Edinburgh Kiltwalk hailed as a huge success
Thousands took to the streets of Edinburgh yesterday (Sunday) for the final Kiltwalk to raise funds for Scottish charities.
Walkers set off from Murrayfield stadium at 9am to complete the 26-mile Mighty Stride, going via Leith and taking in iconic landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park.
Fringe event, the 12 mile Big Stroll, set off from the stadium at 11am while the five-mile Wee Wander set off from Gypsy Brae Recreational Ground at 1pm.
All routes finished at the Kiltwalk Village at BT Murrayfield where walkers enjoyed entertainment from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Sir Tom Hunter, the man with the vision to turn the Kiltwalk into Scotland’s biggest mass participation, praised the city’s Kiltwalkers for their commitment to good causes across Scotland.
He said: “I am overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm displayed by each and every person who took part in the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk. Their dedication and determination to raise funds for charities big and small is admirable.
“The atmosphere in BT Murrayfield and on the route today was nothing short of extraordinary.”
Leading the way for the Big Stroll was 45-year-old Julie Whyte from Dunfermline who was joined by her 11-year-old daughter Abigail who was diagnosed with arthritis when she was just four.
They were walking for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children.
Julie said: “I am so proud that Abigail and I led out the Big Stroll today. She has attended the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People for treatment every four weeks since she was diagnosed and they have shown her so much support over the years. Abigail saw the Kiltwalk was coming to Edinburgh and she wanted to take part and give something back.”
With more than £1.3 million already distributed to charitable causes from the Glasgow Kiltwalk alone, the total raised across the 2017 Kiltwalks will increase after the fourth and final event.
More than 700 charitable organisations are set to benefit as the Kiltwalk is now open to every charity. Funds raised by those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself are distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal as the official grant making partner.
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.
