Angus folk take on the Kiltwalk

Arbroath group joins massive charity effort. Picture: Gareth Jennings.

More than 2,000 people enjoyed glorious sunshine as they took part in the Dundee leg of one of Scotland’s biggest charity fundraisers yesterday.

The Dundee Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk allows participants to raise money for the good cause of their choice.

Backed by businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, the Dundee event was the third of four Kiltwalks taking place this year.

Walks have already taken place in Glasgow and Aberdeen and there will be one more in Edinburgh next month.

There were three routes for walkers yesterday: the 25-mile Mighty Stride set off at 9am from the Old Course in St Andrews, the 11-mile Big Stroll left Tayport at 11am, and the six mile Wee Wander started at midday from HMS Unicorn at Victoria Dock.

Kiltwalk has raised more than £4.8 million for Scottish charities since 2011 and from this year the has been open to every charity, benefiting more than 700 organisations.

Sir Tom said: “The success of the Kiltwalk is down to the amazing people who sign up and take part, walking for charities close to their hearts.

“Their fundraising efforts really do make a real and lasting impact. Encouraging walkers every step of the way are our Kiltie Volunteers who make sure everything goes smoothly.

“The atmosphere today was nothing short of incredible.”

Both Sir Tom and Kiltwalk chief executive Paul Cooney were at each of the starts to cheer on Kiltwalkers as they set off.

Leading out Dundee’s Mighty Stride was 44-year-old John MacGillivray from Dundee who was joined by his two-yearold daughter Aria who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia and hydrocephalus.

Father and daughter were raising funds for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland and the Dwarf Sports Association.

John said: “I am so proud that Aria and I led out the Mighty Stride today. Aria’s condition means she will have continued mobility needs and at times will need to use a wheelchair but by doing the Kiltwalk together I’m hoping this instils in her a belief that her differences don’t have to hold her back.”

Leading the way for the Big Stroll was Vicki Forrester, a 45-year-old mother from Monifieth, who was walking for Dundee Disabled Children’s Association which supports her 16-year-old son Isaac who has complex disabilities.

Finally, the Wee Wander was started by 46-year-old Gillian Coleman from Broughty Ferry who was walking for Autism Support Angus and Dundee.

Gillian’s eight-year-old son Joshua has severe non-verbal autism and benefits from the group’s support.

Andrew, 6, and Calum, 8, Wilson from Kelty, start their journey from the Unicorn.

Pictures: Gareth Jennings. Walkers stride out from City Quay in Dundee.

Top: a group from the Cornerstone Foundation in Dundee; above: a trio at the Esplanade in Broughty Ferry; right: Charmaine Burns celebrating her 60th birthday, gives husband Peter, 66, a help during their walk.