MORE than 100 people are strapping on their walking boots for the ever-popular annual Walk With Scott event this Saturday.

The Walk With Scott Foundation is holding its seventh annual walk around East Lothian, raising funds for local causes.

The foundation was formed by Tranent man Scott Glynn, who decided just under seven years ago to celebrate his 50th birthday by walking to the six rugby clubs in the county and putting a collection tin in the bars in each club, before sharing the donations between various local groups and causes.

The walks have been going on every year ever since, with more and more people getting involved – and, incredibly, the charity has now raised more than £280,000 over the years.

More than 100 people will be walking this year, with the route starting at Cockenzie and Port Seton Royal British Legion, heading along to Musselburgh then down the banks of the Esk to Whitecraig, along the old Pencaitland railway, on to Boggs Holdings, up through Butterdean Woods, along the Longniddry railway line to Longniddry, then back along the coast road to Cockenzie, a total of about 26 miles.

A donation page has been set up to help the fundraising effort, and so far the foundation has smashed its £2,500 target, with more than £3,000 raised and rising.

Scott, 56, told the Courier: “It’s amazing, and we still have time before and after the walk to raise more.

“We have no plans for the money at present – it’s good to just have some there so if something comes up, we can use it.”

The foundation previously has been able to jump into action quickly when helping out East Lothian Foodbank and handing over £2,000 to the Hollies Day Centre in Musselburgh after it suffered a break-in and theft of its safe.

On support for the charity, Scott added: “I think it’s because we support local causes and people can see the difference that we make. Now we’ve been around for a while, people know us and know what we’re about.”

Scott suffered a health scare two years ago when he was diagnosed with liver cancer and underwent life-saving surgery when he was given a liver transplant.

He said: “I’m feeling really good and am absolutely ready to go.

“I enjoy the walks and am feeling fit and ready. I’ve been training, as have everyone else. It’s great seeing the videos and updates that people send through of them training and working hard.”

To donate to the charity’s efforts visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WWSFWalk2019 – more information is available from the Walk with Scott Facebook page.