RSABI’s David Leggat Shortlisted for Trustee of the Year
In his ninth and final year as a dedicated trustee for agricultural charity, RSABI, David Leggat MBE has been announced as a finalist in the Trustee of the Year category at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.
In his ninth and final year as a dedicated trustee for agricultural charity, RSABI, David Leggat MBE has been announced as a finalist in the Trustee of the Year category at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.
Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector. This year’s shortlist includes 32 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country, following a record-breaking number of nominations.
While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award and RSABI is encouraging members of the agricultural community to vote for David in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the charity.
During his nine years as a trustee for RSABI, including two years as Chair, David has thrown heart and soul into everything he does for the charity. While a lot of the work he has undertaken has been related to strong governance, he has also recruited a great many new members of the charity’s Supporters’ Scheme, undertaken media interviews, hosted high profile visitors to his farm and spoken at meetings around the country to raise the profile of the charity’s services.
He also put considerable effort into the charity’s 125th anniversary year, including appearing in a video to encourage people in need to call RSABI’s Helpline and helping to run a 125th Anniversary Dinner, supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, which raised £65,000. One highlight was last Christmas when David and his wife Vaila sang with gusto, with others from the industry, in RSABI’s adaption of Silent Night. This was part of the charity’s #KeepTalking campaign to encourage farmers and crofters to reconnect and support each other during winter. David’s heartfelt addition to the campaign helped the video reach well over 100,00 people and raised awareness of the vital work the charity does to tackle rural isolation and loneliness.
RSABI Chair, Jimmy McLean said: “David’s energy and enthusiasm have shone through and his contribution to RSABI and the work the charity does to support people in the Scottish agricultural industry, has been exemplary.
“David consistently rises to every challenge he encounters and always has an energetic and positive outlook to support RSABI to deliver its services of providing practical, emotional and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture. David would be a very worthy winner of Trustee of the Year.”
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “This year’s Scottish Charity Awards are a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the exceptional individuals and groups within our vibrant sector.
“This year’s record-breaking number of nominations underlines the strength of Scotland’s voluntary sector, and the crucial work that we see from charities and voluntary organisations across the country. The hard work and dedication of people and organisations like these 32 finalists are making Scotland a better place to live and work.
“There is still a chance to have your own voice heard by voting in the People’s Choice Award. Don’t be late – participate!”
The 2023 Scottish Charity Awards winners will be announced at a celebratory awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 23 June 2023 - hosted by TV presenter Sally Magnusson.
People have until 5pm on Wednesday 24 May 2023 to vote in the 2023 Scottish Charity Awards People’s Choice Awards by visiting scvo.scot/vote
