A sea of ​​kilts at the Kiltwalkers walk in Aberdeen for charity

Aberdeen, Scotland – In a wonderful display of generosity and community spirit, it ended 5,200 walkers donned their skirts and marched through the streets of Aberdeen On Sunday, it raised more than £1 million ($1.3 million) for 474 Scottish charities during the annual Kiltwalk event.

The Kiltwalk, a series of charity walks held across Scotland, has become a beloved tradition that brings together people from all walks of life to support local causes.

Participants, known as ‘Kiltwalkers’, choose a charity to fundraise for and walk a specific route during the course Wear skirts or other tartan-themed clothing.

In Aberdeen, he broke the record 5,260 Kiltwalkers Take part in the event, with 4,200 “Mighty Striders” setting off from Duthie Park at 9am to walk the 18 miles to Banchory.

Another 1,058 ‘Wee Wanderers’ started their 4-mile journey at 11am from Crathes Castle, following the picturesque River Dee to the finish line at Belfield Park in Banchory.

“We are really touched by the huge number of people walking here today to support mainly local charities which need financial support now more than ever.” said Paul Cooney, CEO of Kiltwalk. “Aberdeen Kiltwalkers have grown significantly in recent years; with 4,000 more walkers today than there were the first time around in 2016. In that time, 20,691 Aberdeen Kiltwalkers have raised £3.6 million for 1,005 charities.”

The event received a major boost from Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation, who added another £1 million to the funds raised in Aberdeen, bringing the total to £4.6 million over the past eight years.

Two charities, A Bear Named Buttony and Abernecessities, received an unexpected surprise during… “Happiest minute at Kiltwalk” The giveaway, where each will receive a cash payment of £5,000 provided by Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation. The Bear Named Buttony Foundation supports children and young people with ostomies, while Abernecessities runs a baby bank that provides essential items to disadvantaged families.

Corporate sponsors played a crucial role in the event’s success, with Lidl providing snacks at four stops along the way, and Arnold Clark offering a £30,000 car as a prize to the lucky Kiltaker.

Royal Bank of Scotland ensured the sustainability of the event by serving meals in biodegradable utensils and working with The Binn Group to recycle and reuse all rubbish, ensuring nothing ends up in landfill.

“The Kiltwalk makes a huge difference to communities across Scotland, and we are delighted to lend our support to such a fantastic event.” said Eddie Hawthorne, CEO and Managing Director of Arnold Clark Group.

Kiltwalkers raised money for charities of their choice, with donations going directly to chosen causes, in addition to gifts. This means that charities will receive up to 125% of all funds raised during the event.

The Aberdeen Kiltwalk is one of four such events held annually in Scotland, with upcoming walks planned Dundee On August 11 and Edinburgh On September 15th.

The amazing success of the Aberdeen event demonstrates the strength of community and the enduring spirit of giving that defines the Kilt Walk tradition.

reference: Kilt Walk press release