HARDY walkers strapped on their boots and tramped across East Lothian on Saturday – raising a huge total for charity in the process.

The Walk With Scott Foundation, based in Tranent, is close to reaching a cumulative total of £300,000 after raising more than £10,000 after its seventh sponsored walk around the county.

More than 140 people turned out to complete the 26.2-mile walk around East Lothian in aid of the foundation, which ploughs the money that it raises back into good causes in the community.

Scott Glynn, founder of the charity, said: “It was absolutely fantastic, a really incredible day. So many brave people turned up to take part.

“With the online fundraiser page and through cheques and donations, I am optimistic that we are going to go higher than the £10,000 mark when all the money is collected, which means we will hit £300,000 as a total raised by the charity.”

The weather held out for the walkers, with only a few light showers throughout the day.

The group set out from Cockenzie, heading to Musselburgh; they followed the River Esk to Whitecraig, then went along the old Pencaitland railway, on to Boggs Holdings, up through Butterdean Woods, then along to Longniddry before turning back along the coast road to Cockenzie.

Scott, 56, was happy to be involved this year after a health scare two years ago when he was diagnosed with liver cancer, before he underwent a life-saving transplant.

He added: “The last small section, between Port Seton Harbour and Cockenzie and Port Seton Royal British Legion, we were piped along by a piper to the finishing point. Along the route there was the Clark Community Choir singing us on and at another stop there was the local pipe band. It was really incredible – a truly brilliant day.”

As well as sponsorship forms, buckets were carried on the day to allow passers-by to donate, including spectators at Musselburgh Rugby 7s.

Scott said: “We actually popped along to the 7s game to see if we could rattle our buckets a wee bit and we raised £700 from that section alone! All the money goes back into the community: no-one who helps the charity takes a salary or anything.”

Karen Kidd, treasurer, secretary and board member, said: “Huge thanks to all who have sponsored and supported our ‘Scotters’ for this year’s walk. There is still time to donate by visiting the website.

“I’ve walked all seven walks and have to say that this was up there as being the best so far.

“The pace was great, the group pretty much stuck together for the whole 10 hours – which made the whole experience very enjoyable. Great banter and sing-songs from the walkers, with lovely wee surprises along the route including cupcakes from Sweet Boutique in Prestonpans and lots more.”

The excess water and fruit from the day has been donated by the foundation: the water going to Tranent Colts’ football tournament and the fruit to Fundamental Foods.

Karen said: “On behalf of the foundation’s board, Colin McGinn, Blair Stewart, Alan Bell and myself, we would like to say a huge thank you to all of this year’s Scotter family for helping us continue to help others across our communities.”

Simon Davie, Fa’side Area Partnership manager, took part and said: “The atmosphere and camaraderie was amazing. I met some fantastic people and was humbled by some of their stories – all there putting their bodies on the line to make a difference for our local communities. It was a truly inspiring day with a truly inspiring leader.”

The Walk with Scott Foundation was founded seven years ago after Scott did his very first walk and has gone from strength to strength, donating to a number of local causes.

Iain Gray, East Lothian MSP, said: “Scott’s fundraising over the last few years has become legendary, and to reach £300,000 in support of a good causes is a remarkable achievement.

“He deserves huge praise for what he has achieved through his foundations, especially considering the personal health battle he has gone through.

“However, I know he would be the first to acknowledge that none of this could have been achieved without the support and generosity of individuals and communities across East Lothian.”

Donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WWSFWalk2019