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YFC NEWS: Young Farmers say 'Leave a Light On'

Scottish Young Farmers have created a music video for mental health awareness

clock • 2 min read
YFC NEWS: Young Farmers say 'Leave a Light On'

Members of Lesmahagow YFC have releasedÌýaÌýmusic video to raiseÌýawareness for SAYFC's ‘Are Ewe Okay?' Mental Health Campaign.

Over several months the 7-member group, now knownÌýas Bagri, consisting of singers, NeveÌýand Mia Crooks,Ìý pipers, TomÌýArmstrong, Fraser RussellÌýand Douglas Pinkerton, drummer, John PinkertonÌýand highland dancer, Elizabeth Leggate, have recordedÌýand filmed their own version of ‘LeaveÌýaÌýLightÌýOn',ÌýaÌýsong made famous by Kilsyth singer Tom Walker.

Ìý

The pipers

SpeakingÌýonÌýthe final day of filming, band memberÌýand piper Fraser Russell spokeÌýabout theÌýaim for the video, he said:Ìý

"We're really trying to raiseÌýawareness for the ‘Are Ewe Okay?' campaign, because mental health is suchÌýan important topic in theÌýagricultural industry. We have to make sure that farmers continue to talkÌýas it can be quiteÌýan isolatedÌýand lonely industryÌýat times.ÌýAnd things like Young Farmers in particular, help to keep that network open for communicationÌýand make sure that everybody is lookingÌýafter each other"

The idea to record the video came from a powerful audience reaction from a live performance of the song at this year's West Area Talentspot at the SECC Armadillo.Ìý

Behind the scenes

One half of the band's singing sister duo, Neve Crooks, recounted the feeling of performing on stage: "You literally can't hearÌýaÌýsingle other personÌýonÌýstage with you, you feel like you're singingÌýallÌýonÌýyour ownÌýand it's terrifying but there's something so excitingÌýabout it. When you look outÌýand seeÌýall the facesÌýand they'reÌýall looking backÌýat you, it's justÌýamazing- especially when performing with other members of your club,Ìýand in suchÌýan emotional way, it was really special."

The music video, which is now live on the SAYFC's YouTube Page, Ìý

They extend their thanks to their support from Galbraith, Scotmin Nutrition and the Red-Hot Chilli Pipers.Ìý

Through the lens

The video servesÌýasÌýaÌýpowerful reminder of the importance of mental healthÌýawarenessÌýand the strength found in solidarity. The 'Are Ewe Okay?' campaign continues to seek to makeÌýaÌýpositive impact, encouraging open conversationsÌýand providing resourcesÌýand contact details for those in need.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed please don't hesitate to contactÌý, their 24/7 Freephone Helpline is 0808 1234 555 or you can reach them via live webchat or by emailing [email protected].

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