The 26-mile challenge from Hampden on Glasgow’s southside to Balloch Country Park aims to raise money for charity to help Scotland’s children.

Among those donning their kilts for the day were a team raising money for the Vale of Leven Autism and Aspergers Forum (Volaaf).

Jim McLean, dad of founding member Angie Davis, said he was ‘totally amazed’ by the generosity of sponsors to help people in the area with Aspergers or autism, and their families.

The 57-year-old, from Balloch, said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve went over the £500 before the weekend. Somebody actually sponsored me twice because I’m raising money for Volaaf.

“A lot of people have relations or friends that have autism. I’ve even been getting sponsored by total strangers. I was totally amazed.” Sunday’s challenge was Jim’s third Kiltwalk and he previously raised money for Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs but changed this year after Volaaf decided get a team together.

He said: “My grandson’s Jack is autistic and my daughter founded the group and it was decided to get a team together for the walk this year. It’s a subject that’s close to my heart so I decided to do it for them this year.” Jim said yesterday (Monday) he still has money to collect but thinks he’s broken through the £600 barrier, helping the Volaaf raise more than £1,000. Forum members and their families were also taking part, including Kieran Ashton, 13, who has Asperger’s and attends the forum’s Friday night youth club. This was his second Kiltwalk, having raised £350 himself alone last year.

Elizabeth Brown, of Alexandria, and her sister Linda McKillop, of Dumbarton, transformed themselves into Team McSaunter for the challenge.

Tackling the Kiltwalk for the first time, the pair were inspired by an impending big birthday. They also raised around £200 each for Sands – the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. Elizabeth said: “I just thought, I’m turning 60 and I wanted to do something worthwhile. The Kiltwalk’s not a race and you can take it at your own pace – hence the name team McSaunter. Sands is a cause close to the family and they do a lot of good work. I think the wee charities sometimes get forgotten about.” Apprentice hairdresser Stacey Scott, from Bonhill, donned her kilt for the marathon trek with a friend and expects to raise around £200 for children’s charities. The 20-year-old was taking part for the second time and said: “I enjoyed it so much last year and I though it was great, especially since it’s for a good cause.”