Kindhearted Scots raise over £4 million for charity during Kiltwalk Weekend

More than £4 million has been raised for charity thanks to kind-hearted Scots taking part in this weekend's Virtual Kiltwalk Weekend.

Over 11,000 participated in challenges to raise vital cash for charities across the country as many enjoyed socially distanced events.

The event kicked off on Friday and runs until today. Activities included walking, running, dancing and even tight-roping.

One person taking part over the weekend was Colin Shields from Paisley, who recently had his leg amputated.

A fundraiser all his life, Colin was "delighted" with the Kiltwalk going virtual so he could take part and he climbed the stairs in his building 26 times for his chosen charity Children's 1st.

Virtual Kiltwalk 23-25 April, 2021 Colin Shields recently had his leg amputated. He has been a huge fundraiser all his life so was delighted with the Kiltwalk going Virtual so he could take part. Climbing the stairs in his buillding at his home in Paisley 26 times for his chosen charity Children’s 1st (Big Partnership)

Colin Shields (Big Partnership)

Michael Kidd and wife Evelyn also took part in memory of their daughter Aoife who died from cancer at just six-years-old.

Both trustees for a charity they set up in her memory, the Ayrshire family walked alongside daughter Eilidh, 5, and dog Cora to raise cash for charity Aoife’s Sensory Bus.

Michael Kidd, wife Evelyn, daughter Eilidh and their dog Cora (Big Partnership)

Eilidh Kidd (Big Partnership)

The pandemic has badly hit 1,050 Scottish charities but they are set to benefit from this weekends event which will give them a much needed funding boost.

More than £4 million has been raised already - £2.7 million by kiltwalkers and £1.4 million from Sir Tom Hunter.

Jacqueline Wilson and Irene Brown from Glasgow begin their 26 mile Virtual Kiltwalk at Glasgow Green (Big Partnership)

Each and every penny raised by participants receives a 50 per cent top up from The Hunter Foundation.

Sir Tom Hunter said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people getting involved in the Virtual Kiltwalk Weekend, making such a big effort to help those who need it most.

"The people of Scotland never fail to amaze me with their kindness.”

Since 2016, Kiltwalk heroes have raised £11.4 million and The Hunter Foundation have added £4.2 million on top of this.

So far, a total of £15.6 million has been raised for over 2000 charities.

Steven Phillips, raising funds for Prince and Princess Wales Hospice, and Adele Anderson, raising funds for Beatson Cancer Charity, setting off for their 26 mile walk from Glasgow Green (Big Partnership)

Events take place across Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh each year but some last year were postponed due to coronavirus.

They ran at a later date as a virtual event, much like this years Kiltwalk.

The fundraising deadline for the Virtual Kiltwalk Weekend is Monday May 3.

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