Auction raises cash for good causes

A beautifully restored Massey Ferguson 135 tractor auctioned to raise funds for the charity The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) has sold for £11,800.

The successful bidder was Brian Mitchell from Brechin, Angus, who was born and raised on a Perthshire farm.

Mitchell is a committee member of the Angus Agricultural Association and runs the vintage vehicle section of the Angus Show.

He collects tractors and had always been interested in a Massey Ferguson 135 but never considered buying a restored one until this auction lot caught his eye.

He said: “When I saw this 135 it looked like a superb restoration job and I decided I’d give it a bid.

“I expected it would go to £10,000 and when it went over I thought I’d just bid a little further as it’s such a good tractor. Knowing the money was going to a good cause in RSABI was also an incentive.

“I’m delighted with the tractor and I’m looking forward to taking it out to shows.”

Nina Clancy, chief executive of RSABI extended her thanks to all those involved. She said: “We’re over the moon with the sum of money raised by the sale of this fantastic vintage tractor and our heartfelt thanks go to all involved.

“The auction has been a real boost, and funds raised will help us provide vital emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.

“We’re extremely grateful to Harold McKeever for donating the tractor, and to John McNae, Russell McNab and members of the Ayrshire Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club for the tremendous amount of time and effort they put into the project.

“Thanks too to Graham Burke at Pentland Auctions who waived their fee to further support RSABI.

“And of course thanks also go to the buyer Brian Mitchell – we hope he enjoys this wonderful tractor!”