An impressive 7,000 Kiltwalkers took to the streets of Edinburgh today to fundraise for 710 different Scottish charities, making it the city’s biggest ever Kiltwalk.
There were 3,000 Kiltwalk heroes taking on the 21-mile Mighty Stride from Bingham Medway through Portobello Promenade, Leith Shore and Gypsy Brae before triumphantly crossing the finish line at Murrayfield Stadium. The Big Stroll saw 2,000 Kiltwalkers walk 15 miles from Musselburgh to the home of rugby, while 2,000 Wee Wanderers walked five miles from Gypsy Brae to meet their fellow Kiltwalkers and receive their medal at the finish line.
The Hunter Foundation underwrites Kiltwalk, and Sir Tom Hunter was at the start line and on the route to praise the walkers. Speaking about the growth of the event, he said: “The good people of Edinburgh and the east love Kiltwalk. We had 1,700 Kiltwalkers in our first Edinburgh Kiltwalk seven years ago, today we have over 7,000 heroes walking for 710 charities.
“It’s incredible and every penny raised here at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk will make such a difference to charities who really, really need a hand up, not a handout in these tough times.
“I’m proud of every single person who took part and crossed the finish line at Murrayfield, be they a Mighty Strider, a Big Stroller, or a Wee Wanderer. I am so grateful for their generosity. I’d like to say to each one of them, thank you for your Kiltwalk Kindness.”
. And they're off!
Kiltwalk slashed the entry fee from £32 to £20 this year to make it even easier for people to help the charity they care about. This is made possible by the generosity of The Hunter Foundation underwriting Kiltwalk. Photo: Jamie Simpson
5. Yes sir we can kiltwalk!
Sir Tom Hunter was at the start line of the Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2023, held this morning, Sunday, September 17, which gave a welcome boost to more than 700 Scottish charities. Photo: Jamie Simpson
6. Highland jig
Dancers from Gordon School of Dancing, Montrose who took part in the Kiltwalk, which is Scotland's largest mass participation walking event and has raised over £37 million for more than 3,000 charities since 2016. Photo: Ian Georgeson
7. Hibs heroes
The 300-strong Hibs squad who stepped out on behalf of the Hibernian Community Foundation at this year's Kiltwalk in Edinburgh. New manager Nick Montgomery took part along with several first team players including goalkeeper David Marshall and midfielders James Jeggo and Joe Newell. Photo: Jamie Simpson
8. Taking the dog for a kiltwalk
Sir Tom Hunter and and dog Frank at this year's Edinburgh Kiltwalk, pictured at the finish line at Murrayfield Stadium. Photo: Ian Georgeson