Kiltwalk season gets of to a great start
More than 7,200 people took to the streets of Glasgow in the biggest ever Kiltwalk and are on course to raise £1 million for charities in Scotland this year across the four events.
Sir Tom Hunter’s vision of the Kiltwalk becoming the country’s biggest mass participation event to fight poverty and ill health took a big step to becoming a reality today as people laced-up their walking shoes to go the extra mile for a charity or cause they care about.
And the man who is bringing Barack Obama to Edinburgh next month, has guaranteed that he will add 10% to all fundraising at the Kiltwalk this year, giving charities a unique return of 110%.
Sir Tom said: “The real heroes are our wonderful walkers who have been pounding the streets and paths between Glasgow and Loch Lomond in a sea of tartan to change lives for the better.
“Encouraged along the way by our amazing Kiltie Volunteers who help make it such a unique experience for everyone involved. The atmosphere today is nothing short of incredible. It’s inspiring and it makes me extremely proud to be Scottish.”
In addition to supporting children’s charities, Kiltwalk 2017 is open to all charities in Scotland. Anyone walking for Kiltwalk sees 110% of their fundraising going to the STV Children’s Appeal.
Leading out Glasgow’s Mighty Stride alongside Sir Tom was six-year-old Nathan Mowat from Gourock (pictured above) who suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The youngster and his mum Gill, along with nine of her friends, walked the Kiltwalk to raise money for Calum’s Cabin.
The 36-year-old mum said: “It was such an honour for Nathan to lead the Glasgow Kiltwalk and get the day underway. We walked for Calum’s Cabin as the charity has given us so much support during Nathan’s treatment and helped us create some happy memories during a very difficult time. It’s great to be able to give something back.”
Volunteers also got in on the fundraising action, as for every hour of time they donated, Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation will gift £1.10 to each Kiltie’s chosen charity.
One lucky Kiltwalker will win a brand new Renault Clio from Arnold Clark which is gifting a car for each of the four Kiltwalk events in 2017.
With Kiltwalks in Aberdeen (4 June ), Dundee (20 August) and Edinburgh (17 September) still to come, funds raised by the Kiltwalk since it began in 2011 could reach £5 million.
To find out more about the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk or to sign up for the remaining 2017 Kiltwalks here.
