KILTWALKERS from as far afield as America donned their tartan and stepped out to support an East Lothian charity.

On April 24, supporters and members of Stepping Out, based in North Berwick, took part in the virtual Kiltwalk event to raise funds for the project.

The Kiltwalk sees people take part in the walking challenge and raise money for Scottish charities in the process.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s event took place virtually.

But it was not just in East Lothian that people were taking part.

Walkers and cyclists grabbed some tartan and took part, with some even helping raise money for the charity in Germany and New York.

The virtual Kiltwalk event enabled the charity’s members, who would not take part in a mass event, to participate, contribute and enjoy being part of the experience.

There was not one set route for supporting Stepping Out, with participants instead walking various routes according to individual ability.

Most of the East Lothian walkers followed parts of the John Muir Way.

The project’s community mental health team walked from North Berwick to Dunbar, a total distance of 15 miles.

Stepping Out staff member Ann Richardson and her daughter Meg walked from Haddington to Longniddry, where they enjoyed a vegan cookie, and then travelled on to North Berwick, also a total distance of 15 miles.

Some members took on a half-marathon distance, which saw them get the train to Longniddry and walk back to North Berwick, while others with limited mobility challenged themselves with a walk around the Lodge Grounds or the 10-kilometre route to the lake at the Balgone Estate, to the south of North Berwick.

Not everyone walked during the challenge, with some of those taking part cycling instead, with support from Cycling UK, which helps people back into cycling, getting onto bikes for the first time in years.

Prior to the challenge, those who cycled for it gradually built up their skills and confidence on a bike, with the Kiltwalk challenge their first outing since lockdown.

They completed a round trip from Aberlady to North Berwick, a total of 14 miles.

Nicky Fox, Stepping Out’s project manager, who has been undergoing treatment for kidney cancer for the last two years, also got on her bike and joined the cycling group, having also not been on a bicycle for about 11 years.

In Germany, Nikolai, his dad Frank and one-year-old son Tavis completed a 10-kilometre walk beside the River Hamme, near Bremen in north-west Germany.

In New York, Jean Matthews walked with her granddaughter and six other family members and friends, taking in the views of the city as they went.

The total amount of money raised is expected to smash last year’s figure of £4,500, but the final amount has not yet been calculated.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken part and everyone who has donated.”