Pop-up surgeries at farming markets 'are saving lives'

George McFadzean suffered a stroke on his farm near Perth

When George McFadzean began to feel unwell on his farm, outside Perth, he expected it to pass within days.

Even after suffering a minor stroke, the cattle and sheep breeder was confident of feeling better within a few days.

What followed, however, was a much more significant stroke that damaged his vision and left him recovering in bed.

By ignoring the early signs of ill health, George is not unique - with studies finding that farmers are often better at looking after their livestock than they are looking after themselves.

Health huts have been set up auction marts all over the country

He said: "There's always something needing done rather than going to the doctor - I'm at it seven days a week.

"I hadn't been feeling well for a while and I think I had a wee stroke about three days before the big one.

"I just thought the feeling unwell would go away - but it didn't.

"I've recovered now and have to take tablets - as well as go to pilates - but I know I'm one of the lucky ones."

RSABI chief executive Carol McLaren believes health huts have been a success

Several academic studies have found that rurality, isolation, seasonal pressures and regular long working hours prevent farmers from seeking medical help.

To counter the life-threatening avoidance, the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RSABI) set up pilot health huts in Aberdeenshire auction marts, as well as the Royal Highland Show, last year.

The pop-up surgeries provided everyone attending the sales days an opportunity to have blood pressure, cholesterol and blood-sugar levels checked.

Nurses and doctors, all with farming connections, also offered advice and even provided referrals for further GP appointments.

During 2025 health huts have been rolled out to almost all auction marts in Scotland - from Orkney, Caithness and Lochboisdale in the north all the way down to Lanark, Stirling and St Boswells in the south.

RSABI chief executive Carol McLaren said: "I get emotional thinking about how the team are literally saving lives just about every time they set up a health hut.

"We initially thought farmers would be reluctant to engage but we've been pleasantly surprised.

"You often get the hauliers first and before you know it there's a wee queue forming."

Dundee farmer Willie Miller has his blood pressure checked at the health hut

About five or six health huts are held every month around the country to target the busiest sales days, as well as other gatherings such as ploughing competitions and agricultural shows.

Irene Scott, who is married to a farmer, is one of the lead nurses covering marts around Perth and Stirling.

She said: "I work in general practice and I know personally that we don't see farmers at the GPs until it's often too late.

"The health huts are a vital service.

"As well as specific campaigns - such as blood sugar, lyme disease, blood pressure or visceral fat - we provide lots of advice about all aspects of physical and mental health.

"We're kept busy - and we're at the stage now where farmers are looking for us to see if their blood pressure has come down after changing their habits."

Auctioneer Donald Young had his high blood pressure picked up at a health hut

As well as steady flow of farmers being checked over, the health huts are open to everyone in the sector.

Auctioneer Donald Young works around the country and has been taking medication for high blood pressure for about 20 years.

It was only after a recent health hut check that he was prompted to seek further medical help.

He explained: "My medication had been changed and I thought my blood pressure had gone up again, but hadn't done anything about it.

"It was only when I went to the health hut and the nurse confirmed it was high that I went to the doctor - I would probably have done something eventually, but the check made me do it straight away.

"It's the eventually bit that could have done the damage."