The Scottish fruit-growing community has raised more than £27,000 for charity, more than doubling its previous total.
The Soft Fruit Growers Ball was held in Fingask Castle, in Rait, at the end of November to mark the end of the fruit-growing season.
The event has been hailed as a massive success, and three charities will now benefit from the guests generosity.
Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), a charity which provides opportunities for children in Scotland to learn about food, farming and the countryside.
The remaining funding will be evenly split between Tayside Children with Cancer and Leukaemia and Alzheimers Scotland, which were chosen by guests on the night.
Aileen McDonald, chair of the committee, said: “The ball could not have gone any better - we are completely overwhelmed with the amount of money we have been able to raise for charity.”
This is only the second time the ball has been held. The committee, which includes Aileen, Karen Neill, Julie Husband, Julia Grant and Donna Simpson, from across the industry, decided to hold a one-off event in 2011, and exceeded all expectations by raising £10,000 for charity. Back by popular demand, the ladies sold all 350 tickets in February, eight months before the ball took place.
They also secured vital sponsorship from Thorntons Law Firm, Sealed Air Ltd, Berry Gardens, Everris Ltd, Mack Multiples and Infia UK, Caber Engery, Engage Agro and Mackays Jam.
McDonald added: “When we held our first ball in 2011 it was only supposed to be a one-off event – but it has grown way past our expectations and I don’t think any of us could have imagined it being this popular.
“The night was a fantastic evening of great food, company and entertainment and we are extremely grateful to everyone who came along to this event and contributed to its success.
“Our three nominated charities carry out vital work across the country and this money will go some way in helping that to continue.We would also like to thank our sponsors for their support and commitment to the ball.”
Liz Barr, head of the Land and Rural team at Thorntons Law Firm, said: “Thorntons is a proud sponsor of the Soft Fruit Growers Ball 2013 - it was a great evening for the soft fruit growing community to come together and celebrate the end of another season.
“The industry plays such an important role in the overall agricultural community in Scotland that it’s fantastic that the businesses hard work is recognised.
“The committee are also to be congratulated on all their hard work that went into this event. Being able to raise more than £27,449.47 in one evening is a phenomenal achievement and it’s certainly an early Christmas present for the three charities involved.”
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