The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) and a number of partner organisations, of which NFU Scotland is one, are together launching a new project at the Royal Highland Show on 23-26 June 2005, to raise awareness about health issues in Scotland's rural communities.

The aim of the project is to demonstrate what is available from various agencies and organisations to aid all members of the rural population, including farmers, when it comes to accessing and achieving health and well being.

Jim Royan, Chairman of NHS Grampian and Vice-President of the RHASS, who has been the instigator of the project, said:

"Health is a key issue in Scotland. There can be few who are not aware of the publicity about the Scottish diet and our propensity for smoking and drinking to excess - all of which have contributed to our appalling record on cancer, heart disease and other major illnesses.

"However, health is now moving quickly and higher up the political and public agenda with a number of initiatives making all of us more aware of our own responsibilities in adopting a healthier lifestyle."

The "It's Your Life" project will be based at two locations at the show - the main site ringside beside the grandstand and in the Highland Hall where it will be aimed specifically at the farming community.

Anna Davies, NFU Scotland Communications Officer, said:

"NFU Scotland are particularly in support of the Scotland's Health At Work (SHAW) stand which is running a "Stocktake for Stockmen" session on Friday in the Highland Hall. I would encourage all farming visitors to go along, indulge in a free healthy drink and receive helpful advice on how to improve their health and worklife.

"I am also reassured by the fact that SHAW will be offering advice on, among other things, stress, smoking and cancer. Skin cancer particularly affects those working outside and so it is incredibly important that farmers and their employees have somewhere to go for advice.

"Another feature, the Men's Health Bus, which is coming down from the Western Isles, will be parked ringside and will also be a great attraction, showcasing some specialist men's health issues.

"I certainly encourage all those living or working in rural areas to go along to the two locations to learn how major players, like the Scottish Ambulance Service, and smaller things like simply eating a healthier diet can combine to create healthier, safer rural communities".