Edinburgh smashes Kiltwalk record

15 September 2024 - 9,100 Kiltwalk Heroes took over the capital today (Sunday Sept 15) in the biggest-ever Edinburgh Kiltwalk, with 802 different Scottish charities already benefitting from every penny and pound raised. The fundraising total stood at £1.3 million at 9am, as 3,700 smiling walkers, many of them sporting a touch of tartan, set off from the magnificent Holyrood Park. The fundraising total has since shot to an astonishing £1.6 million.

Another 3,100 walkers took on the 11-mile Big Stroll from Fisherrow Links, Musselburgh, while 2,300 embarked on the 5-mile Wee Wander from Victoria Park. All participants completed their tartan-clad journey at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium finish line.

The Hunter Foundation, which underwrites the Kiltwalk, ensures it remains Scotland's most affordable platform for charities to raise crucial funds. Sir Tom Hunter of The Hunter Foundation joined the walkers in Edinburgh and paid tribute to their incredible efforts.

Sir Tom Hunter said: “This is a record-breaking Kiltwalk – Edinburgh’s biggest ever, with over 9,000 people. Every year, we continue to grow, which is a double-edged sword as it reflects the increasing number of people in need within our communities.

“But for every person in need, there’s a good person ready to lend a helping hand by taking part in events like Kiltwalk. Kiltwalk connects those in need with those who want to help - seamlessly and with a smile. Thank you for your Kiltwalk kindness.”

The Hunter Foundation surprised three charities by giving each a £5,000 cash boost during the ‘Happiest Minute at Kiltwalk’ giveaways.

Local charities River Kids, which provides clothing, toys, and household essentials to disadvantaged children, and Hopscotch, which offers respite breaks for children, were both stunned by the announcement just before setting off from Holyrood Park. Later, at Victoria Park, Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, which supports children with essential school uniforms, was equally delighted when it, too, was awarded £5,000 to support its important work.

Pit stops along the route offered delicious snacks from Kiltwalk’s Official Supermarket partner, Lidl, and encouragement was provided by charities Cyrenians, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), and Marie Curie.

Fundraising manager for Cyrenians, Sophie Bell, said: “The Cyrenians team had an incredible time at our first-ever Pit Stop. The day was an invaluable opportunity for many lovely walkers to learn about the vital prevention work we do in local communities. Scotland should be a place where people facing tough times get the support they need before they hit a crisis, but right now, we're in a national housing emergency.

“We are especially grateful to the amazing fundraisers who supported– every penny raised is helping us to provide essential support to even more people in crisis. A massive thank you from us all at Cyrenians for your dedication and support!”

Community and events fundraiser for SAMH, Catriona Wilson, said: "The SAMH team loved every minute of our day. We were grateful to have an incredible 169 Kiltwalkers who took part in support of SAMH, and it was really moving to spend time with them at our Pit Stop and hear their stories about why they've chosen to raise much-needed funds for Scotland’s mental health.

“It’s also a great reminder that being physically active is a powerful way to support our mental wellbeing. From everyone at SAMH, we'd love to extend a huge thank you to each of our supporters - the need for our life-changing services continues to grow, and your support is helping us transform lives."

Every Kiltwalker who registered and fundraised is in with a chance of winning a car worth £30,000 thanks to Headline Sponsor Arnold Clark.

Lee-Ann Edison, Group Communications and PR Director of Arnold Clark, said: “Kiltwalk is an amazing charity that makes such a huge difference to communities across Scotland, and we’re delighted to continue our support with another fantastic event.

“Edinburgh Kiltwalk might be the last Kiltwalk of 2024, but it sure was a memorable one! Especially for one lucky Kiltwalker who will have the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000!

“Everyone should be very proud of their involvement and the profound impact their fundraising will have.

“Well done to everyone who took part!"

Royal Bank of Scotland, Headline Sponsor of Kiltwalk and Partner of Team GB at the Paris Olympics, helped ensure all finish-line meals were served in compostable pots, all rubbish was fully recycled and reused, and nothing went to landfill.

Judith Cruickshank, One Bank Scotland Chair, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The Kiltwalk is one of the highlights of Scotland’s charity and community calendar, and it is one Royal Bank of Scotland has been proud to partner.

“The events brings together thousands of people from across the country and the Edinburgh walk in the country’s capital was no exception. Hundreds of bank colleagues joined customers and the public to help fundraise for groups and charities which are making a positive difference to people across Scotland.

“Whether as participant, volunteer or spectator, everyone here in Edinburgh today has helped make it another success. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, its impact will also be felt for months and years to come.”

At the finish line, there was music, dancing, hot food, and novelty acts like tartan-clad stilt walkers, courtesy of Gold Sponsor Johnston Carmichael.

Kiltwalk is fully underwritten by The Hunter Foundation, enabling the Mighty Stride and Big Stroll to offer a reduced entry fee of just £20. Every penny raised by the walkers goes directly to the charities chosen by them, and they can claim Gift Aid, which can raise the totals by 25%.