Scotland’s Kiltwalks put 780 charities on a solid footing after raising £2.3m
The Hunter Foundation will increase money raised at events across the country by 40 per cent next year, writes Angus Howarth
Scotland’s Kiltwalks have benefited 780 Scottish charities and raised £2.3 million in 2017, it’s been revealed.
And 2018 is set to be even bigger with walkers again able to add 40 per cent to whatever money they raise for the charity of their choice through support from The Hunter Foundation.
Sir Tom Hunter, who started the foundation and backs the Kiltwalk, said: “Kiltwalk is the platform for people across Scotland to raise funds for the charity of their choice; it’s simple, it’s fun and it makes a huge difference to the charities they care about.
“For every pound they raise The Hunter Foundation will add another forty pence, which I hope makes this platform the most effective fundraising opportunity in Scotland. I would urge charities, corporates and individuals alike to take this chance to maximise fundraising for what they care about and have a fantastic time doing it.”
This year some 14,000 fundraisers – an 87 per cent increase on the 7,500 walkers of 2016 – participated in the four Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.
Sir Tom added: “It makes me the proudest Scot on the planet to know that all these people walked for causes they care about.
“We very much appreciate the continued support of valued sponsors including Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark. Together, we strive to make Kiltwalk the country’s biggest charity event.”
Next year’s Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will take place on Sunday, 29 April, in Glasgow, Sunday, 3 June, in Aberdeen, Sunday, 19 August from St Andrews to Dundee, and Sunday, 16 September, in Edinburgh.
The army of Kiltwalkers raised a staggering £1,642,000 before the 40 per cent top-up was applied in 2017 for their chosen charities, which is an 89 per cent increase on the previous fundraising total of £870,000.
Sir Tom was at each of the starts to cheer on Kiltwalkers as they set off. In Edinburgh, walkers set off from BT Murrayfield at 9am to complete the 26-mile Mighty Stride, going via Leith and taking in iconic landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park.
The 12-mile Big Stroll set off from BT Murrayfield at 11am while the five-mile Wee Wander set off from Gypsy Brae Recreational Ground at 1pm.
All routes finished at the Kiltwalk Village at BT Murrayfield where walkers enjoyed entertainment from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Julie Whyte, 45, from Dunfermline led out the Big Stroll, joined on the walk by her 11-year-old daughter Abigail who was diagnosed with arthritis when she was just four. They were walking for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children (SNAC).
Julie said: “I am so proud that Abigail and I led out the Big Stroll.
“She has attended the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People for treatment every four weeks since she was diagnosed and they have shown her so much support over the years. Abigail saw the Kilt- walk was coming to Edinburgh and she wanted to take part and give something back.”
Malcolm Buchanan, chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Scottish board, said: “We are humbled and inspired by everyone uniting together to walk the Kiltwalk. The Royal Bank of Scotland is a proud partner and we want to say a huge well done to everyone who took part.”
Funds raised by those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself are distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal as the official grant making partner. ● More information at www.kiltwalk. co.uk