10,000 walkers step up for city Kiltwalk
THOUSANDS of walkers pounded the streets of Glasgow to take part in the biggest ever Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk.
A record-breaking 10,063 walkers took part in this year’s event and thanking the Kiltwalkers, Sir Tom Hunter believes there’s even more to come.
He said: “This goes to the heart of what Scotland is all about – caring for one another. We live in an incredible country with people who are willing to literally go the extra mile for those who need it most.
“I am so proud of everyone who took part today. The efforts of every Kiltwalker will make a real, lasting and impactful difference to charities across Scotland supporting thousands of people and the causes they care about.
“It doesn’t stop here. I encourage everyone to follow the lead of those who walked today and sign-up to take part in the Aberdeen Kiltwalk in June, our St Andrews to Dundee walk in August and the final Kiltwalk of the year in Edinburgh in September.”
This year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk was extra special with Doddie Weir, a rugby legend battling motor neurone disease, joined by boxing hero Charlie Flynn and STV’s Sean Batty to gee up walkers at the Glasgow Green starting point.
Boxer Charlie Flynn, whose cheeky grin and gold medal winning performance won over the world at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, said: “What a buzz. I loved every minute of being at Glasgow Green this morning.
“From Glasgow 2014 to the 2018 Glasgow Kiltwalk, this city continues to amaze and inspire me with the incredible events it’s able to put on, and the unbelievable spirit of those involved.
“People really do make Glasgow. Seeing all those smiling walkers in their charity T-shirts, walking to help others really was a sight to behold. I’m still beaming with pride.”
The Glasgow Kiltwalk alone is set to raise more than £1.5 million and the 40% top-up from The Hunter Foundation will take that to over £2million.
Every pound will go to the 600 Scottish charities taking part.
Walkers can choose from four Kiltwalks this year. Next is Aberdeen on June 3 followed by St Andrews to Dundee on August 19 and, finally, Edinburgh on September 16.
Each walk has three distances to choose from to suit people of all ages and abilities.
Thanks to the generous 40% f undraising boost pledged by Sir Tom and The Hunter Foundation, charities will receive a 140% return for every penny raised by walkers.