A host of familiar faces from the popular television soap Emmerdale are set to descend upon Perthshire next week, rallying support for RSABI, a vital agricultural charity. Actress Nicola Wheeler, known for her long-standing role on the show, expresses keen anticipation for the upcoming Great Scone Palace Challenge, an event designed to raise crucial funds for the rural community.
The two-day extravaganza kicks off on Friday, September 12th, with a lively ‘Only Fools, No Horses’ welcome party at Perth Racecourse. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with delectable food and entertainment, setting the stage for the main event. A Star-Studded Lineup for a Worthy Cause
The following day, Saturday, September 13th, the stunning grounds of Scone Palace will host a series of engaging and competitive activities. Teams of five, featuring Emmerdale cast members alongside local farmers and social media personalities, will go head-to-head. Challenges include a formidable tractor pull, an inventive obstacle course incorporating round bales, and an intricate mystery maze, all designed to test skill and teamwork against the picturesque backdrop of the historic palace.
Nicola Wheeler, whose character Nicola Black has navigated various dramatic storylines on Emmerdale since 2001, shared her personal connection to the agricultural world. Hailing from Nelson in Lancashire, she recounted a memorable experience helping to birth a lamb on a friend’s sheep farm in Donegal, Ireland, describing the never-ending tasks involved in farm life. This firsthand insight has deepened her appreciation for the dedication required in farming.
Emmerdale has a history of reflecting real-life agricultural struggles, with storylines often touching upon the financial instabilities and animal welfare issues faced by farmers. “RSABI offers invaluable and much-needed assistance to the farming community,” states Nicola. “Operating a farm demands immense time and effort, and while it’s often fulfilling, it can also be a solitary and demanding profession. As a programme set in a rural environment, our cast at Emmerdale is eager to heighten awareness and ensure farmers recognise they are not alone. There’s readily available help and advice, spanning financial guidance, legal counsel, and crucial emotional support.” Evening Celebrations and Community Spirit
The Saturday festivities will culminate in an exclusive celebration ball at Scone Palace. The evening promises performances by the talented Emmerdale cast band, an exciting charity auction featuring unique items – including a prestigious dining experience for two at celebrity chef Tom Aikens’ Michelin-starred Muse restaurant in London, a gesture reflecting his ‘farm to plate’ philosophy – live music, and dancing, providing a perfect opportunity to celebrate the day’s achievements.
Other Emmerdale stars joining Nicola for the Perthshire events include Olivia Bromley, Katie Hill, Lawrence Robb, Jack Downham, Mark Charnock, and Lisa Riley. Lisa Riley, who portrays Mandy Dingle, expressed her excitement, stating she “can’t wait for our trip to Scone Palace. We always receive such a warm welcome from our Scottish friends. Fingers crossed for a fabulous weekend of fun, all for a truly great cause.”
The event is proudly supported by Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew. A diverse array of local businesses and organisations will form teams, demonstrating strong community backing. Participating teams include Agricar, Algo, Bidwells, The Scottish Farmer, RSABI Health Hut (Health Hut Hustlers), Women in Agriculture Scotland, Bell Ingram (Saved by the Bell Ingram), Dalscone (Keeping up with the Cowdashians), Galbraith, Gillespie Macandrew (two teams), Police Scotland/Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (Paw Patrol), NFU Mutual Perth (Mutual Motor’vators), Blackhall & Powis, SP Energy Networks Land & Planning (two teams), Johnston Carmichael, and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs.
Pauline Macmillan, RSABI’s Head of Fundraising, extended her gratitude, noting, “We are incredibly thankful to every team that has committed to the Great Scone Palace Challenge and for the remarkable fundraising efforts already underway. This challenge is set to be a truly unforgettable day, uniting individuals from across the agricultural sector while generating funds to enable RSABI to uphold its vital support for the industry. We urge everyone to back these teams by donating and showing their encouragement.”
Lois Newton, a partner in land and rural business at Gillespie Macandrew, echoed this sentiment: “It will be wonderful to witness the teams tackling the challenges within the magnificent setting of Scone Palace, both raising funds and increasing awareness for the crucial work RSABI undertakes. We eagerly anticipate connecting with familiar and new contacts during what promises to be a very special day for the sector.”
Scone Palace, chosen as RSABI’s 2025 Charity of the Year, is actively supporting the event through logistics and costs. All proceeds from the challenge will directly fund RSABI’s comprehensive services, which encompass financial, practical, and emotional assistance, including round-the-clock counselling services. The charity’s influential #KeepTalking mental health initiative actively encourages mutual support within the Scottish agricultural community.
Tickets for the welcome party at Perth Racecourse are available for £38.62 (including fees and tax). For those interested in the exclusive Saturday night ball, limited tickets are priced at £150 each; inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. This event offers a unique opportunity for the Perthshire community to engage with celebrity guests while contributing to an essential cause that underpins the wellbeing of local agriculture.
The two-day extravaganza kicks off on Friday, September 12th, with a lively ‘Only Fools, No Horses’ welcome party at Perth Racecourse. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with delectable food and entertainment, setting the stage for the main event. A Star-Studded Lineup for a Worthy Cause
The following day, Saturday, September 13th, the stunning grounds of Scone Palace will host a series of engaging and competitive activities. Teams of five, featuring Emmerdale cast members alongside local farmers and social media personalities, will go head-to-head. Challenges include a formidable tractor pull, an inventive obstacle course incorporating round bales, and an intricate mystery maze, all designed to test skill and teamwork against the picturesque backdrop of the historic palace.
Nicola Wheeler, whose character Nicola Black has navigated various dramatic storylines on Emmerdale since 2001, shared her personal connection to the agricultural world. Hailing from Nelson in Lancashire, she recounted a memorable experience helping to birth a lamb on a friend’s sheep farm in Donegal, Ireland, describing the never-ending tasks involved in farm life. This firsthand insight has deepened her appreciation for the dedication required in farming.
Emmerdale has a history of reflecting real-life agricultural struggles, with storylines often touching upon the financial instabilities and animal welfare issues faced by farmers. “RSABI offers invaluable and much-needed assistance to the farming community,” states Nicola. “Operating a farm demands immense time and effort, and while it’s often fulfilling, it can also be a solitary and demanding profession. As a programme set in a rural environment, our cast at Emmerdale is eager to heighten awareness and ensure farmers recognise they are not alone. There’s readily available help and advice, spanning financial guidance, legal counsel, and crucial emotional support.” Evening Celebrations and Community Spirit
The Saturday festivities will culminate in an exclusive celebration ball at Scone Palace. The evening promises performances by the talented Emmerdale cast band, an exciting charity auction featuring unique items – including a prestigious dining experience for two at celebrity chef Tom Aikens’ Michelin-starred Muse restaurant in London, a gesture reflecting his ‘farm to plate’ philosophy – live music, and dancing, providing a perfect opportunity to celebrate the day’s achievements.
Other Emmerdale stars joining Nicola for the Perthshire events include Olivia Bromley, Katie Hill, Lawrence Robb, Jack Downham, Mark Charnock, and Lisa Riley. Lisa Riley, who portrays Mandy Dingle, expressed her excitement, stating she “can’t wait for our trip to Scone Palace. We always receive such a warm welcome from our Scottish friends. Fingers crossed for a fabulous weekend of fun, all for a truly great cause.”
The event is proudly supported by Scottish legal firm Gillespie Macandrew. A diverse array of local businesses and organisations will form teams, demonstrating strong community backing. Participating teams include Agricar, Algo, Bidwells, The Scottish Farmer, RSABI Health Hut (Health Hut Hustlers), Women in Agriculture Scotland, Bell Ingram (Saved by the Bell Ingram), Dalscone (Keeping up with the Cowdashians), Galbraith, Gillespie Macandrew (two teams), Police Scotland/Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (Paw Patrol), NFU Mutual Perth (Mutual Motor’vators), Blackhall & Powis, SP Energy Networks Land & Planning (two teams), Johnston Carmichael, and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs.
Pauline Macmillan, RSABI’s Head of Fundraising, extended her gratitude, noting, “We are incredibly thankful to every team that has committed to the Great Scone Palace Challenge and for the remarkable fundraising efforts already underway. This challenge is set to be a truly unforgettable day, uniting individuals from across the agricultural sector while generating funds to enable RSABI to uphold its vital support for the industry. We urge everyone to back these teams by donating and showing their encouragement.”
Lois Newton, a partner in land and rural business at Gillespie Macandrew, echoed this sentiment: “It will be wonderful to witness the teams tackling the challenges within the magnificent setting of Scone Palace, both raising funds and increasing awareness for the crucial work RSABI undertakes. We eagerly anticipate connecting with familiar and new contacts during what promises to be a very special day for the sector.”
Scone Palace, chosen as RSABI’s 2025 Charity of the Year, is actively supporting the event through logistics and costs. All proceeds from the challenge will directly fund RSABI’s comprehensive services, which encompass financial, practical, and emotional assistance, including round-the-clock counselling services. The charity’s influential #KeepTalking mental health initiative actively encourages mutual support within the Scottish agricultural community.
Tickets for the welcome party at Perth Racecourse are available for £38.62 (including fees and tax). For those interested in the exclusive Saturday night ball, limited tickets are priced at £150 each; inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. This event offers a unique opportunity for the Perthshire community to engage with celebrity guests while contributing to an essential cause that underpins the wellbeing of local agriculture.