A group of wives of local soldiers serving in Afghanistan set off on an historic route for a charity walk today.
The women were raising funds for Whitehackle, the official charity of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS). Money collected will go towards supporting any injured soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
The walk route, from Edinburgh Castle to Glencourse Barracks in Penicuik, links what were once local prisoner of war camps during the Napoleonic War.
French prisoners of war were detained at both the castle and the barracks during the conflict and were transferred between the two by forced marches.
Judith Dixon, who is married to Sergeant Major Jason Dixon, said:
"We're here today primarily to raise money for soldiers and their families that are injured in Afghanistan, but also to raise awareness that there's a lot of men and women out there doing a really good job. Just really to show our appreciation for them."
Another of those marching, Jackie Curran, added:
"If a soldier's injured, and their family has to go to Birmingham to support them, to be there with them, they haven't got the money to just go and get flights to this money goes towards flights for them, and helps with their expenses."
You can find out more about the appeal, which has raised more than £18,000, at this link.
