‘Farming Forrest Gump’ takes on challenge to spread mental health awareness
13th July 2025
A North-East farm worker, Duncan Maclellan, is more than halfway through his challenge to cover John O’Groats to Gretna Green by foot to raise funds for RSABI and shine a light on mental health in the farming industry.
The 31-year-old man from Turriff, who has earned recognition as Scottish farming’s very own Forrest Gump, is now over halfway through his two-week challenge, travelling the length of Scotland on foot to raise awareness of the pressures facing those working in the agriculture industry and encourage more open conversations about mental health.
Mr Maclellan said: “For those who don’t know my story, I’ve struggled with depression for more than 15 years. I hid it for the most part, but things really spiralled in 2022, and I attempted to take my own life. Since then, I’ve made a big effort to talk more openly and honestly about how I’m feeling.”
The farm worker said that there is still some stigma around mental health, particularly for men, and that needs to change.
“Farming can be a very lonely and isolating job. There’s a lot of pressure, whether it’s financial, the weather, or the wider challenges the industry is facing. We’re not always great at looking after ourselves or talking about it, and I want to do what I can to help others speak up and get support when they need it,” he continued.
Ask for help
This challenge is the latest in a series of fundraising efforts Mr Maclellan has completed for RSABI. Last year, he took part in a 184-mile coast-to-coast walk from Aberdeen to Morar wearing wellies and a 24-hour challenge climbing Bennachie 17 times, the equivalent height of Mount Everest.
In 2024 he raised £4,800 in his two challenges, and over the past week he has already racked up a further £3,300 via his JustGiving page.
Mr Maclellan added: “RSABI does an amazing job of supporting people across the industry, and it’s important that more people know about the help that’s available and feel able to ask for it.”
He said that the messages of support and donations he has been receiving have kept him motivated throughout his journey from John O’Groats to Gretna.
Carol McLaren, RSABI’s chief executive, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Duncan; what he’s doing is quite outstanding and making a real difference. He has already done so much for RSABI and in raising awareness around mental health in the industry by bravely sharing his story and in this latest challenge.
“He is also reminding us of the importance of exercise and taking time for quiet reflection for our mental as well as physical health. Incredibly he doesn’t have a single blister, and, having reached Perthshire, he still has a spring in his step!
“Our thanks to everyone who has supported and donated so far. We know that Duncan has been reading all the messages at the end of each day, and they’re really helping to keep him going, so please keep them coming and give him a wave if you see him on the road.
“And, of course, there is still plenty of time to donate, and the money raised will go towards helping people in the industry access RSABI’s vital support services.”
To support Mr Maclellan and give him encouragement on the final leg of his journey, donations can be made via JustGiving page.
RSABI’s free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls will not show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (available 24/7)
- Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (available Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 2am and during weekends between 6pm on Friday and 6am on Monday)
- NHS 24 mental health hub on: 111 (available 24/7)
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.
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