500 ready for Speyside Kiltwalk

WALKERS taking part in the inaugural Speyside Kiltwalk are guaranteed to spot a whale.

More than 500 people are taking part in the charity event, which kicks off from Buckie Community Centre on Sunday morning.

They will follow a route through to Fochabers and then on to Craigellachie before finishing the 26-mile trek at Aberlour. Those preferring to participate in a shorter 16-mile route can join the walk at Fochabers.

At the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society’s centre at Spey Bay, walkers will be met by a giant inflatable minke whale named Mike.

Alice Mayne, centre manager, said: "It is a privilege for WDCS and the Scottish Dolphin Centre to be part of such a good cause.

"We hope our warm welcome and fun activities will give the walkers the boost they need to complete the remaining 20-odd miles."

Other activities will include the chance to have a go at beating the record for the number of times a person can run the length of a blue whale in a minute, as well as face painting and crafts.

Successful Kiltwalks, starting from Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, have been organised in the past by the Tartan Army – fans of the Scottish national football team.

Jim Hart, who lives in Archiestown and is a member of the Tartan Army, came up with the idea to extend the event and give people in Moray the opportunity to participate.

CLIC Sargent, the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, the Tartan Army Children’s Charity and Aberlour Childcare Trust will benefit from this year’s events.

Those taking part can split the money they raise between the Kiltwalk charities and another of their own choice.

The Speyside Way Kiltwalk will start at 9.15am at Buckie Community Centre, to the accompaniment of Buckie and District Pipe Band.

There will be stops for refreshments at Fochabers and at the Highlander Inn at Craigellachie, where Dufftown and District Pipe Band will play to encourage walkers on to the finish line at the Mash Tun at Aberlour.

Registration will begin at 8am at Buckie, and from 10am for an 11.30am start at the Fochabers Institute.

For more information, visit the website at www.thekiltwalk.co.uk