The final rallying cry for Kiltwalkers went off with a bang when charities gathered at the One o’clock gun at Edinburgh castle. Kiltwalk CEO Paul Cooney was joined by representatives from ABF – The Soldiers’ Charity and ENABLE Scotland to make sure Sunday’s Kiltwalk goes off with a bang!
2,850 walkers are already signed up to take part in the annual Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk this Sunday and there’s still time to sign up and walk for a charity of your choice.
This year more than 700 charitable organisations are set to benefit as the Kiltwalk is now open to every charity, including ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and ENABLE Scotland.
Paul Cooney, Chief Executive of the Kiltwalk, said: “The final Kiltwalk of the year is set to be a special one. Thank you to each and every walker who has signed up to take part so far. Every step taken by walkers will make a huge difference to the lives of those who need it most.
“Each year the Kiltwalk gets bigger and we believe it is on course to become Scotland’s biggest charity mass participation event.”
With more than £1.3 million already distributed to charitable causes from the Glasgow Kiltwalk alone, this figure will increase after this Sunday’s event, which is the fourth and final Kiltwalk of 2017.
For every pound raised by walkers, £1.40 goes to charity. This comes after Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation generously pledged that 140% of all fundraising at each of the four 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will go to walkers chosen charitable causes.
The Mighty Stride (26 miles) sets off at 9am from BT Murrayfield. The route goes via Leith and takes in iconic landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park, allowing for some picture-perfect moments.
The Big Stroll (12 miles) leaves BT Murrayfield at 11am while the Wee Wander (5 miles) sets off from Gypsy Brae Recreational Ground at 1pm. All the walks finish at the Kiltwalk Village at BT Murrayfield where a hot meal, a few drinks and a night of entertainment awaits.
Theresa Shearer, CEO of ENABLE Scotland, commented: “More than 500 walkers took part in the Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee events to raise vital funds for, and awareness of, our organisation. We are really looking forward to ending our 2017 Kiltwalk adventure on a high note, and are aspiring to make the Edinburgh Kiltwalk the single largest mass participation event in ENABLE Scotland’s history.
“Thanks to the generosity of The Hunter Foundation there has never been a better time to get involved and raise money for the causes that matter most to you. I invite everyone to join the hundreds of our supporters who are helping us break down the barriers to an equal society for every person who has a learning disability.”
Charles Dunphie, Scottish Director for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity said, “We’re delighted that soldiers support the Kiltwalk, which helps to raise funds for many worthy causes; in particular, good luck to all those walking for the Army’s national charity!”
One lucky Edinburgh Kiltwalker will win a brand new Renault Clio thanks to Platinum sponsor Arnold Clark who has donated a car for each of the Kiltwalk events in 2017.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk has been named as one of the top 25 mass participation events in the UK. Participants of all ages and abilities come together, to take part in one of three different walks to raise money for charities close to their hearts. Funds raised by those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself are distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal.
Kind-hearted Kiltie volunteers will further boost the fundraising effort, as for every hour of time they donate, Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation will gift £1.10 to their chosen charity.
To sign up for the Edinburgh Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk this Sunday, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk
Pictures: Neil Hannah Photography
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