Biggest ever Kiltwalk as more than 14,000 take on the charity challenge
Glasgow's Kiltwalk has already raised more than £2.5m for 900 charities
Last updated 28th Apr 2024
Thousands of charity walkers have donned their trainers and tartan to take on the biggest ever Kiltwalk in Glasgow.
This year’s event saw more than 14,000 people sign up, ready to represent 900 Scottish charities as they headed towards the banks of Loch Lomond.
Fundraising is open for two more weeks after the walk, but already more than £2.5m have been raised for charities including The Beatson, CHAS, and Shelter Scotland.
The Hunter Foundation’s Sir Tom Hunter said: “Kiltwalk is quite simply the easiest way to raise money for a charity that you care about.”
He added: “it’s easy to do, and offers incredible value for money – you pay a small amount to walk and everything you raise goes to the charity of your choice.”
Since the event began in 2016, it has raised more than £46m for 3,500 charities, with over 166,000 people getting involved.
Walkers can choose who they want to fundraise for, and this year Liann Diggines chose to raise money for Cash for Kids.
She said: “It pulls on my heartstrings to see how fortunate we actually are compared to some other families, and it’s just my way of giving something back to the community, and just to try and make more awareness of Cash for Kids as well.”
This year is the fifth time Liann has taken on the walk, she added: “You just remember how much of a buzz you get from crossing that finish line, how much money you’ve raised, and how many people you’re helping.
“I can’t help myself but to register again and complete it.”
This year walkers were glad to have a sunny day, as they made their way on one of the three routes towards Balloch.
People were setting off as early as 8.30am from Glasgow Green and Clydebank for the Mighty Stride and the Big Stroll, with later starts for the Wee Wander, which left from Loch Lomond Shores at 10am.
Shelter Scotland regional community fundraiser Nic English was out supporting the 86 walkers representing the charity this year.
She said: “It doesn’t matter what weather we have here, it doesn’t dampen our spirits.
“Last year we still had all the smiles, we had dancing daffodils, and we had everything else, and we had all the charities who all work together so no one is against each other.
“We’re all here together, we’re all celebrating the Kiltwalk, so it’s absolutely beautiful, it’s a fantastic event.”
Glasgow Kiltwalk was just the first event of the year, with registration still open for Aberdeen on June 2, St Andrews to Dundee on August 11, and Edinburgh on 15 September.