In pictures: Over 10,000 take part in '˜world's biggest kiltwalk'

A record breaking number of people took part in the walk. Picture: Elaine Livingstone

Sir Tom Hunter was delighted with the turnout but stated that there’s even more to come before urging more people to sign up for other kiltwalks around Scotland later this year.

He said: “This goes to the heart of what Scotland is all about – caring for one another”, he said. “We live in an incredible country with people who are willing to literally go the extra mile for those who need it most.

“I am so proud of everyone who took part today. The efforts of every Kiltwalker will make a real, lasting and impactful difference to charities across Scotland supporting thousands of people and the causes they care about.

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“It doesn’t stop here. I encourage everyone to follow the lead of those who walked today and sign-up to take part in the Aberdeen Kiltwalk in June, our St Andrews to Dundee walk in August and the final Kiltwalk of the year in Edinburgh in September.”

This year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk was extra special with Doddie Weir, a rugby legend battling motor neurone disease, joined by boxing hero Charlie Flynn and STV’s Sean Batty to gee up walkers at the Glasgow Green starting point.

Scottish rugby legend Doddie said: “Looking out at a sea of Scots in kilts, ready to walk 23 miles to help others, made me incredibly proud to be Scottish. It was an honour to be asked to wave off this year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk and I enjoyed every minute. Every single walker is raising money for an extremely worthwhile cause, and together, they will make an immediate difference which will be felt across the country.

“I’m humbled and incredibly grateful to those that chose to walk for Doddie Weir’5 Discretionary Trust and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The atmosphere was special and I would urge everyone who can to take part in a Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk.”

Boxer Charlie Flynn, whose cheeky grin and gold medal winning performance won over the world at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, said: “What a buzz. I loved every minute of being at Glasgow Green this morning. From Glasgow 2014 to the 2018 Glasgow Kiltwalk, this city continues to amaze and inspire me with the incredible events it’s able to put on, and the unbelievable spirit of those involved.

“People really do make Glasgow. Seeing all those smiling walkers in their charity t-shirts, walking to help others really was a sight to behold. I’m still beaming with pride.”

The Glasgow Kiltwalk alone is set to raise more than £1.5 million and the 40 per cent top-up from The Hunter Foundation will take that to over £2 million. Every pound will go to the 600 Scottish charities taking part.

Malcolm Buchanan, chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Scottish board, added: “What an incredible day. We’ve watched as the Kiltwalk has grown. Today was a day to take stock of what everyone involved has managed to achieve in the last few years. It really is incredibly humbling.

“Well done to every walker, every volunteer, every supporter and indeed everyone involved in making today the biggest ever Kiltwalk.”

Walkers can choose from four Kiltwalks this year, including Aberdeen on 3 June, followed by St Andrews to Dundee on 19 August and, finally, Edinburgh on 16 September.

Each walk has three distances to choose from to suit people of all ages and abilities.

Thanks to the generous 40 per cent fundraising boost pledged by Sir Tom and The Hunter Foundation, charities will receive a 140 per cent return for every penny raised by walkers.

To sign up for the three remaining Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks this year, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk