A SCHOOL leaver is celebrating completing his final examinations in a slightly unusual way this summer; he is currently travelling the length of Britain visiting 25 livestock markets, raising money on the Scottish leg for rural charity, RSABI.

Jack Walton, son of Scotland rugby international Peter Walton, is travelling from Dingwall Market in the North Highlands to Truro Market in Cornwall over a six-week period, with the aim to auction a pen of sheep at each mart; the sale commission for that pen being donated to RSABI, and on arrival in England, RABI.

Money raised from the auctioneering adventure in Scotland will go towards RSABI’s current campaign, Help us help them, that aims to raise £150,000 to help put a stop to rural poverty. RSABI supports people who have worked in agriculture, crofting and other land-based industries who are now experiencing hardship.

Jack’s journey will take him to 25 different livestock markets along the length of Scotland and England, including Stirling, St Boswells and Longtown. He began at Dingwall on the 19th of July, and hopes to finish at Truro Livestock Market on the 7th of September.

The full list of markets he will be visiting in Scotland is:

• Tuesday 19th July – Dingwall Livestock Market

• Wednesday 20th July – Forfar Livestock Market

• Thursday 21st July – Stirling Livestock Market

• Monday 01st Aug – St Boswells

Paul Tinson from RSABI met Jack at Stirling Agricultural Centre and Market saying:

“Jack’s Journey is an incredibly innovative idea from this young man and a hugely welcome contribution to our latest fundraising campaign. We are grateful to Jack and everyone involved at the various marts up and down the country.”

He continued: “Jack is genuinely passionate about the industry, and is clearly set for a bright future as an auctioneer in the future.”

Jack Walton said about his fundraising journey: “For as long as I can remember I have loved attending livestock markets with my grandfather, and I was always itching to have a go from the rostrum. I am loving every minute of the adventure and the chance to raise awareness of agriculture with the wider public too as I continue my journey south.”

Pending exam results, Jack is heading off in September to the Royal Agricultural University to study Rural Land Management, with the aim of fulfilling his dream to become a professional auctioneer.

Those looking to donate and support Jack on his fundraising adventure can do so via his VirginMoneyGiving page: