Scottish transport industry sets fundraising record for Transaid

Transport and logistics companies from across Scotland recently came together for the inaugural Scottish Transaid Dinner, held in memory of the late Jayne Gray of Stirling-based H & R Gray Haulage. The evening raised an incredible £105,110.50 and marked the largest sum of money ever collected for Transaid on a single night.

Delayed for two years by the pandemic, the dinner was organised by Transaid Chair and former Scottish Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken, together with a team of Scotland’s next generation hauliers including Lynsey Mitchell from John Mitchell Haulage & Warehousing and Nicola Robertson (Malcolm) of The Malcolm Group.

Hauliers from across Scotland were invited to attend, with more than 200 people coming together at The Bothwell Bridge Hotel, in Bothwell. Funds were raised through ticket sales, sponsorship, and a special charity auction which included a horsebox which sold for £10,000, and a rare bottle of Macallan whisky fetching £4,500!

Speaking after the event, Joan Aitken said: “This was a stupendous show of support by the Scottish transport industry and a demonstration of fellow feeling towards those in Africa who do not have the benefits of safe transport.”

Florence Bearman, Head of Fundraising for Transaid, said: “We have waited a long time to enjoy this special moment with our supporters in Scotland, and the generosity they have shown towards Transaid is truly unprecedented. Every single penny will support our work delivering road safety and access to health projects.”

The evening included a touching tribute to Jayne Gray, and a chance to celebrate Transaid’s activities, which currently span nine countries across sub-Saharan Africa.