Team BROAR made the headlines when they crossed the Atlantic in 35 days.
Two brothers who smashed a world record when they rowed across the Atlantic are swapping their oars for walking boots as they prepare to take on the Glasgow Kiltwalk.
Jamie and Ewan MacLean, along with brother Lachlan, made headlines in January when they completed the journey from La Gomera in the Canaries to the Caribbean island of Antigua in just 35 days.
By finishing the voyage in record time, they became the first three brothers to row any ocean, and the youngest trio to ever row the Atlantic. Along the way, they raised more than £100,000 for Children 1st and Feedback Madagascar.
Jamie and Ewan will now join thousands of other kilted Scots on 26 April to raise vital funds for charity. Lachlan will then accompany them on the Edinburgh walk in September.
Jamie said: “After 35 days on a boat, the Kiltwalk is the perfect opportunity to give our legs a good ol’ stretch!
“We’re going for another record on April 26 – not to be the fastest to finish but instead to get the most people supporting one charity at any Kiltwalk ever. We want to rally as many Scots as possible to walk the 2020 Kiltwalk in Glasgow to raise funds for Children 1st.
“After rowing 3,000 miles for Children 1st, join us in walking 6, 15 or 23 miles for an incredible charity which is working tirelessly to create a happy, healthy, safe and secure future for every child and young person in Scotland.”
This year, Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation will top up all donations by 50%, meaning that for every £1 raised, £1.50 will be donated to charity.
Together, the Kiltwalk and the Hunter Foundation raised an incredible £7 million for over 1,300 charities across the country in 2019, including Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, STV Children’s Appeal, Calum’s Cabin and Who Cares? Scotland.
To mark their commitment, the brothers – known as Team BROAR - met at Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club in Glasgow Green, the start line for Glasgow’s Mighty Stride event.
Paul Cooney, CEO of Kiltwalk said: “The MacLean brothers are an inspiration and show what sheer determination and hard work can achieve. We are thrilled that they’re swapping the high seas for firm ground on our Kiltwalk routes and can’t wait to see them in Glasgow.
“With two months to go until the first event of 2020, there is no better time to don your tartan and register. Whether you join BROAR in walking for Children 1st, or choose to walk for another charity of your choice, we’ll see you at the start line.”
Linda Jardine, Children 1st’s director of children and family services, said: “After rowing 3000 record-breaking miles across the Atlantic we’re delighted that the BROAR brothers are going the extra 23 miles to walk the Glasgow Kiltwalk. Thanks to Lachlan, Jamie and Ewan’s inspiring efforts and fantastic fundraising, families across Scotland are able to get a helping hand from Children 1st’s Parentline service.
“All families need a bit of help sometimes and any family can get support from Parentline - online, on the phone and by email - when they need it. By joining the brothers and taking part in a Kiltwalk or donating to their fundraising page you too can give families across Scotland a helping hand and help children to grow up happier, safer and feeling more loved.”
This year’s Kiltwalks, supported by RBS and Arnold Clark, take place on 26 April in Glasgow, 7 June in Aberdeen, 16 August in Dundee and 13 September in Edinburgh. Anyone wishing to sign up can do so via the Kiltwalk website.
