A sea of tartan swept through the north-east yesterday as thousands of people donned their kilts and took part in a fundraising march.
A record-breaking 3,200 people helped raise more than £800,000 for charities by taking part in the annual Kiltwalk.
About 1,650 walkers gathered at Potarch Green in Banchory at 9am to begin the 26-mile Mighty Stride into the city, with a further 830 taking part in the 15-mile Big Stroll from Crathes Castle at 11am.
More than 700 others took on the five-mile Wee Wander from Camphill School at noon.
All of the walkers converged on Duthie Park to celebrate the occasion.
Leading the Mighty Stride was 25-year-old Ben Lobban, whose brother Sam died last year at the age of 21.
Mr Lobban took on the Kiltwalk as a “thank you” to the Scottish Association for Mental Health charity.
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Gail Sangster, from Stonehaven, spearheaded the Big Stroll.
Her son, Finlay, was born at 28 weeks and suffers from cerebral palsy.
Since his birth, the youngster’s family have been raising money for Finlay’s Fund, collecting more than £100,000 for equipment to help him enjoy life to the fullest extent.
Following behind was Team Martyn, a group of eight old schoolfriends walking in memory of Martyn Ross, who died from complications arising from diabetes in November aged 25.
Mr Ross, who worked in the legal department of Marathon Oil, was cared for by the team at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital’s diabetic clinic and the team has already raised £2,000 for the service.
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Walking alongside his mother, Lily Ross, yesterday was Rhona Ramsay.
She said: “It’s been a smashing day.
“We’re a group of school friends who still come together for drinks and dinners, and in December we decided to do the Kiltwalk on behalf of Lily.
“We wanted to focus on raising funds for the hospital, and hopefully raise some awareness of the work it does – so far we’ve got more than £2,000.
“The camaraderie at the Kiltwalk was amazing, and we are so touched that many people who never knew Martyn still gave so generously.”
The Kiltwalk is expected to raise approximately £600,000 and, thanks to Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation, the total will be boosted by 40%, with a final amount of £800,000 going to charities across Scotland.
Chief executive of the event, Paul Cooney, said: “The people of Aberdeen, city and the shire, have truly embraced Kiltwalk and that is reflected in the record-breaking numbers.
“The atmosphere created by our walkers, who are helping more than 300 charities, was very special.”
To sign up for the three remaining Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks this year, people can visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk.
