Blether Together Podcast

Recorded live at the Chuck Hay Memorial Farmers Bonspiel in January at the Dewars Centre in Perth, this episode of Blether Together captures the energy, warmth and camaraderie of one of the most important dates in the farming calendar.

With 160 farmers, friends and supporters travelling from across Scotland, the Bonspiel is widely recognised as the largest single gathering of farmers outside of show season. Farmstrong Scotland was proud to be the charity partner for the event, which in itself is a brilliant example of the Five Ways to Wellbeing in action: connecting, being active, learning, giving back and taking notice.

This episode’s guests

At the heart of this episode are Sandy and David Hay, sons of the late Chuck Hay, whose legacy lives on through the Bonspiel that proudly bears his name.

• David Hay is a farmer, world champion curler and respected curling coach, with stories that span elite sport, rural life and the values that bind both together.
• Sandy Hay recently retired as Head of Agriculture at the Bank of Scotland and is now a Trustee of RSABI, bringing a strong focus on social impact, wellbeing and support for those working in Scottish agriculture.

Together, Sandy and David reflect on their parents, growing up in a busy household of four boys, and the influence of a father whose philosophy was simple but powerful: play hard, strive to win, and never forget the importance of connection afterwards.

Legacy, leadership and learning

The conversation explores what it means to hand over responsibility while people are young enough to learn, take risks and make mistakes. Sandy and David speak candidly about leadership, succession and the value of shared experience, themes that resonate strongly across farming, sport and family life.

We also hear from:

• Alix Ritchie, Director of Farmstrong Scotland, on why events like the Bonspiel matter for rural wellbeing
• Glen and Thomas Muirhead, who good-naturedly debate who is the best curler in the room, before agreeing that the title belongs to their sister Eve Muirhead, currently leading Team GB in Italy at the Winter Olympics

It is a relaxed, funny and thoughtful episode that perfectly reflects the spirit of the Bonspiel and the strength of Scotland’s farming community when it comes together.

Curious about curling?

If this episode has inspired you to give curling a go, Scottish Curling makes it easy to get started through their Try Curling programme.

The website lets you enter your postcode to find organised taster sessions at ice rinks across Scotland, all delivered by qualified coaches and open to anyone who wants to try the sport.

Support beyond the ice

As a Trustee of RSABI, Sandy Hay also highlights the importance of knowing where to turn when support is needed. RSABI offers practical, emotional and financial help to people across Scottish agriculture, with a confidential 24 hour helpline available to anyone who needs it.