Public get behind popular event
More than 6,000 participants stepped out for the biggest ever Aberdeen Kiltwalk yesterday (1 June).
A total of 4,700 walkers, many in kilts or wearing just a touch of tartan, set off from Bellfield Park Banchory at 9am for the 18-mile Mighty Stride to Duthie Park in the city.
A further 1,300 Wee Wanderers set off from Cults Academy to make the four-mile trek to the scenic Duthie Pak.
Kiltwalk CEO Paul Cooney, said: “It’s incredible that 517 charities here in the North East of Scotland will benefit from today’s efforts. Charities of all sizes; the biggest with 325 supporters to countless smaller charities - each with one or two walkers. Every penny, every pound raised plus Gift Aid goes to the causes chosen by the walkers.
“Last year’s Aberdeen Kiltwalk raised £1.1 million and we are set to raise even more this year. And Kiltwalk, now in its 10th year since it was rescued by The Hunter Foundation, founded by Sir Tom Hunter, has raised £54.7 million for 4,000 Scottish charities since 2016. Thank you for your Kiltwalk kindness.”
Walkers taking part in the Mighty Stride set off early from the beautiful surrounding of Bellfield Park in Banchory, winding their way alongside the River Dee before ending at Duthie Park. The walk, which featured four pit stops offering delicious snacks from Kiltwalk’s Official Supermarket partner Lidl, and entertainment provided by charities and corporate sponsors, took between six to 10 hours to complete.
All Aberdeen Kiltwalkers who registered and fundraised are in with a chance of winning a car worth £30,000 thanks to headline sponsor Arnold Clark.
Russell Borrie, CEO of sponsor, Arnold Clark, said: “The Kiltwalk continues to make a huge difference to so many communities across Scotland, bringing people together to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts. We know it's always a great occasion that’s enjoyed by everyone, including the many Arnold Clark employees who take part every year.
“We’re also excited to offer Kiltwalkers the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000!”
The Hunter Foundation underwrites Kiltwalk, ensuring that every penny and pound the walkers raise goes to the charities of their choice, plus gift aid. It also provided four lucky local charities with an additional £5,000 as part of ‘the happiest minute at the Kiltwalk’.
The winning Aberdeen charities included:
- SensationALL, which offers specially designed play activities, social groups and practical support for people with neurodivergent or complex conditions across northeast Scotland.
- Charlie House, which helps improve the quality of life for babies, children and young people in the North-east of Scotland with life-limiting conditions.
- Friends of ANCHOR, established to supportpatients and staff at Aberdeen’s cancer and haematology centre.
- Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, whichprovides vital financial support to families where a child has a terminal illness, helping them make precious memories during the most difficult times.
This year, Kiltwalk is also supporting Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de Four charity cycling event, established by the six-time Olympic gold medallist following his diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer.
This means anyone who chooses to walk for Kiltwalk itself in 2025 will see everything they raise, plus eligible Gift Aid, go to five cancer charities nominated by Sir Chris Hoy. The charities are Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie’s, and Prostate Cancer UK.
Next up is St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday 17 August and Edinburgh on Sunday 14 September. It’s still just £20 to walk thanks to The Hunter Foundation’s support.
