Kiltwalkers raise over £1 million at record-breaking Aberdeen event

Aberdeen showed its Kiltwalk Kindness today [Sunday 2 June] as a record-breaking 5,300 walkers stepped out to raise over £1 million for 474 Scottish charities.

4,200 Kiltwalk heroes set off from Duthie Park from 9am to walk the 18 miles to Banchory to raise funds for the charities of their choice.

Another 1,058 Kiltwalkers set off from Crathes Castle at 11am to walk along the River Dee the 4 miles to the Finish Line at Bellfield Park in Banchory.

Kiltwalk CEO Paul Cooney said:

“We’re really touched by the huge number of people walking here today supporting mainly local charities who need financial support now more than ever. Aberdeen Kiltwalk has grown exponentially in recent years; with 4,000 more walkers today than on our first in 2016.

In that time, 20,691 Aberdeen Kiltwalkers raised £3.6 million for 1,005 charities. Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation added another £1 million in Aberdeen, a grand total of £4.6 million in 8 years. Every member of the growing Kiltwalk community should be very proud today.”

The Grampian weather was perfect for the Mighty Striders in Duthie Park, many of them in kilts or wearing a touch of tartan.

The Wee Wanderers, followed an idyllic 4-mile route from Crathes Castle along the River Dee before finishing at Bellfield Park in Banchory.

Two charities got a big surprise, courtesy of Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation, when they found out they would be receiving a £5,000 cash boost as part of the “the happiest minute at Kiltwalk” giveaway. A Bear Named Buttony, which supports children and young people with a stoma, and Abernecessities, operators of a baby bank that provides disadvantaged families with essential items, were thrilled when they were handed a surprise £5,000 each.

Along the way there were four pit stops offering delicious snacks from Kiltwalk’s Official Supermarket partner Lidl, each with entertainment provided by key corporate sponsors and charities to keep walkers motivated and encouraged throughout.

All Aberdeen Kiltwalkers who registered and fundraised are in with a chance of winning a car worth £30,000 thanks to headline sponsor Arnold Clark. In addition, co-headline sponsor Royal Bank of Scotland helped ensure that all Finish line meals were served in compostable pots and all rubbish was fully recycled and re-used with nothing going to landfill.

Eddie Hawthorne, Chief Executive and Group Managing Director, Arnold Clark, said:

“Kiltwalk makes such a huge difference to communities across Scotland and we’re delighted to lend our support to such a fantastic event. It’s great to see even more walkers taking on the challenge in Aberdeen this year, including many of our employees – everyone should be very proud of their involvement and the profound impact their fundraising will have.

“We’re also excited to reward one lucky Kiltwalker with the chance to win any car up to a value of £30,000! Good luck everyone.”

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, One Bank Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, said:

“The Aberdeen Kiltwalk makes such a positive difference to communities across the North East, helping organisations and charities thrive.

“Royal Bank of Scotland is proud to be a Kiltwalk partner and once again our colleagues have been delighted to not only support and volunteer, but have enjoyed taking part and fundraising too.

“It is great that this year we’ve also taken steps to help assist in making it a more sustainable event, working with the Binn Group to assist in the clear-up operation.

“The turnout has been great and the generosity of those who have donated or fundraised will be felt by those who need it most in Aberdeen.”

Kiltwalkers raised money for any charity of their choice, with their fundraising going directly to their chosen cause, plus Gift Aid. This means that charities will receive up to 125% of all funds raised at Kiltwalk.

There are two remaining Kiltwalk events this year, with St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday 11 August, and Edinburgh on Sunday 15 September.

Sign up for Dundee or Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2024 now