Record breaking Kiltwalk year raises £8.5milion for 1,880 Scottish charities

Sunday 13th September 2026 – Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy joined philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter to lead out 8,000 heroes at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in the sunshine, as they raised £1.5 million for 762 charities. In total, 38,000 Kiltwalkers donated £8.5mil this year.

In 11 years Kiltwalk has now raised an astonishing £66.5 million for 4,500 charities: that’s £52.5 mil from 254,000 Kiltwalkers and £14 mil from The Hunter Foundation.

Earlier in the year, Sir Tom shared his ambition for Kiltwalk to reach £100 million in the next five years to “be there” for Scotland’s third sector in these times of global and economic uncertainty.

At Holyrood Park, Sir Tom addressed 3,200 Mighty Striders:

“Today, Edinburgh, you are 8,000 strong, and you brilliant Kiltwalkers are raising over £1.5 million today for the charities that mean the most to you. The Kiltwalk has quite simply become a Scottish phenomenon. I don’t think it could happen anywhere else in the world. There are people all over the length and breadth of Scotland who just need a wee hand up, and good folks like yourselves are willing to come out and give them that help. The Kiltwalk simply connects you with those who need that help.

“Thank you for caring, and thank you for making Scotland this wonderful place.”

Sir Tom was joined by Edinburgh-born, six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, who delivered an inspirational address to Mighty Striders before they set off on their 21-mile journey.

Sir Chris Hoy said: “What a beautiful morning for a walk! So many amazing charities are going to benefit from all the effort you’re putting in. Thank you to everyone who has turned up, and a special thank you to everyone who backed the Tour de 4 and is supporting my cancer charity fundraising efforts. There has been a huge amount raised and a load of support through the Kiltwalk, so a big thank you to Tom for including us in that.

“Good luck, everyone. Keep up the fundraising and enjoy!”

3,100 walkers took on the 11-mile Big Stroll from Fisherrow Links at Musselburgh while 1,700 others enjoyed a 4.5 mile Wee Wander from Victoria Park – everyone finishing at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

Headline sponsor, Arnold Clark, provided the biggest surprise of the day when two deserving Kiltwalkers discovered their charities would each be receiving a massive £10,000 windfall.

Vicki Reed was delighted to win the cash prize for Peaches Womb Cancer Trust at Holyrood Park. They provide a better life for those affected by womb cancer - by raising awareness, supporting patients and funding research.

The surprised winner at Musselburgh’s Big Stroll was Sarah-Jane MacKay whose windfall will help Tourette Scotland. She explained how the charity has been giving her support since her son was diagnosed with the condition earlier this year.

One of the many Arnold Clark employees taking part is also going to be selected as a surprise winner for their charity. In total, a massive £30,000 bonus for local charities.

Russell Borrie, Chief Executive Officer at Arnold Clark, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be marking our eleventh year as Headline sponsor of the Kiltwalk.

"The Edinburgh Kiltwalk is always a standout moment in the calendar, bringing together thousands of walkers united by a shared passion for supporting the causes closest to them.

"This year, there’s even more to look forward to, with three lucky walkers each in with a chance of winning an extra £10,000 for their charities.

“Good luck to everyone taking part!"

Five pit stops offered a variety of delicious snacks from Kiltwalk’s Official Supermarket partner, Lidl. Entertainment was provided by local performers, dance groups, charities and corporate sponsors.

The Hunter Foundation underwrites Kiltwalk, ensuring that every penny the walkers raise goes to the charities of their choice, plus gift aid. It’s the lowest-cost platform for raising charity funds in Scotland and the 5^th biggest mass fundraising event in the UK.

Today’s Edinburgh event closes Kiltwalk’s record-breaking year of events. Final fundraising announcements and news on Kiltwalk 2027 will be available very soon here.