Fundraisers turn streets tartan

City streets and country routes were awash with tartan as thousands of kiltwalkers strode out in events which have raised more than £2.5 million for charity.

More than 14,100 people took part in three different walks to raise funds for 900 Scottish charities on Sunday.

Sir Tom Hunter and Judy Murray were at the start of the “Mighty Stride” at Glasgow Green to wave off 7,500 people who walked the 22.6 miles to Moss O’Balloch Park at Loch Lomond.

Another 4,000 people trekked the 14 miles from Three Queens Square Clydebank to Balloch in the “Big Stroll” and 2,600 Kiltwalkers took on the three mile “Wee Wander” from Loch Lomond Shores to the Kiltwalk Village at Moss O’Balloch Park.

Sir Tom Hunter of The Hunter Foundation, which underwrites the event, said: “Kiltwalk is quite simply the easiest way to raise money for a charity that you care about.”

He added: “We have more than 14,000 people taking part, because it’s easy to do, and offers incredible value for money – you pay a small amount to walk and everything you raise goes to the charity of your choice.

“It is staggering. Since The Hunter Foundation got involved over eight years ago, more than 166,000 Kiltwalkers have helped to raise more than £46m for 3,500 different Scottish charities.

“Everyone who takes part has a story and every community in Scotland has a deserving cause.”

Fundraising remains open for another two weeks.

Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, thanked those who took part.

She said: “The Kiltwalk is always a special event, but this year we had our highest ever number of participants, with over 800 people taking on this incredible challenge as part of Team Beatson.

She added: “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the event for our charity – your support will allow us to continue and develop new services for cancer patients and their families.”

Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark are headline sponsors of the Kiltwalk.

Kiltwalks will take place at other locations around Scotland over the coming months.

The Aberdeen Kiltwalk is on June 2, St Andrews to Dundee on August 11, and Edinburgh on September 15.

Published: 28/04/2024 by Radio NewsHub