The Book Farmacy pilot launched in the Borders during Mental Health Awareness Week, which ran from May 11 to 17.
The scheme aims to improve wellbeing in the farming community through short daily reading sessions.
Supported by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) and Scottish Borders Council, the project takes a non-clinical approach to mental health by promoting reading as a simple, accessible form of self-care.
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’t going away.
“The Book Farmacy is about offering something simple, accessible and realistic that can fit into daily life.
“You don’t have to be a ‘reader’. This is about taking a few minutes to step away mentally – whether that’s through a book, a short story or an audiobook in the cab.
“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.
“We’d urge anyone in the farming or crofting community who is thinking about taking part to get in touch.
“We’re 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.”
Alex Paterson and Ruthanne Baxter (Image: Nathalie Agnew)
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.
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.
Participants will be paired with a volunteer “Book Farm-Assist”, an individual working in farming who is a passionate reader, who will create a tailored reading package based on the individual’s interests.
The commitment is designed to be manageable, encouraging just six minutes of reading each day.
Audiobook support is also available for those who prefer listening while they work.
Organisers say the scheme will run until December.
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.
“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.”
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.
The volunteer-led programme is being championed by Ms Baxter, who also serves as Civic Engagement Manager at the University of Edinburgh’s Library & University Collections, and founder of the non-clinical mental health support service Prescribe Culture.
It is supported as part of Scotland’s National Year of Reading and receives additional backing from RHASS and Scottish Borders Council.
Alex Paterson, chief executive of RHASS, said: “Supporting the wellbeing of Scotland’s farming and crofting communities is absolutely vital, and initiatives like The Book Farmacy bring a fresh, practical approach to that challenge.
“This is about meeting people where they are, recognising the realities of rural life, and offering something that is both accessible and meaningful.
“If we can help even a small number of people feel less isolated or better able to cope with the pressures they face, that’s hugely important.”
The Book Farmacy is currently seeking three volunteers to join the Borders Book Farm-Assist team.
Farmers and crofters who would like to participate, along with those interested in volunteering, can email TheBookFarmacy@rhass.org.uk.