NFU Mutual’s agent and branch offices across Scotland have nominated 34 local charities in the region to receive a combined donation of more than £188,500 from a national £1.92m ‘Agency Giving Fund’ launched by the Head Office of rural insurer NFU Mutual.
To ensure these donations reached all corners of the UK and were directed where they were needed most in 2024, NFU Mutual’s agency offices and branches, with more than 280 locations nationwide, were given the opportunity to nominate local charities to receive a share of the fund.
From providing food parcels, donating to frontline health charities and enabling outreach mental health services to continue, the fund is making a difference to communities across the region.
One of the charities to benefit in Scotland was Caithness Rural Transport, which was nominated by NFU Mutual Thurso Agency, receiving a donation of £6,509.
Elaine Fraser, Senior Co-Ordinator at Caithness Rural Transport, explained how the donation helped: “We are so grateful to have received the very kind donation from NFU Mutual. This has enabled us to replace our desktop computers which has helped us provide a more professional and speedy response to our many phone call enquiries and bookings.
“We have also put the donation towards purchasing dash cams for our fleet of ten vehicles which gives extra security to our buses, drivers and clients.
“The remaining balance will be put towards more general running costs and perhaps new hi-vis workwear for the winter.”
Martin Malone, NFU Mutual regional manager for Scotland, said: “Charities like Caithness Rural Transport are making a wonderful difference to our communities in these challenging times, and we are proud that our agents have nominated a wide range of local causes across the region to benefit from NFU Mutual’s national fund.”