Kind-hearted Kiltwalk heroes are the toast of 780 Scottish charities as it was revealed today they raised £2.3 million in 2017 – with donations still coming-in.

And 2018 is set to be even bigger with walkers able to add 40% to whatever money they raise for the charity of their choice thanks to support from The Hunter Foundation.

Sir Tom Hunter, founder of The Hunter Foundation and backer of the Kiltwalk noted: “Kiltwalk is the platform for people across Scotland to raise funds for the charity of their choice; it’s simple, it’s fun and it makes a huge difference to the charities they care about.

“For every Pound they raise The Hunter Foundation will add another forty pence, which I hope makes this platform the most effective fundraising opportunity in Scotland.

“I would urge charities, corporates and individuals alike to take this chance to maximise fundraising for what they care about and have a fantastic time doing it.”

This year some 14,000 fundraisers – an astonishing 87% increase on the 7,500 walkers of 2016 – participated in the four Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh this year.

Sir Tom added; “It makes me the proudest Scot on the planet to know that all these people walked for causes they care about. We very much appreciate the continued support of valued sponsors including Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark. Together, we strive to make Kiltwalk the country’s biggest charity event.”

Next year’s Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will take place on:

• Sunday, 29 April, 2018 in Glasgow
• Sunday, 3 June, 2018 in Aberdeen
• Sunday, 19 August, 2018 from St. Andrews to Dundee
• Sunday, 16 September, 2018 in Edinburgh

For every penny raised by a Kiltwalker in 2017, Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation pledged 140% to their chosen charity. This unique fundraising boost will continue next year.

The unstoppable army of Kiltwalkers raised a staggering £1,642,000 before the 40% top up was applied in 2017 for their chosen charities, which is an 89% increase on last year’s fundraising total of £870,000.

Platinum sponsor Arnold Clark joined Sir Tom in repeating a generous fundraising pledge. As was the case in 2017, a lucky Kiltwalker from each event will win a brand new car. Funds raised by those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself are distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal.

For more information about the Kiltwalk, or to register, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

On Sunday, around 3,000 people took to the streets of Edinburgh for this year’s final Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk to raise funds for walkers’ chosen charities.

Sir Tom Hunter, the man with the vision to turn the Kiltwalk into Scotland’s biggest mass participation event for charity, praised Edinburgh Kiltwalkers for their commitment to good causes across Scotland.

Sir Tom said: “I am overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm displayed by each and every person who took part in the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk. Their dedication and determination to raise funds for charities big and small is admirable. The atmosphere in BT Murrayfield and on the route today was nothing short of extraordinary.”

Thanks to the generous 40% fundraising boost pledged by Sir Tom and the Hunter Foundation, charities will receive a 140% return for every penny raised by walkers. Whilst Platinum Sponsor Arnold Clark has donated a brand new Renault Clio at each event this year, meaning one of the lucky 3,000 Kiltwalkers will win a new set of wheels.

Sir Tom was at each of the starts to cheer on Kiltwalkers as they set off. Leading out Edinburgh’s Mighty Stride was 51-year-old Lynne McKenzie from Elgin who was walking for charity CHAS.
Whilst leading the way for the Big Stroll was 45-year-old Julie Whyte from Dunfermline who was joined by her 11-year-old daughter Abigail who was diagnosed with arthritis when she was just four. They were walking for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children (SNAC).

Julie said: “I am so proud that Abigail and I led out the Big Stroll today. She has attended the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People for treatment every four weeks since she was diagnosed and they have shown her so much support over the years. Abigail saw the Kiltwalk was coming to Edinburgh and she wanted to take part and give something back.”

Finally, leading the way for the Wee Wander was mother and daughter, 33-year-old Jeannette Smith and nine-year-old Lucy Abbeels from Edinburgh. They were fundraising for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland as Lucy was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Also joining them was ENABLE Scotland’s patron and sport TV anchor Hazel Irvine.

Walkers set off from BT Murrayfield at 9am to complete the 26-mile Mighty Stride, going via Leith and taking in iconic landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park. The 12-mile Big Stroll set off from BT Murrayfield at 11am while the five-mile Wee Wander set off from Gypsy Brae Recreational Ground at 1pm. All routes finished at the Kiltwalk Village at BT Murrayfield where walkers enjoyed entertainment from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Malcolm Buchanan, chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Scottish board, said: “We are humbled and inspired by everyone uniting together to walk the Kiltwalk. The Royal Bank of Scotland is a proud partner and we want to say a huge well done to everyone who took part today.”

With more than £1.3 million already distributed to charitable causes from the Glasgow Kiltwalk alone, the total raised across the 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks will increase after the fourth and final event held today.

More than 700 charitable organisations are set to benefit as the Kiltwalk is now open to every charity. Funds raised by those who choose to walk for the Kiltwalk itself are distributed through the STV Children’s Appeal as the official grant making partner.

Volunteers also got in on the fundraising action, as for every hour of time they donated, Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation will gift £1.10 to each Kiltie’s chosen charity.

To find out more about the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

Coronary heart disease is Scotland’s single biggest killer and all too often it strikes suddenly and unexpectedly.

For the past 56 years, the British Heart Foundation has been fighting back against heart disease by funding research that saves lives. Great strides have been made but there’s so much more to do, to prevent the sudden devastation families face as a result of heart disease. BHF Scotland are always keen for local people to join the fight and show their support and there are 3 great events happening in September you can get involved in:

LADIES LUNCH – 10th September – Edinburgh
The first event is a ladies lunch on the 10th September at Village Hotel on Crewe Road South, from 12-4pm. This is being run by the hotel in collaboration with BHF Scotland, who will be there on the day to speak a bit about the work of the BHF, their research and the importance of donations. In addition, guests will enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival and a two course lunch with entertainment from solo swing tribute singer Andy Miller. £5 from each ticket plus all proceeds from the raffle will go to BHF Scotland. BHF Scotland are also in the midst of organising some bespoke retailers to join the event for some shopping opportunities on the day. If you would like to donate anything to the raffle, please contact Sarah Miller, Fundraising Manager at BHF Scotland on 07702 917 677 or millers@bhf.org.uk. To book tickets or for further info on the event please contact Village Hotel directly on 0131 297 7111 or email edinburghhub@village-hotels.com.

KILTWALK – 17th September – Edinburgh
Would you like to be a Kiltwalk hero and take big steps for the BHF on 17th September? With three walk lengths to choose from (5 miles / 12 miles and 26 miles), there is sure to be a Kiltwalk to suit you! If you would like to take part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this year and pledge to raise £200 for BHF Scotland, Sarah at the BHF can offer you a free place but don’t delay as places are limited!
The usual fee to take part is £31.65. BHF are already delighted to have members of staff from Haines Watts (one of the BHF’s wonderful corporate partners) and members of the Edinburgh BHF Researchers Fundraising Group signed up. For more info please visit: http://www.thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/edinburgh/.

HEART OF SCOTLAND DINNER – 21st September – Glasgow
The third event is the inaugural Heart of Scotland Dinner. It will be held at Oran Mor in Glasgow on Thursday 21st September, 6:30pm until late. The aim of this event is to raise funds for the pioneering research carried out by BHF’s researchers but also to raise awareness locally of the research taking place at their Centre of Research Excellence in the West End of Glasgow, just a 10 minute walk from Oran Mor itself. The ticket price (£60 pp) includes a drinks reception, a 3-course meal with tea or coffee and live entertainment. There will also be a charity auction and some surprises on the night! For tickets please contact Deirdre Curley on curleyd@bhf.org.uk or 07412 573274