The fourth and final Kiltwalk of the year is nearly here! Our team of Chartered Akiltants are warming up and getting ready to take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 15 September. Kirsty McVey, Assistant Marketing Manager, has already completed the previous three walks this year in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee and is looking forward to her final challenge. We caught up with Kirsty to find out what her motivation was for signing up for all four Kiltwalks this year, and what she has learned from them. 

Kirsty, you’re a Kiltwalk veteran now! What was your motivation for signing up to walk all four Kiltwalks this year?

I would use the phrase “veteran” very loosely when referring to my Kiltwalk experience! In 2023, the Marketing team all decided to walk the Dundee Kiltwalk together and, as someone who isn’t a regular gym-goer, I challenged myself to do 10 miles. I thoroughly enjoyed this and signed straight up for 14 miles in Edinburgh a month later. This started the bug and I really wanted to push myself to do all four this year – one middle-length Big Stroll and three of the full distance Mighty Strides. I’ve had the best time and I’m so glad I decided to take part.

With three down, and one left to go, what has been your favourite thing about taking part?

I’m a bit of a chatter-box and love being around other people so I’ve really enjoyed being able to spend so much time with colleagues and friends, chatting and laughing as we walk through some beautiful locations! One of the best things about the Kiltwalk is that you get to meet so many new people that you might never have had the chance to speak to before.

Do you have any tips for anyone who has signed for Edinburgh, for the first time?

Do some training beforehand! I didn’t train at all before my first couple and came to regret it by the end, so get out and do as much walking as you can before the day. I’d also say to make sure to wear the same trainers for all of your training walks that you will wear for the Kiltwalk – that way you don’t risk getting blisters from a pair of new shoes.

Who have you chosen to raise money for?

I’m walking to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, in memory of my grandad who passed away when I was a child. The British Heart Foundation is a charity dedicated to funding research, education, and support services to combat heart and circulatory diseases, ultimately aiming to save and improve lives. The work they do is so important, and charity events like the Kiltwalk are vital in raising money and awareness.

For the last time this year, what are you packing in your Kiltwalk bag?

Suncream first and foremost – after I got sunburn at the Dundee Kiltwalk! I’ll also have some sweets and water, electrolytes, plasters, spare socks and my favourite Crocs for the finish line. There’s nothing quite like changing your trainers for a comfy pair of shoes when you finish.

I’d recommend keeping your bag quite light. You don’t want to carry extra weight around with you and the Kiltwalk volunteers do an exceptional job of keeping you fed and watered as you make your way around. They have such an uplifting energy in the moments where you need it most.

If you could choose anyone to join you on a Kiltwalk, past or present, celebrity or not, who would it be?

What a question! My first response would be Harry Styles, but I’m not sure I would cope. If I can have a fictional character then I would love to walk with Ted Lasso. He has such a positive energy and outlook on life, and I think I could learn a lot from him. He’d also be full of fitness tips and would keep us going for those 20 plus miles!

If you would like to support Kirsty and donate to the British Heart Foundation, click here.