More than £97,000 was raised for Transaid as Scotland’s transport and logistics industry came together for the third biennial Scottish Transaid Dinner, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to improving road safety and access to healthcare projects across sub-Saharan Africa.
The event saw nearly 300 people gather at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa near Grangemouth, with funds raised coming from ticket sales and sponsorships, as well as an auction in aid of the international development organisation. The big-ticket items this year included a full hospitality experience for two at the 2027 Scotland vs Italy Six Nations men’s rugby match, plus a Tow-Max Pro twin-axle dropside trailer manufactured by Ifor Williams Trailers.
Joan Aitken, Transaid Chair and former Scottish Traffic Commissioner, says: “It is inspiring to see the Scottish transport and logistics sector come together with such generosity and enthusiasm. These unrestricted funds will make a huge difference to Transaid in an extremely challenging donor market for international aid, helping us to support projects that will transform and save lives.
“We are immensely grateful to everyone who supported the evening, through either organising, attending, sponsoring or donating. Our attention will now turn to planning an even bigger spectacle for 2028, which coincides with Transaid’s 30th Anniversary!”
The event was hosted by Scottish comedian and TV presenter Des Clarke, supported by special guest Anna Devitt, a stand-up comedian, actress and presenter who found fame in Series 7 of Britain’s Got Talent. Sponsors included Logistics UK, The Malcolm Group, McGills Bus Group and the RHA.
Together, the three Scottish Transaid Dinners held in 2022, 2024 and 2026 have raised a combined total of more than £300,000 for Transaid, helping to support the launch of both new pilot projects and existing access to healthcare and road safety initiatives.
All three events have been organised thanks to the huge effort put in by Lynsey Craik, formerly of John Mitchell Haulage & Warehousing, together with the support of Iain Mitchell, Joan Aitken, Jim Haldane and Malcolm Group colleagues. Joan Aitken commented that Lynsey’s selfless hard work in making these dinners special cannot be overstated.