Tractors raise cash for Afghanistan 2/8/11
Links between rural Afghanistan and Scotland were highlighted last week while raising over £1000 for charity.
Tractor drivers from as far afield as Aberdeen and from all over Lewis and Harris set off from Ness on the fourth annual Lewis and Harris Tractor Run, this year in aid of The Linda Norgrove Foundation.
The tractors travelled the 85 miles between Ness and Rodel in the southernmost tip of Harris with the drivers wearing “pakols” – traditional Afghan hats specially sent from Afghanistan for the event.
Many of the tractors taking part were Massey Fergusons, also popular for agricultural use in Afghanistan.
Event organiser Norman Mackay said: “The weather and the scenery were wonderful and made it a very enjoyable day. We’ve already raised £1100 for a very worthy cause and donations are still coming in.
“As well as everyone who’s sponsored us we’d like to thank all road users who encountered us for their patience and understanding. We also have to thank our resident mechanic, Calum Maclennan of Barvas, who sorted out the relatively few minor technical glitches – especially considering one of the tractors was at least half a century old.”
The Foundation was set up last year by Linda Norgrove’s parents John and Lorna, following her kidnap and the subsequent rescue attempt during which she was killed. The Foundation aims to support women and children affected by the war in Afghanistan.
John Norgrove said: “I was planning to take part in the run myself with my 1963 MF 35 but unfortunately the renovations I started last year weren’t completed in time. We’ll definitely be there next year though and already we’ve had calls from people wanting to take part – including the first woman. Everyone is welcome to join us – all you need is a road legal tractor.”
Donations to the tractor run can still be made at www.lindanorgrovefoundation.org. Anyone wishing to register to take part in next year’s event should contact Norman Mackay, Finsbay, Harris on 01859 530317