\n Ruthanne Baxter, RHASS member and volunteer lead on the project, said: “Farming can be an incredibly isolating profession, and we know the pressures people are under aren\u2019t going away.\n<\/p>\n
\n “The Book Farmacy is about offering something simple, accessible and realistic that can fit into daily life.\n<\/p>\n
\n “You don\u2019t have to be a \u2018reader\u2019. This is about taking a few minutes to step away mentally \u2013 whether that\u2019s through a book, a short story or an audiobook in the cab.\n<\/p>\n
\n “There is evidence to show that something this small can make a meaningful difference, and we are keen to prove that also applies to the farming industry.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We\u2019d urge anyone in the farming or crofting community who is thinking about taking part to get in touch.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We\u2019re also looking to build a team of Book Farm-Assists across the Scottish Borders, and are looking for three farmers who enjoy reading and want to support others to give it a go.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Alex Paterson and Ruthanne Baxter (Image: Nathalie Agnew)\n<\/p>\n
\n Research from Sussex University suggests that just six minutes of daily reading can reduce stress by up to 60 per cent, lower heart rate, and release muscle tension.\n<\/p>\n
\n The evidence points to wider mental health and cognitive benefits that could be particularly valuable for those facing the pressures of farming life, including long hours, isolation, and financial uncertainty.\n<\/p>\n
\n Participants will be paired with a volunteer \u201cBook Farm-Assist\u201d, an individual working in farming who is a passionate reader, who will create a tailored reading package based on the individual\u2019s interests.\n<\/p>\n
\n The commitment is designed to be manageable, encouraging just six minutes of reading each day.\n<\/p>\n
\n Audiobook support is also available for those who prefer listening while they work.\n<\/p>\n
\n Organisers say the scheme will run until December.\n<\/p>\n
\n Alison Nolan, CEO of the Scottish Library and Information Council, said: “Projects like The Book Farmacy demonstrate how reading can reach beyond traditional spaces to support wellbeing, connection, and resilience in every corner of our communities.\n<\/p>\n
\n “By engaging directly with farmers and crofters, this initiative highlights the power of books to ease isolation and open new pathways to mental health support.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The programme also aligns with wider national ambitions around preventative health and strengthening rural communities, offering a low-cost, scalable model that, if successful, could be rolled out more widely across Scotland.\n<\/p>\n
\n The volunteer-led programme is being championed by Ms Baxter, who also serves as Civic Engagement Manager at the University of Edinburgh\u2019s Library & University Collections, and founder of the non-clinical mental health support service Prescribe Culture.\n<\/p>\n
\n It is supported as part of Scotland\u2019s National Year of Reading and receives additional backing from RHASS and Scottish Borders Council<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \n Alex Paterson, chief executive of RHASS, said: “Supporting the wellbeing of Scotland\u2019s farming and crofting communities is absolutely vital, and initiatives like The Book Farmacy bring a fresh, practical approach to that challenge.\n<\/p>\n \n “This is about meeting people where they are, recognising the realities of rural life, and offering something that is both accessible and meaningful.\n<\/p>\n \n “If we can help even a small number of people feel less isolated or better able to cope with the pressures they face, that\u2019s hugely important.”\n<\/p>\n \n The Book Farmacy is currently seeking three volunteers to join the Borders Book Farm-Assist team.\n<\/p>\n