Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!

Article Source: Kiltwalk
Last Updated: 28 April 2025 11:30

Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world’s biggest ever Kiltwalk, with 19,000 heroes walking for 1,100 Scottish charities.

Five thousand heroes walked from Clydebank to Balloch on Saturday before another 14,000 heroes took to the streets and paths from Glasgow Green and Clydebank all the way to the finish line at Loch Lomond on Sunday. As walkers set off, £3 million had already been raised, and this figure will rise in the coming days.

The Hunter Foundation underwrites Kiltwalk, ensuring that every penny and pound the walkers raise goes to the charities of their choice, plus gift aid. It’s the lowest-cost platform for raising charity funds in the country.

Sir Tom Hunter, who led the walkers on both days, thanked everyone for their incredible Kiltwalk Kindness.

Sir Tom said: “In the 10 years that The Hunter Foundation has been involved with Kiltwalk, you and our Foundation have raised an incredible £53 million for 4,000 Scottish charities.

“I believe the magic of Kiltwalk is quite simple: in every community across Scotland, there are people who need a wee hand up, and there are good folks like you who get up in the morning and help them. All the Kiltwalk does is simply connect you. There isn’t a prouder Scotsman on the planet than me this morning.”

Paddy McGuinness joined Sir Tom Hunter to rally walkers at this year’s Kiltwalk, after Sir Tom supported Paddy’s epic BBC Children in Need challenge last year, which saw him cycle 300 miles from Wrexham to Glasgow.

Speaking before yesterday’s Big Stroll, the TV presenter wished the Kiltwalkers the best of luck, commending them for participating in Kiltwalk for their chosen charities and wishing them a safe walk on their journey to Balloch.

Russell Borrie, CEO and Group MD of headline sponsor, Arnold Clark, said: “Arnold Clark has been a proud sponsor of the Kiltwalk since 2016, and we look forward to lending our support once again this year in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.

“The Kiltwalk continues to make a huge difference to so many communities across Scotland, bringing people together to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts. We know it's always a great occasion that’s enjoyed by everyone, including the many Arnold Clark employees who take part every year.

“We’re also excited to offer Kiltwalkers the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000! And this year, as an added bonus for Glasgow’s Kiltwalk, we’ll be giving £30,000 of car credit to the winner’s chosen charity! Good luck everyone!”

Kiltwalk supports charities across Scotland. One of the largest involved is Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, with almost 6,500 walkers having raised over £1.5m for the organisation over the last decade.

Kirsten Watson, Chief Executive, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, said: “On behalf of all the children and families whose lives have been impacted by the Kiltwalk and The Hunter Foundation these past 10 years, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity extends our heartfelt gratitude for your extraordinary support and generosity.

“The Kiltwalk is not just an event—it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of kindness throughout Scotland. Kiltwalk provides an incredible platform of support to charities throughout Scotland, and we are profoundly grateful for the positive impact made these past 10 years.”

One of Kiltwalk’s smallest charities, A Bear Named Buttony, has raised more than £11,000 thanks to the fundraising efforts of the 85 walkers who have stepped out on its behalf over the years.

Helen MacFarlane, Trustee and Secretary, A Bear Named Buttony, said: “A Bear Named Buttony was the inspirational idea of founder Jenny Gow and, to date, over 6,200 special bears have been gifted to children requiring stoma surgery.

“The smiles on the faces of the children receiving the bears are incredible, and they love having a friend just like them as a companion and comfort. Kiltwalk’s donation will enable us to support a further 200 children.”

This year, Kiltwalk is also supporting Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de Four charity cycling event, established by the six-time Olympic gold medallist following his diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer.

This means anyone who walks for Kiltwalk itself in 2025 will see everything they raise, plus eligible Gift Aid, go to five cancer charities nominated by Sir Chris Hoy. The charities are Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie’s, and Prostate Cancer UK.

And 10 charities were thrilled over the Glasgow Kiltwalk weekend when they discovered they’d each received £5,000 from The Hunter Foundation as part of ‘the happiest minute at the Kiltwalk’.

Next up is the Aberdeen Kiltwalk on Sunday 1 June, St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday 17 August and Edinburgh on Sunday 14 September. It’s still just £20 to walk thanks to The Hunter Foundation’s support.

For more information or to register for a future Kiltwalk, visit: www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz

Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.

Hoolie in the Hydro opens doors to young Gaels for Glasgow 850

More than 1,300 Glasgow schoolchildren are being given the opportunity to access live music as part of a special tie-up between Hoolie in the Hydro and Glasgow 850.

ASN sessions to be held at Winter Wonderland Glasgow Green

Dedicated ASN sessions are to be hosted at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green to enable families in need of support to have a festive day out.

77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts awarded with highest honour given to volunteer led groups

The 77th Glasgow (Disabled) Scouts has been recognised with The King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest honour for volunteer-led groups in the UK.

Topgolf celebrating 25 years of fun with a week of deals and prizes

Topgolf's journey started in Watford at the turn of the millennium and has since grown into a global enterprise with more than 100 venues worldwide.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Glasgow Fort unwraps festive celebrations

Christmas magic is set to return to Glasgow Fort on Thursday 20th November as the centre unveils its seasonal line-up!

Global fashion brand Stradivarius opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, opens Glasgow's first-ever Stradivarius store, further elevating its fashion offering.

Boney M ft Maizie and Newton Faulkner join Fun For Life Fest lineup

Boney M featuring Maizie Williams are set to co-headline the Fun For Life Fest on Saturday 16 May 2026, with Newton Faulkner also joining the line up.

Trafalgar Entertainment becomes official sponsor of Box Office Radio

Global live entertainment company – Trafalgar Entertainment – has become the official sponsor of Box Office Radio.

New book launches in Busby by local author, Marissa McCudden

Debut author, Marissa McCudden, has launched her new book, 'There's Lots of Different Types of Clever' with illustrator, Michael Spy on Amazon.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

The Ivy Buchanan Street unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.

Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail

Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!

KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End

The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026

The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!

Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow

The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future

Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026

Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.

Sir Billy Connolly award applications open for Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2026

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has opened applications for its prestigious Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award with acts, venues and staff in 2026's festival encouraged to apply now.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

SEC Glasgow at 40: Four decades of creating incredible

For four decades the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has stood at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life, attracting world-class shows, artists, major events and conferences to Glasgow.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Glasgow Taxis Cup returns for its 21st year in 2026

Now in its twenty-first year, Glasgow Taxis Cup, will see more than 700 student athletes from Glasgow Caledonian, Strathclyde, and Glasgow universities competing across 17+ sports in 21+ events!