Thousands of kiltwalkers raise millions for charity with record hike

The Herald Scotland

27-04-2025

Five thousand heroes walked from Clydebank to Balloch on Saturday, before another 14,000 heroes took to the streets and paths from Glasgow Green and Clydebank all the way to the finish line at Loch Lomond on Sunbday.
As walkers set off, £3 million had already been raised, and this figure will rise in the coming days.
The Hunter Foundation underwrites Kiltwalk, ensuring that every penny and pound the walkers raise goes to the charities of their choice, plus gift aid. It's the lowest-cost platform for raising charity funds in the country.
Sir Tom Hunter, who led the walkers on both days, thanked everyone for their incredible Kiltwalk Kindness.
Sir Tom Hunter and Jackie Bird join Kiltwalkers at Glasgow Green the start line of the Kiltwalk Glasgow 2025 as Kiltwalk celebrates £53 million fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers on 27 April 2025 - (Image: Kiltwalk) Sir Tom 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.'
Paddy McGuinness joined Sir Tom Hunter to rally walkers at this year's Kiltwalk, after Sir Tom supported Paddy's epic BBC Children in Need challenge last year, which saw him cycle 300 miles from Wrexham to Glasgow.
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Speaking before yesterday's Big Stroll, the TV presenter wished the Kiltwalkers the best of luck, commending them for participating in Kiltwalk for their chosen charities and wishing them a safe walk on their journey to Balloch.
Russell Borrie, CEO and Group MD of headline sponsor, Arnold Clark, said: 'Arnold Clark has been a proud sponsor of the Kiltwalk since 2016, and we look forward to lending our support once again this year in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.
'The Kiltwalk continues to make a huge difference to so many communities across Scotland, bringing people together to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts. We know it's always a great occasion that's enjoyed by everyone, including the many Arnold Clark employees who take part every year.
'We're also excited to offer Kiltwalkers the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000! And this year, as an added bonus for Glasgow's Kiltwalk, we'll be giving £30,000 of car credit to the winner's chosen charity! Good luck everyone!'
The event was a fun affair for the walkers (Image: Kiltwalk) Kiltwalk supports charities across Scotland. One of the largest involved is Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, with almost 6,500 walkers having raised over £1.5m for the organisation over the last decade.
Kirsten Watson, Chief Executive, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, 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.
Helen MacFarlane, Trustee and Secretary, A Bear Named Buttony, 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.'
This year, Kiltwalk is also supporting Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de Four charity cycling event, established by the six-time Olympic gold medallist following his diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer.
This means anyone who walks for Kiltwalk itself in 2025 will see everything they raise, plus eligible Gift Aid, go to five cancer charities nominated by Sir Chris Hoy. The charities are Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie's, and Prostate Cancer UK.
And 10 charities were thrilled over the Glasgow Kiltwalk weekend when they discovered they'd each received £5,000 from The Hunter Foundation as part of 'the happiest minute at the Kiltwalk'.
Next up is the Aberdeen Kiltwalk on Sunday 1 June, St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday 17 August and Edinburgh on Sunday 14 September. It's still just £20 to walk thanks to The Hunter Foundation's support.