Glasgow Kiltwalk raises more than £3m for 1,100 Scottish charities
19,000 people took on this year's charity challenge
Scotland’s biggest Kiltwalk has raised more than £3 million for over 1,000 charities, as 19,000 people took on the charity challenge from Glasgow this weekend.
It was a weekend of Kiltwalks in the city, with 5,000 people setting off from Clydebank on Saturday morning, accompanied by Paddy McGuinness, and heading for Balloch.
Speaking before the Big Stroll, he said: “Stay safe today, you’re doing fantastic things.”
On Sunday they were joined by 14,000 walkers leaving from Glasgow Green and Clydebank again, making their way to Loch Lomond in aid of 1,100 Scottish Charities.
The fundraising total is expected to keep going up in the next few days, but was already over £3 million when the walkers set off.
The Hunter Foundation’s Sir Tom Hunter, who led the walkers on both days, said: “In the 10 years that The Hunter Foundation has been involved with Kiltwalk, you and our foundation have raised an incredible £53 million for 4,000 Scottish charities.
“I believe the magic of Kiltwalk is quite simple: in every community across Scotland, there are people who need a wee hand up, and there are good folks like you who get up in the morning and help them.
“All the Kiltwalk does is simply connect you. There isn’t a prouder Scotsman on the planet than me this morning.”
One charity represented was the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
Chief executive Kirsten Watson said: “On behalf of all the children and families whose lives have been impacted by the Kiltwalk and The Hunter Foundation these past 10 years, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity extends our heartfelt gratitude for your extraordinary support and generosity.
“The Kiltwalk is not just an event—it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of kindness throughout Scotland.
“Kiltwalk provides an incredible platform of support to charities throughout Scotland, and we are profoundly grateful for the positive impact made these past 10 years.”
One of Kiltwalk’s smallest charities, A Bear Named Buttony, has raised more than £11,000 thanks to the fundraising efforts of the 85 walkers who have stepped out on its behalf over the years.
Trustee and Secretary, Helen MacFarlane, said: “A Bear Named Buttony was the inspirational idea of founder Jenny Gow and, to date, over 6,200 special bears have been gifted to children requiring stoma surgery.
“The smiles on the faces of the children receiving the bears are incredible, and they love having a friend just like them as a companion and comfort. Kiltwalk’s donation will enable us to support a further 200 children.”
Next up is the Aberdeen Kiltwalk on Sunday June 1, St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday 17 August, and the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 14 September.