Hundreds take part in Great Scottish Walk

Hundreds of walkers of all ages took part

Roughly 700 people are estimated to have taken part in the charity event, which returned following a six-year hiatus.

Founder Terry Crossley came out of retirement to stage the festival again, and his team have promised that the event will be back next year, “bigger and better than ever”.

The route saw joggers, walkers, and ‘Golden Mile’ competitors in scooters and wheelchairs take over the streets on a route that took in Arthur’s Seat, Duddingston Loch and Portobello.

After completing their course, participants enjoyed some afternoon breaks in the cloud in Holyrood Park, where they were entertained with a Glenn Miller, Second World War-style swing band, just one of the ways in which event organisers tried to make this year’s festival a tribute to the armed services.

On Fathers’ Day, dads taking part or supporting loved ones also got a special treat with a Spitfire simulator that let them briefly become hero pilots.

Organisers were still totting up the charity totals, with tens of thousands of pounds expected to be raised for good causes including the Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal, JDRF Scotland, The Butterfly Trust and CLIC Sargent.

Speaking as the event wound down, co-organiser Andy Waugh said: “It’s gone really well. The weather has brightened up and people are still enjoying themselves. It was very much a community affair, with the Edinburgh City Choir singing, pipers from the Royal Mail pipe band, and vintage military vehicles.

“Without a doubt, if we have anything to do with it, it will be back next year bigger and better than ever. Because we’ve added our own Armed Forces Day celebrations, we hope to have a far larger event, potentially over two days.

“The charities have been saying it’s a great community event, and they’ve had a great response. Young and old, there’s been something for everybody. Everyone had a great time and they all want to do it again next year.”

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