Team members from Tesco stores across Edinburgh recently trekked more than 20 miles to raise more than £1,700 towards several charities such as Big Hearts Community Trust and The Corstorphine Dementia Project at this year’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk.
Colleagues from 13 Tesco stores across East Scotland, laced up their walking boots and donned kilts to take on the route from Holyrood Park, through the capital, to the finish line at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 13 September.
Together, all participants from across the region raised more than £8,000, supporting a wide range of charities and community causes throughout Scotland.
Since 2016, the Kiltwalk has brought together over 178,000 people, raising millions for good causes across the country.
Brian Costello, Store Manager at the Costorphine store, said: “I’m extremely proud of my team for going the extra mile to raise funds for causes such as The Corstorphine Dementia Project, which is such an important cause here in Edinburgh.
“It was an incredible group effort, and really inspiring to see so many of our partner stores taking part on the day to support the communities they serve.”
Rescue Dog’s Memory Lives On Through Kiltwalk Fundraiser for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home
A team of 29 dedicated supporters will be taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 14 September to raise vital funds for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
Among them is Angelika, who adopted Moose — a Jack Russell who had spent 137 days in the Home’s care — back in 2019.
Last year, Angelika walked the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in support of the charity. This year, she returns to the Kiltwalk with Moose’s ashes in her backpack, honouring her memory and continuing their journey together in spirit.
A confident and bubbly 9-year-old pup, Moose went to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home when her owners could no longer look after her. Rehomed by Angelika and Matthew, Moose had lots of adventures with her new family, visiting many European countries, including Germany and Austria, and she loved going on camping trips with them in the Scottish Highlands.
Moose passed away in July, having been diagnosed with cancer two years previously, but Angelika said she lived a happy life right to the end:
“I will never forget the feeling of meeting her for the first time. We fell in love, and we were wrapped around her paw straight away!
“She was always in the kitchen, between my legs watching me, so the first-time cooking when she wasn’t there was very hard for me. She was our best friend, our family.”
Last year Angelika did the Kiltwalk in support of the Home and enjoyed it so much that this year she decided to complete both the Glasgow and Edinburgh walks with Matthew and Moose. In April they finished the Glasgow walk.
Angelika remembers: “We had to get up early in the morning and Moose wasn’t a morning riser, but we had to get to Glasgow and she was like ‘are you kidding me?’ But she did it! And at the end of the day she was so happy she got her favourite meal afterwards.”
Angelika will be completing the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 14 September and will carry Moose’s ashes in her backpack in memory of her beloved best friend.
Angelika explained, “She won’t be there, but I still want to take her ashes with me. She should still be part of the whole process, so I’m going to carry her ashes in my rucksack.
“It will be difficult, but it means a lot because she was our best friend, I miss her so much.
“I love what the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home do and hope that other dogs will get a good chance, just like Moose got, to find loving homes.”
Angelika has a target of £500 to reach. To donate to Angelika’s Kiltwalk, please visit:
The manager of an award-winning charity radio station is keeping it in the family and taking part in Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event.
Kris Wallace, Operations Manager at RNIB Connect Radio, will take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday, September 14, joined by his wife Fiona and seven-year-old daughter JessicaJane, who inspired the family’s fundraising effort for RNIB. They will also be joined by other family members on the tartan-clad journey.
The Kiltwalk is a popular, multi-city fundraising event where people across Scotland walk for the causes closest to their hearts. For the Wallace family, supporting RNIB was an easy choice.
“It was actually my daughter, JessicaJane who is only 7, who came up with the idea,” Kris explains. “She hears me talk about the impact of RNIB when I get home from work every day and listens to the stories from the blind & partially sighted community broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio when I’m at home.
“Inspired by these stories, she wanted to find a way to raise money for the work RNIB does and decided that the Edinburgh Kiltwalk was a great opportunity. She gathered multiple members of the family to join us, we got our JustGiving pages set up, our tartan kilts and skirts bought… and she now can’t wait to see how much money we can raise!”
Kris has worked for RNIB Connect Radio in various roles since 2011 and says his experience at the station made it an easy decision to get involved.
“I’ve worked for RNIB in different roles for almost 15 years, and in that time I’ve seen how people affected by sight loss have fought for their community with every tool at their disposal, from campaigns to services to fundraising and legacies.
“RNIB has not only given me a career, it has given me lifelong friends who have shown me that sight loss need not be the thing that stops you living a full and independent life.
“RNIB Connect Radio is broadcast 24/7 365 days of the year, and all of our shows are presented by blind or partially sighted hosts who are absolute professionals, who refuse to let sight loss get in the way of following their passion.
I never back away from a chance to raise money for such an incredible charity who put the needs of blind and partially sighted people at the heart of everything they do
As for what they hope to achieve, Kris says: “Jess wants to make a real difference for people affected by sight loss and hopes to smash her fundraising goals.
“Personally I want to raise some serious funds for the amazing work that RNIB does every single day. It’s my way of saying a massive ‘thank you’ and helping RNIB continue their crucial mission.
“Working for the charity I understand that every single donation, small or large, helps RNIB continue their incredible work supporting people with sight loss.
“The generosity of those who take part in Kiltwalks, or any fundraising activity, or provide a gift in their will, or even those who donate a couple of quid in a Sooty Box can fund vital services, provide essential equipment, and offer a lifeline to those who need it most.”
Edinburgh Leisure is calling on the public to lace up their walking shoes, don their tartan and join them for a cause that truly matters – helping older adults in Edinburgh stay active, connected, and happy.
On Saturday, 14th September 2025, a team from Edinburgh Leisure will be taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, walking to raise vital funds to support older adults across the city – and they want you to join them.
Every step taken and every pound raised will go directly towards improving the lives of older people – not just funding a project but making a real difference to real people.
The money raised will support participants of Ageing Well, one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes, which offers a lifeline of physical activity and social connection to older adults across the city.
Last year, almost 80 participants joined the Edinburgh Leisure Kiltwalk Team and raised £17,500, enabling the delivery of the 2024-25 project. This year they’re aiming for £15,000 to keep this life-changing work going. Every penny (plus gift aid) goes directly to Ageing Well.
All those signing up to the Kiltwalk to raise funds for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee and an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and a tartan-themed snood.
Rachael McCrae, Head of Funding for Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Many people don’t realise we’re a charity. Ageing Well supports older adults in Edinburgh to stay active and stay connected.
“It’s led by a fantastic team which includes many older adult volunteers and offers walking, cycling, gardening, buddy swimming and more. Like many charities with reduced funding, we’re feeling the pinch! Every pound raised will help keep this going – and with your Kiltwalk steps, you’ll get active too!”
The Kiltwalk has three walk lengths, which can be signed up, with the 50% reduced registration for:
The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £20£10 registration fee
The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £13.00£6.50 for adults, £7.00£3.50 for children
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme supports 14,700 people annually who face the greatest barriers to getting active– people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.
Your participation in the Kiltwalk will raise crucial funds to promote health, happiness, and connectedness among older adults in Edinburgh whilst contributing to a fantastic and enjoyable event.
To find out more about signing up with Edinburgh Leisure to walk the Kiltwalk, and to get your 50% discount,click here.
Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s leading sports and leisure provider is calling on anyone looking for a new challenge to don their tartan and join them to take part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise funds for their award-winning Ageing Well project.
An Edinburgh Leisure and NHS Lothian initiative, Ageing Well keeps hundreds of older adults in Edinburgh more connected and physically active, by offering low-cost city-wide activities that encourage active living and socialisation all the while boosting their health and wellbeing.
Jenny Selman, Funding Manager for Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Part of our Active Communities programme, Ageing Well is led or supported by trained older adult volunteers and our participants and volunteers really benefit both mentally and physically from taking part.
“It caters for a diverse range of interests and abilities, with activities including walking groups, cycling, gardening at our allotment and buddy swimming.
“Unfortunately, the programme is facing a funding shortfall of £17k, so we’re encouraging people to sign up to the Kiltwalk to raise some much-needed funds for Ageing Well and hopefully, get active, and stay active because of taking part.
“We hope that the funds raised by our supporters, coupled with generous donations we receive throughout the year, will enable us to continue with this valued programme. Every pound raised really will make a difference.”
All those signing up to the Kiltwalk to raise funds for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee and also an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and a tartan-themed snood.
The Kiltwalk takes place on Sunday, 15th September 2024. Three walk lengths are available:
The Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles) – £20£10 registration fee
The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £20£10 registration fee
The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £12.50£6.25 for adults, £6.50£3.25 for children
Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme supports 12,500 people who face the greatest barriers to getting active annually – people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.
Your participation in the Kiltwalk will raise crucial funds to promote health, happiness, and connectedness among older adults in Edinburgh whilst contributing to a fantastic and enjoyable event.
To find out more about signing up with Edinburgh Leisure to walk the Kiltwalk, and to get your 50% discount,click here.
Nicola Lamb 19 leads fundraising initiative to raise money for children’s cancer charity, ‘It’s good 2 give’
Nicola 19 leads the Edinburgh walk in memory of her older sister Joanna who sadly passed away in 2019 due to bone cancer
Nicola is at the forefront of the movement alongside her mother. Angela Lamb who works at Royal Bank of Scotland. Walkers include Royal Bank volunteers
As Headline sponsor, Royal Bank of Scotland has a longstanding partnership with Kiltwalk dating back to 2016
TODAY, Nicola Lamb (19), will lead out an inspirational team of volunteers at Edinburgh Kiltwalk, as part of “Nic’s Nifty Fifty”.
Nic’s Nifty Fifty raises funds for children’s cancer charity “It’s good 2 give”, where Nicola works as a fundraising and volunteer recruitment adviser, providing fresh thinking and innovative ideas for the charity.
New for this year, Nicola set up Nic’s Nifty Fifty to walk in memory of her older sister, Joanna Lamb who sadly passed away as a result of bone cancer in 2019 aged 18. Nicola will be joined on the walk by her mother Angela Lamb who works for Headline sponsor, Royal Bank of Scotland. Together they hope to bring together more than 50 volunteers to walk for the charity.
It’s good 2 give supports the physical and mental well-being of young cancer patients and their families in Scotland. The charity delivers vital work in communities across Edinburgh and Glasgow, having recently raised more than £1m to provide specialist psychologists, available through NHS services, to help cancer patients and their families navigate the mental-health challenges presented by a diagnosis.
The charity provides practical assistance through parent and patient packs containing essential supplies for hospital stays such as clothing and personal hygiene products. Recently, the charity introduced a provision of dolls featuring no head hair so that children undergoing cancer treatment can play with a toy that they feel represented by.
The charity also operates the ‘Ripple Retreat’ which offers young cancer patients and their families a chance to unwind during the most challenging of times, in soothing natural surroundings on the shores of Loch Venachar in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Stays at the Ripple Retreat are entirely free, backed by fundraising efforts from volunteers such as Nicola.
Following Joanna’s legacy, parents Angela and Alan Lamb, along with sister Nicola, maintain a very close relationship with the charity, volunteering all year round. Edinburgh’s Kiltwalk provides a fantastic platform to raise awareness and vital funding.
The Joanna Lamb Award for Outstanding Volunteering was created in 2019 to recognise It’s good 2 give volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution. The award was named after Joanna who became the youngest trustee of the charity through her work.
Royal Bank is a longstanding partner of Kiltwalk, Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event. The partnership has seen the bank help the public, colleagues and customers raise funding for charitable causes across Scotland since 2016.
Since its inception, The Kiltwalk, together with Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation, has raised a collective £37m, paid-out to 3,000 Scottish Charities to support vital causes and create a legacy for communities throughout Scotland and beyond.
Registration for Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2023 is open and is set to finish at the iconic Murrayfield Stadium.
Find more information and sign up here. To register for Nic’s Nifty Fifty, simply add “Nic’s Nifty Fifty” as your team name at sign up. To give directly to ‘It’s good 2 give’, visit the JustGiving page here.
Nicola Lamb, Intern, It’s good 2 give said: “The Kiltwalk events are such a brilliant opportunity each year for us to raise money at It’s good 2 give.
“Every good idea needs a name, so I started Nic’s Nifty Fifty to try and get 50 volunteers together to represent the charity at this year’s Kiltwalk. I’m delighted to say we are making great progress and we’re well on track to hit more than double the target! I’d like to welcome anybody who would like to join the team to sign-up. It’s really easy and you just need to put ‘Nic’s Nifty Fifty’ as your organisation at sign-up.
“All of our walks are of course dedicated in memory of my sister Joanna. The Kiltwalk provides a wonderful opportunity to get active, spend time with friends and family and raise money for some brilliant causes.
“I can’t think of a more fitting way to honour my sister’s legacy.”
Chair of the Scotland Board at Royal Bank of Scotland, Judith Cruickshank said: “Every year the enthusiasm for Kiltwalk is made so clear by our staff and colleagues across the country who join thousands of others in remarkable fundraising efforts.
“Royal Bank of Scotland has a long and valued relationship with Kiltwalk, and we are proud to be in partnership with a charity that delivers such vital work in communities throughout Scotland.
“There are so many extraordinary individuals and organisations that come together through these iconic events. The Lamb family provide inspiration for us all and we will continue to support all their charitable efforts together in partnership with Kiltwalk.
“By walking, volunteering and spectating, we hope that everyone this year supports this fantastic event and helps celebrate the impact it makes for those who need it most.”
A 26-strong team from Johnston Carmichael, including ten graduates from the Audit team, will lace up their boots tomorrow for Kiltwalk, Scotland’s favourite mass participation charity event, to raise funds for Children 1st.
With a culture of investing in its people, and inspiring leaders and future leaders, the firm is also committed to supporting the communities in which its 850-plus people work and live and through Kiltwalk it has raised over £45,000 to date for numerous charities across Scotland.
The accountancy and business advisory firm has been a gold sponsor of the Kiltwalk, which takes place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen, for 7 years. In addition to each office nominating a local charity, the firm encourages its people to select a charity close to their hearts.
Audit Partner Grant Roger and his family have chosen to support LGBT Youth Scotland as they take on the 15-mile Big Stroll from Musselburgh to Murrayfield Stadium at Sunday’s event.
Grant has completed the walk every year since joining the firm in 2017 and has supported different local charities each year, including STV Children’s Appeal, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and Maggie’s Edinburgh. He believes it is important to give back to those less fortunate than himself and this year his three children, Ailsa, Katy, and Maeve, chose the charity.
Grant explains: “My kids have supported me over the years, coming along to cheer me on during the walk, and this year all three are old enough to take part in the longer walk.
They’ve been learning about equality in school, and they recognise that discrimination still exists toward young people within the LGBTQ+ community so they’ve decided that we should walk in aid of LGBT Youth Scotland.
“Walking for six or seven hours is not a lot in the grand scheme of things and the money I have raised over the years goes towards helping people who may be struggling or those who are in a less fortunate position than we are as a family.”
LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQ+ young people and works with 13–25-year-olds across the country to support them to flourish and thrive in all aspects of their lives through the provision of youth work and supporting LGBTQ+ young people to use their voice and create change.
Nurturing, celebrating, and developing the individuality of its people, is integral to the culture at Johnston Carmichael and this goes beyond the company and into the communities where it works.
The firm aims to raise the aspirations and achievements of young people and it recently announced a partnership with Netball Scotland, to strengthen the reach and profile of netball in Scotland and engage a lost generation of players, particularly girls, who missed out on the sport due to the pandemic.
Supporting Netball Scotland and sponsoring Kiltwalk is part of the firm’s ambition to leave a legacy for future generations and this goes beyond fundraising. Events like Kiltwalk bring people from different stages of their careers together, which helps build camaraderie.
Grant said: “Since I joined Johnston Carmichael, I’ve always felt it was important to take part because the Kiltwalk is great for team building and I encourage our young graduates to get involved too.
“It’s a good way to meet and bring many people from across the company together at different levels of seniority, allowing junior and more experienced team members to do something challenging together.”
To sponsor Grant and his family and support LGBT Youth Scotland click here.
This weekend is the Edinburgh Kiltwalk and we are delighted to say that Held In Our Hearts have 55 Kilt Walkers oner the weekend over all three events.
One local team of funeral directors are walking for bereavement charity Held In Our Hearts in the Wee Wander and we can’t thank them enough.
Funeral directors Barclays are going all out to make sure that Held In Our Hearts can continue to make sure that not family go through the trauma of being alone after the death of their precious baby. The charity offer support to bereaved families and have worked closely with Barclays over the years.
This year, Valerie, Andrew, Georgia, Elaine, and Marion will undertake 4 miles and walk from Silverknowes to Murrayfield .
As Valerie shared: “ We are so delighted to have the fantastic opportunity to be able to support in this way”
An eleven-strong team based in and around Larkhall, South Lancashire is set to step off for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity on the last Kiltwalk of the 2023 season.
Wearing their finest red SSAFA T-shirts and striking red tartankilts, the team – led by former WO2 Karen Macdonald – will make their colourful way around Edinburgh on September 17.
It is not, however, Karen’s – or the Larky Belters’ – first Kiltwalk. Karen organised a smaller team for last year’s Kiltwalk and has expanded her fundraising team for 2023, which comprises her, another Karen, Fliss, Jen, Caterina, Fiona, Rosie, Sharon, Claire, Debbie, and Lisa.
Karen enjoyed a long and varied career in the Army, which she joined in 1989 with WRAC (Women’s Royal Army Corps, which became the Adjutant-General Corps in 2002).
Leaving in 2004, she served in – deep breath – the MoD, 4 Signal Group Germany, Headquarters Northern Ireland (where she was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service), 1st Battalion Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, 7 Parachute Regiment, the Army Training Regiment, and finished with 1st Bn The Highlanders in Edinburgh. She completed three operational tours in Bosnia.
Now a civil servant, Karen has been a fitness fan since joining the Army, and says:“I spend many Sundays putting in the miles encouraging others to join as feel walking is good for the soul and head space especially during these difficult times.”
“The atmosphere is tremendous, and you get to talk to so many people on the way round from all walks of life supporting their chosen charities.
“For us it’s SSAFA, which we support so proudly. The charity – it’s the UK’s oldest tri-service charity – does amazing by supporting serving military personnel and their families, older veterans, those who might need some help with their mental wellbeing, as well as its transitional mentoring for service leavers.
“All of these aspects are so important to individuals and their families, and really, it’s like SSAFA’s part of your family, always there to support you.”
The Larky Belters enthusiasm for and belief in SSAFA is perhaps all the more remarkable as Karen is the only member of this year’s team with personal military service.
Karen concludes: “So, if you see us on the 17th in Edinburgh, give us a wave and if you can’t make it to the Kiltwalk, then drop us a donation so that SSAFA can carry on its life-changing and sometimes life-saving work, just as it has since 1885.”
Gepco Van Bokhorst is a vet in the Netherlands, but he is also an Ambassador for CliniClowns, a European Clowndoctor organisation. His role as an ambassador is to support clowning organisations across Europe by taking part in fundraising events to raise money and spread the word about the fantastic work of Clowndoctors.
Hearts & Minds were delighted when Gepco contacted them to say he and his wife Angelique had signed up to do The Big Stroll at the legendary Edinburgh Kiltwalk on 18 September to raise money for their Clowndoctors. They are hoping to raise £2500 and this will be boosted by 50% by the generosity of Sir Tom Hunter.
Gepco explains why they wanted to come and support the Edinburgh charity:
“My role with the CliniClowns in the Netherlands: I am one of the ambassadors. These are volunteers who go into the country to receive cheques, supervise, and start sponsor activities and give presentations.
“The policy is that (paid) clowns should be with the children or people with dementia. So, most of the money can be destined for the clowns working in the field. I have felt involved in the founding of the CliniClowns organization and have seen it grow to its current size with 40 people working in the office and more then 100 clowns employed.
“I have also been closely involved with the CliniClowns Circus for 6 years. This circus was meant for families with a multiple disabled child. So, the whole family had a fun event. This was a very special and valuable time for me to experience the impact of Medical Clowning up close. I have seen miracles happen. (See the photo a friend took with me and a girl who does not respond to people and could hardly move her arms according to her caretakers). Every time it gives me goosebumps and I realize how important medical clowning is.
“In 2017 after giving a presentation for the European Federation of Healthcare Clowning Organisations (EFHCO) I heard about Hearts & Minds and immediately adopted Dr. Wallop. Your charity is a bit smaller and reminded me of the earlier days of the CliniClowns.
“Scotland: I have been visiting the Highlands since my last year in university. I have also spent holidays in Scotland with my family and children. It feels like coming home. I received once a Gordon kilt as thanks for saving a dog (I am a vet). The kilt belonged to the lady’s late husband. Once I had worn this kilt, it again felt like coming home. Last year, I had a red kilt (Ramsay) made so that I could marry the love of my life in it: Angelique.
“The Kiltwalk is a challenge we like, not only the walk but also everything that has to do with fundraising (t-shirt, leaflet, video etc.) and the most important reason is you as a small charity can use it very well, especially when Sir Tom Hunter tops it with 50%. And of course, I can wear my wedding kilt again!!”
Sean Donnelly Interim CEO, Hearts & Minds said:“We are so grateful to Gepco and Angelique for coming all the way from the Netherlands to support our Clowndoctors and I am looking forward to joining them on The Big Stroll in my kilt and red nose too!
These funds will go directly to Clowndoctor visits to hospitals and schools and will bring moments of joy and laughter that last long after the Clowndoctors have been.
