PAVEMENTS and pathways across Dundee, Angus and Fife were awash with tartan on Sunday as more than 3650 Kiltwalkers strode out for 470 Scottish charities.
In Dundee’s biggest Kiltwalk to date, the 20-mile Mighty Stride left from the Old Course in St Andrews at 9am before finishing up at the city’s Slessor Gardens.
The four-mile Wee Wander set off from another historic setting at Castle Green, Broughty Ferry, and ended in the city centre.
Among the famous faces taking part were Dundee United legend Jim McInally and STV News anchor Gordon Chree.
The Kiltwalk is fully underwritten by The Hunter Foundation.
Sir Tom Hunter said: “I’m incredibly proud that more people than ever have trained, fundraised and worked so hard to raise over £600,000 in one day for these great Scottish charities who really need your financial support.
“Thank you for all your Kiltwalk kindness. Next up - Edinburgh!”
Walkers stepped out in support of a remarkable variety of charities.
Stacey Wallace, charity manager at DC Thomson’s Help for Kids, said: “What a fantastic day we had at Dundee Kiltwalk. The organisation and atmosphere was amazing, we are truly grateful to everyone who took part to raise money for Help for Kids.
“Funds raised will help so many local children with day to day necessities like beds, clothing, winter jackets and the funds will make a good start to our Christmas toy appeal.
“Thank you everyone and thank you Kiltwalk for continuing this event every year in Dundee, so many charities benefit. What a great day”.
Dan Woods, board member of Dundee-based Kanzen Karate, which aims to build better lives through karate, said Kiltwalk would provide a substantial boost to their operations across the city.
“We had an absolute blast at the 2023 Kiltwalk with 107 supporters out walking to raise funds for Kanzen,” he said.
“There was so much fun and camaraderie along the way and it was great to see so many people walking for their chosen charities.
“The Kanzen donations will be used to support our community work in schools and local communities. The money will make a real difference and help the people who really need our support.”
Macmillan Cancer Support had the largest group of walkers with 110 people who hoped to raised £25,000.
Eloise Jones, senior event manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “This fundraising will mean we can continue to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer via our range of support services”.
This year the entry fee for the Mighty Stride was reduced from £32 to £20 to make Kiltwalk as accessible as possible amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Every penny raised goes directly to the charities chosen by the walkers plus they can claim Gift Aid which can raise the totals by up to 125%.
Kiltwalk has raised and distributed £37 million to over 3000 Scottish charities in seven years.
The next Kiltwalk will take place in Edinburgh on September 17.
