Calling all tractor enthusiasts!

Organised by the North Uist Agricultural Society the event will be raising money and chalking up miles for the 1 Million Miles for Ellie, 1 million pounds for those touched by cancer campaign.

This campaign was launched on June 20th 2015 by Ellie’s family to raise funds for Cancer Research Uk, Maggies and MacMillan Cancer Support in memory of Eleanor MacDonald, who died at the tender age of 23 after a short battle with cancer.

The local community, along with supporters in St Andrews and Dundee (where Ellie studied and was treated) have already raised over £60,000 between them and completed well over 40,000 miles with many amazing challenges.

The members of the agricultural society had been looking for an idea for some time hoping to come up with something with an agricultural theme due to the crofting heritage of Ellie’s family.

When Joan Ferguson, their Secretary, came up with the idea of a tractor rally, the committee jumped at it.

“It will be a fun event,” says Joan, explaining: “The tractors will leave Hosta Showground from around 9.30 in the morning – the oldest getting a head start!

“There will be stopping points at Clachan, Lochmaddy and Sollas to allow engines to cool off, if needed, and there is some excitement at the prospect of getting all the tractors safely around the island and back to Hosta for a nostalgic group photo of all the tractors, old and new, who are taking part.”

Whilst waiting for the tractors to get back there will be plenty to do at the showground from 12 until 4, with soup, sandwiches and home baking, art and craft activities, sheaf over the bar, gate hanging, nail in the block and so much more!

A buffet Ceilidh with local musicians has been organised for the evening at Lochmaddy Hall for everyone to have some fun and retell the tales from the day.

There is still time to register; tractors are coming from the Uists and Benbecula, Harris, Aberdeenshire and potentially Glasgow.

Every effort will be made to help anyone wishing to travel to North Uist to take part.

Please contact: here or Joan Ferguson on 01876 580327 for more information and/or a registration form.

For information about the 1 Million Miles for Ellie campaign log on to: website and the 1 Million Miles for Ellie Facebook page.