The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Tartan trek returns
As the Kiltwalk returns to Dundee for the first time in three years, Caroline Lindsay finds out more about the rebirth of an event which raises thousands for charities across Scotland
The streets of Tayside look set to become a wash of tartan again for a day this summer as the Kiltwalk wanders back into town. Organiser Kiltwalk is a Scottish charity that helps thousands of walkers to fundraise for their own choice of Scottish charity.
Originally founded in 2011, the event took time out to reboot under the Hunter Foundation, founded by Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter and was relaunched last year.
Paul Cooney, Kiltwalk’s chief executive, says: “We’ve taken our time turning it round and the new-look Kiltwalk was launched last year.
“A total of 7,500 people took part, raising nearly £900,000 for 282 charities.
“We’ve built on last year’s success and this year’s is looking even bigger. We’re ahead of where we were this time last year.”
With Kiltwalks taking place in Dundee, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow this year, participants can sign up for the Mighty Stride (around 25 miles), the Big Stroll (11 miles) or the Wee Wander at just six miles.
Arguably the most picturesque walk of 2017, the Dundee Mighty Stride on Sunday August 20 leaves St Andrews at 9am, takes in the Old Course and Tentsmuir before heading across the Tay Road Bridge to Broughty Castle.
“Anyone can take part,” says Paul, whose four children and eight grandchildren took part in last year’s event.
Big demand
Due to overwhelming demand, the event is now open as a fundraising vehicle to every charity in Scotland.
“A number of good causes asked us if they could take part so why would we turn them away?” says Paul.
“So this year, it’s open to all charities and Sir Tom is adding an extra 10% to everything raised.”
Paul, a former managing director at Bauer Media, launched Capital FM for Global Radio in 2011 and was involved in the Cash for Kids Appeal, serving as chairman for two years. He joined Sir Tom’s team in 2015. “I’ve never worked full-time in the third sector until now,” he says, “and it’s wonderful to be helping to turn round something with such a great ethos.”
With big names including Gerard Butler, Jim Kerr, Thierry Henry, Annie Lennox and Kevin Bridges on board to help promote the various Kiltwalks, Paul acknowledges a debt of gratitude.
“I love the way companies are coming forward to help,” he says. “They know and trust Tom and it’s a great thing to be involved with, very motivating,” he enthuses.
“Take That did a video alongside Ross King encouraging people to take part and RBS and Arnold Clark have been amazing to work with. In fact, they’ve given us a Renault Clio to give away at the Dundee Kiltwalk.”
Team-building
The event sees lots of corporate groups signing up as it’s a good team-building exercise.
But mostly it’s all about having fun. With pitstops offering snacks and drinks every three miles, there will also be entertainment from local talent along the route and at the finish.
Tips for taking on a Kiltwalk in style include wearing a kilt you know you will feel comfortable in and wearing a lighter one if you’re doing the Mighty Stride.
Wearing it isn’t mandatory, though and many participants like to don a touch of tartan somewhere else in their outfits.
Walkers are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends on a lead and many dogs sport colourful tartan jackets or bandanas.
Tom and Paul will also be there at the start, middle and end of the walks.
“Please try it, whether you want to do the Mighty Stride, the Big Stroll or the Wee Wander,” urges Paul.
A total of 7,500 people took part, raising nearly £900,000 for 282 charities
Inspiring stories
“We’re hoping for at least 1,000 walkers at Dundee so choose a charity you care about and come along to make lots of new friends and hear amazing and inspiring stories on the way.”