Edinburgh Kiltwalk goes Virtual to support cash-strapped charities

Sir Tom Hunter adds a 50% fundraising boost

Kiltwalkers have been urged to don some tartan and take part in a weekend-long virtual version of the Edinburgh event after this year’s walk was cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.

The Big Virtual Kiltwalk Weekend will take place between September 11-13. Participants are being challenged to get active, whilst adhering to social distancing measures, and raise much-needed funds for charities of their choice. 

Every pound raised will be topped up by a 50% donation from The Hunter Foundation.

In 2020 so far, Kiltwalkers and The Hunter Foundation have raised and distributed £2.5 million, including £600,000 raised by a virtual version of the Dundee Kiltwalk.

It has also been confirmed that the Glasgow and Aberdeen Kiltwalks, which were postponed amid lockdown, can no longer go ahead, with participants being encouraged to join the Big Virtual Kiltwalk Weekend in September instead.

In a video message posted today (Friday 24 July), Sir Tom Hunter told Kiltwalkers that their kindness is needed more than ever. Many charities are struggling to survive after losing income to COVID-19.

Sir Tom said: “We can’t all get together, but we’re going to go virtual. We tried it in Dundee and it was a fantastic success. 

“You can walk, swim, bounce on your space hopper – do whatever you want, for the charity of your choice. If ever there was a time when the folk who need our help need it most, it is now. So, put on a wee bit of tartan and get involved, get together, and get into the Kiltwalk spirit.”

For further information about the Kiltwalk visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk.