More than 2,300 tartan-clad walkers took to the streets and paths of the north-east for the return of the Aberdeen Kiltwalk.
The Kiltwalk Heroes took part in the first in-person event in three years to raise funds for charities mainly based across Grampian and the north.
A total of 290 charities will benefit from the walker’s fundraising, which will receive a generous 50% top-up from Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation.
Kiltwalk chief executive Paul Cooney said: “Being back in Aberdeen for the first time since 2019 was an absolute joy. It was very moving to see everyone turned out in tartan and ready to take on the world.
“It’s been a tough few years for charities and the Kiltwalk Kindness of the people of Aberdeen and ‘Shire is truly appreciated. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our Kiltwalk Heroes and the difference they have made today.”
Crossing the finish line together
The Aberdeen walkers took part in one of three routes with varying difficulties. Those completing the 26-mile Mighty Stride left from Potarch Green, while the 15-mile Big Stroll kicked off at Crathes Castle.
The three-mile option, the Wee Wander, began at Goals in Aberdeen, before joining all the walkers to cross the finish line at Duthie Park.
One of the “Kiltwalk Heroes” taking part in Sunday’s event was Eunice Gardyne, general manager at dementia support charity, Forget Me Not.
She said: “We’re proud to be out doing the Kiltwalk again, and raising vital funds for people in the community with dementia, their family, friends and carers.
“We provide daily support Monday to Friday at our centre and have pop-up events in villages as well as outreach. The money we raise from Kiltwalk will enable us to purchase more activities to do with our members, stimulate them further and enhance their time during a session.”
Paralympian Neil Fachie, from Aberdeen, and his racing-cyclist wife, Lora Fachie, also took part in the Big Stroll to raise funds for the Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust.
Hundreds of beneficiaries
Money raised during the event will help hundreds of north-east charities to continue offering their services, including Inverurie-based inclusive soft play centre BECS.
Founder Rebecca Mennie said: “BECS was set up for children with additional needs to integrate into the community and have a soft play facility that they could attend that met their needs. BECS aims to support children with additional needs and mainstream children to get together and to learn about each other and their needs through play.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Kiltwalk and the fantastic top up provided by The Hunter Foundation. The extra 50% will go a long way to help us provide our services and ensure every child in the community has a chance to explore and learn through play.”
To sign up for other 2022 Kiltwalk events, including the Virtual Kiltwalk in October, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk