More than two thousand walkers from Edinburgh and the east are expected to take part in the city's Kiltwalk this weekend.
Supported by Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation, the Kiltwalk sees participants of all abilities come together to raise money for a children’s charity of their choice.
The Edinburgh Kiltwalk is the last one this year and is just days away but residents, companies, and charities across Edinburgh and the east still have time to register.
That’s the message from philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, who is calling upon the people of Edinburgh to don their kilts and walking boots and take part this Sunday.
He said: “The Kiltwalk is very simple, you stick on your kilt and you walk for a children’s charity of your choice. The Hunter Foundation does the rest.
“Why are we doing it? Because we believe too many children in Scotland are growing up in poverty, and frankly, if one child in Scotland grows up in poverty it’s one too many.
If one child in Scotland grows up in poverty it’s one too many - Tom Hunter
“So please, let’s come together and fix this. We guarantee a great day out for a great cause. So sign-up at thekiltwalk.co.uk.”
With events in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Moray Speyside this year, nearly £750,000 has already been distributed to Scotland’s children’s charities.
Leading Edinburgh’s Kiltwalk alongside Lorraine Kelly is six-year-old Rocco from Tranent who suffers from Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. He needs round the clock care and attention to help him with the most basic of daily tasks such as sitting and standing.
In May 2015 Rocco underwent double hip reconstruction to improve his leg, hip and pelvis structure. Charity Cash for Kids gave Rocco’s mum Louise a £4,000 grant towards a specialised tricycle to help him become more mobile and improve his strength.
To make the day extra special other well-known personalities including Jackie Bird, Sean Batty, and football punters Peter and Roughie will join walkers along the route, along with the kilted helpers, affectionately known as kilties.
Walkers can take part in the five mile wee wander, the 12 mile big stroll or the 26 mile mighty stride. The Mighty Stride and Big Stroll start and finish at BT Murrayfield Stadium and take a scenic route across Edinburgh whilst the Wee Wander starts at Gypsy Brae Recreational Ground finishing up at BT Murrayfield.
There will be a celebration at the famous rugby stadium on completion with many surprises in store for everyone involved in the Kiltwalk, including performances from the world’s most famous bagrock band, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and Scottish pop legends the Bay City Rollers are promising to lead a singalong.
The Kiltwalk is supported by Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation, which means every penny raised will go to Scotland’s children.
To register for the Kiltwalk, simply sign-up at www.thekiltwalk.co.uk and choose a charity to support.
