A MORAY CHARITY has spoken of their ‘devastation’ that the highly popular annual Speyside Kiltwalk would not take place this year.
Lossiemouth-based charity Logan’s Fund would have been one of the main beneficiaries of the annual event – however, the Kiltwalk was recently cancelled after facing financial difficulties and has since been taken over by the Hunter Foundation.
There may, however, be new hope for Logan’s Fund as many walkers have switched their attention to taking on the gruelling Speyside Way – prompting the charity to take part in that as a replacement fundraising event.
On hearing how many people were prepared to take on the Speyside Way on August 30, the Chairman of Logan’s Fund, Cameron Mackintosh, told insideMoray: “It was humbling to hear how many still intend to walk on that day for Logan’s Fund and The Aila Coull Foundation – and many, many other children’s charities and causes both national and local.
“We are also aware that many people want to walk supporting both Logan’s Fund and The Aila Coull Foundation which just fills our hearts.
“So our two charities have harnessed this enthusiasm and we have decided to join all the amazing people out there who have a burning desire to walk on – and so we have launched ‘The Walk’.”
The Speyside Way is a marathon-distance walk – but for those who wish to follow their original intention of taking on a shorter distance ‘The Walk’ will cater for their needs, with starting points set at Buckie for the full distance or Fochabers (16 miles) or a ‘Family Walk’ from Craigellachie (2.5 miles) – with all three culminating in Aberlour.
Mr Mackintosh added: “There is no charge to be a part of The Walk – the Speyside Way is free for all to walk. Just choose your charity/cause and get training and fundraising.
“We must also stress that The Speyside Way is no walk in the park. Anyone walking with us on August 30 does so at their own risk and responsibility.”
Volunteers from both Logan’s Fund and the Aila Coull Foundation will patrol the Speyside Way during The Walk to offer support and assistance to participants.