A LEGENDARY Kiltwalk that finished in Dumbarton has raised a record sum for more than 1,200 charities across the country.

The final record-breaking sum of £8.4 million includes £2.2 million raised by the first physical Kiltwalk in two years.

Scotland’s Kiltwalk, held on Sunday, September 26 in Glasgow, and finished at Dumbarton's Meadow Leisure Centre, attracted 4,000 walkers of all ages.

Together they raised £1.1 million for almost 500 charities desperate for assistance following lockdown.

The Mighty Stride raised a remarkable £8.4 million for more than a thousand charities after 15,500 heroes put on a bit of tartan and took part in events.

April’s Virtual event saw 11,500 Kiltwalkers raise £4.1 million, with an additional £2.05 million donated from the Hunter Foundation; assuring a massive £6.15 million for Scottish charities big and small.

In a video message Sir Tom Hunter revealed their fundraising total is being topped up by an astonishing 100 per cent after The Hunter Foundation added 50 per cent and the Kiltwalk itself provided a further 50 per cent.

Sir Tom Hunter said: “Last week we all got together to walk for charities we care about and the smiles on everyone’s faces said it all: Kiltwalk is back. Scotland’s Kiltwalk raised just over £1.1 million for the charities but after speaking to walkers we were so struck by how much of a lifeline Kiltwalk has been that we are topping up this figure not by 50 per cent but by 100 per cent, with 50 per cent coming from The Hunter Foundation and 50 per cent coming from the Kiltwalk itself.

"So that’s an amazing £2.2 million for Scottish charities.

“I’m also proud to confirm that 2021 is our biggest year ever, raising a staggering £8.4 million for more than 1,200 Scottish charities. At a time when those in need really needed help, the Kiltwalk community went beyond the call of duty, so I want to thank them and all of our sponsors, Royal Bank of Scotland, Arnold Clark and Johnston Carmichael for their Kiltwalk Kindness.

"We look forward to seeing you all in 2022.”

The Kiltwalk’s 50 per cent top up of £550,000 was donated from the charity event’s reserves, which were built up from registration and sponsorship fees, and the ongoing support of staff and volunteers.