About us
RSABI provides practical, emotional and financial support to all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry. The service is available to those previously and currently involved in farming, crofting and occupations related to agriculture in Scotland. This is a comprehensive service to help people to move forward when they are struggling.
Our Vision
That all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry are aware of RSABI and the effective practical, emotional and financial support available to them when they need help.
Our Mission
To provide and source effective practical, emotional and financial support for those in need involved in the agricultural industry in Scotland and their families.
Our Values
- Confidential
- Caring and supportive
- Professional and efficient
- Modern and responsive
- Trustworthy
- Relevant and effective
Our Journey
The charity is now known simply as RSABI, but it was founded as the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and in recognition of the deep agricultural depression at the time.
The new Institution’s aim was to help elderly, infirm, distressed and disabled Scottish tenant farmers and their dependants. At its first AGM, the funds available allowed 16 “pensioners” to be elected, each receiving £20 per year.
Over many years, the charity evolved and, through the hard work of a band of local collectors throughout Scotland and the generosity of many supporters, was able to help more people who were struggling.
The structure of the charity was brought up to date in 2005, when the work of the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution transferred to RSABI, a company limited by guarantee.
The charity has further developed in recent years to provide a more rounded, effective service that supports people to move on from their problems and on with their lives. We now help a wider range of people, with support available to all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry, including their families and dependents.
In recent years we’ve seen a shift in the type of support needed – from predominantly financial to practical and emotional, with most people needing a combination of support to move forward.
Today, RSABI is a thoroughly modern charity, with a corporate structure and a Board of Trustees who have the necessary variety of skills to govern the charity on a voluntary basis.
Our Structure
To learn a little more about how RSABI operates, see our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- RSABI is a registered Scottish charity - No. SC009828
- RSABI is a Scottish company limited by guarantee - Registered No. 268622
- Our Registered Office is at The Rural Centre, West Mains of Ingliston, Newbridge, Midlothian EH28 8LT
- Our Head Office is at The Rural Centre, West Mains of Ingliston, Newbridge, Midlothian EH28 8LT