Lorraine Kelly, Jackie Bird, Sean Batty and the Bay City Rollers inspire Edinburgh walkers to raise over £100,000
With walking boots, kilts and a smile, around 2000 people pounded the pavements of Scotland’s capital on Sunday to fundraise for children’s charities as they took part in the 2016 Edinburgh Kiltwalk.
Starting and ending at BT Murrayfield Stadium, organisers hope the event – the final one of four which took place across the country this year – will have raised more than £100,000 for children’s charities
Reflecting on the event Paul Cooney, Kiltwalk chief executive said: “Today has been a day to remember and what a brilliant way to finish this year’s series of Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks across Scotland. The buzz in BT Murrayfield ahead of the walk and at the end really was electric!
“Thousands from Edinburgh and the east rose to the challenge, all wearing kilts and ready to go first thing on a Sunday morning, unified for one cause; to make a difference to the lives of Scotland’s children.
“A huge congratulations goes out to each and every person who took part today be that Kiltwalkers, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who joined forces to do a wonderful thing that will leave a lasting legacy for the children who need it most.”
Walkers assembled at 9am to take on the 26-mile Mighty Stride or 12-mile Big Stroll. Those participating in the Mighty Stride enjoyed a picturesque route taking in some of Edinburgh’s best known sights including Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat. Meanwhile those on the 5-mile Wee Wander took to the streets at 1pm from Gypsy Brae Recreational Ground.
Leading out Edinburgh’s Kiltwalk alongside Lorraine Kelly was seven-year-old Rocco Wood from Tranent who suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Charity Cash for Kids has made a real difference to Rocco and his family by helping them purchase a specialised tricycle for the youngster.
Surprising the walkers along the route were well known faces including Jackie Bird, Sean Batty as well as football commentators Peter and Roughie. And to help spur walkers along were over 100 volunteers, affectionately known as the Kilties, who were on hand to add additional encouragement.
Supported by Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation, every penny raised from each of the Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Moray Speyside Kiltwalks will go to over 150 charities that help Scotland’s children.
To mark the end of the Kiltwalk season walkers returning to Murrayfield were treated to performances from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers as well as Scottish pop legends the Bay City Rollers.
Check out our full gallery of pictures from the big day by clicking here.
