RARELY have so many Scots bared so many knees.
More than 7,200 people – men and women – swirled their kilts through Glasgow and beyond yesterday to help raise a £1 million for charities
They helped make this year’s Kiltwalk – the charity event backed by entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter – the biggest yet. Many took the chance to hike all the way from Glasgow Green to Balloch on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Sir Tom even announced he would add 10 per cent to the total raised by all the walkers, whose sponsorship will be distributed through STV’s Children’s Appeal.
Sir Tom said: “The real heroes are our wonderful walkers who have been pounding the streets and paths between Glasgow and Loch Lomond in a sea of tartan to change lives for the better.
“Encouraged along the way by our amazing Kiltie Volunteers who help make it such a unique experience for everyone involved. The atmosphere today is nothing short of incredible. It’s inspiring and it makes me extremely proud to be Scottish.”
Other Kiltwalkers do shorter routes. Sir Tom began his own walk next to six-year-old Nathan Mowat from Gourock who suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The youngster and his mother Gill, along with nine of her friends, walked the Kiltwalk to raise money for Calum’s Cabin.
Ms Mowat said: said: “It was such an honour for Nathan to lead the Glasgow Kiltwalk and get the day under way. We walked for Calum’s Cabin as the charity has given us so much support during Nathan’s treatment and helped us create some happy memories during a very difficult time. It’s great to be able to give something back.”
The event is backed by the Royal Bank of Scotland, whose Scottish board chairman Howard Davies said: “It’s inspiring to see so many people coming together to support some great charities that help people in need in Scotland.
“The Royal Bank of Scotland is a proud partner of the Kiltwalk and our CEO Ross McEwan joined colleagues, customers and friends to help raise money for the STV Children’s Appeal. We are all looking forward to the Kiltwalk in Aberdeen and we would encourage everyone to get their boots on and take part.”
Kiltwalk volunteers also got in on the fundraising action, as for every hour of time they donated, Sir Tom and the Hunter Foundation will donate £1.10 to each Kiltie’s chosen charity.
Kiltwalks in Aberdeen (June 4), Dundee (August 20) and Edinburgh (September 17) are still to come.
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