engagement Manager Jillian Kennedy - SAYFC Chair Will Murray - TikTok creator, sheep farmer, and ex SAYFC member How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist, which includes hundreds of tunes recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.

    30 min

  5. 11/06/2025

    Life Beyond the Farm Gate: Robert Neill and John MacInnes

    Firm friends Robert Neill and John MacInnes join Sarah Stephen to Blether Together about the joys and pressures of their working lives, whether running AgriScot, Robert’s newer role as NFUS Vice President, or on their family farms in Kelso and Iona. Both men share how they’re helping smooth the path into farming for the next generation -recognising when to step back, give younger voices room to grow, and trust them to make their own mark on the business. There’s also chat about how island life isn’t necessarily isolated. On Iona, John has a close community, some keen fellow golfers, and a steady stream of passing tourists to talk with (and to skive from shearing, says Robert!). Both men agree that having interests outside the farm, whether it’s golf, community work, or a project that’s just for you, plays a big role in keeping well and maintaining perspective. Robert also reflects on how wellbeing can come from being hands-on and helping others. Whether that’s getting practical in the workshop or pitching in to find solutions to people’s problems, giving your time and support can make a real difference. One of the Five Ways to Wellbeing is Give, and it’s something Robert and John live by, through mentoring, volunteering, and contributing to the wider farming community. Join us live at AgriScot We’ll be recording anepisode of Blether Together live at AgriScot on Tuesday 19 November. Come along to the Seminar Room Two at 9.00am to be part of the conversation, or catch the Farmstrong Scotland team as we make our way around the show. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist, which includes hundreds of tunes recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.

    35 min

  6. 10/10/2025

    Bonus: prioritising wellbeing with Caroline Millar

    Marking World Mental Health Day - 10th October 2025 A true Scottish agriculture powerhouse, Caroline Millar joins Sarah Stephen for a special bonus episode of Blether Together, to mark World Mental Health Day. Caroline opens up about the warning signs that made her realise it was time to prioritise her wellbeing, and how inspiration from New Zealand's approach to farming life led her to make lasting changes. In this candid chat, Caroline also shares the practical steps she's taken to build a healthier, more balanced life - for herself, her family, and the people she works with. Listen now - and share with someone who needs a boost. LINKS: Sign up to join Caroline, Sarah and Dr Hannah Went at Blether Together Live at Guardswell Farm, Kinnaird, Inchture, from 6.30pm on 16th Oct. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123

    35 min

  7. 10/02/2025

    Understanding menopause: Dr Heather Currie MBE

    Thankfully, menopause is far less 'taboo' as a topic than it used to be. But there is still so much to do, to make sure that women experiencing menopause, and those around them, understand what is happening and what it means for health, wellbeing,and relationships. Dr Heather Currie MBE is a specialist gynaecologist and renowned menopause expert (and breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle!) from Dumfries and Galloway. She joins Sarah for this month's Blether Together. Thanks also to crofter Sally Crowe and Caithness, and Lesley Mitchell who farms near Hawick, for sharing their menopause stories for this episode. LINKS: On 16th October 2025, there is a Farmstrong Scotland 'menopause special' live event taking place, at Guardswell Farm, Kinnaird, Inchture. Find out more online here. Farmstrong Scotland's menopause resource - created in partnership with Dr Heather Currie MBA - is online here. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123

    36 min

  8. 09/04/2025

    RHASS chairman James Logan - on succession, leadership and running the Show

    James Logan, Chairman of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) and East Lothian farmer, joins host Sarah Stephen to talk about: - navigating the challenges of farm succession - managing the leadership and responsibility of the Royal Highland Show - why agricultural shows are so important for bringing people and communities together. It’s an honest and open blether about farming life, leadership, and the importance of finding time for connections... with some top wellbeing tips from 'Granny Warnock from Biggar' as well. Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool: answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer led programme, driven by scientific information and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support our wellbeing - visit the website to find out more. Follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123

    33 min
See All (27)

About

Stories from farmers and crofters across Scotland, to support your wellbeing and share their top tips. A small change can make a big difference, so you can live well, and farm and croft well. Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business. It is a peer-to-peer programme, driven by science and real-life stories. Together, we can share, learn and support our wellbeing. You can visit Farmstrong Scotland online to find more information: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/

Information

You Might Also Like