That the Parliament congratulates Orkney RFC and Caithness RFC on the fourth staging of the Come Ashore Cup, an annual challenge between rugby veterans from both clubs, which was held in Orkney on 7 June 2025; understands that the event was established in memory of Alexander Mill, a local farmer and Caithness rugby player, who tragically died by suicide in April 2021, with the aim of highlighting the importance of looking after mental health; recognises what it sees as the vital part played by charities such as Farmstrong and Orkney Blide in supporting efforts to open up discussions to help improve mental health and wellbeing in rural and farming communities; understands that a weekend of events included a Q&A with former Scottish Women internationalists, Lindsey Smith and Megan Gaffney, who also led coaching sessions with youngsters before two matches between the Orkney Vikings and Caithness Evergreens and Orkney Dragons and Caithness Kraakans on Saturday afternoon; congratulates all those involved who helped further cement the close ties between both clubs and communities, while also raising funds to support efforts to tackle poor mental health; believes that this is a fitting tribute to Alexander Mill and further evidence of the way in which the rugby community rallies round and looks after its own, and looks forward to the Come Ashore Cup continuing to play a role in building friendships and understanding, within and between sporting and farming communities.
Supported by:
Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Jackie Dunbar, Tim Eagle (Registered interest)
, Annabelle Ewing, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Bill Kidd, Douglas Ross, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Tess White