THERE are mixed emotions ahead of the eighth Walk With Scott Foundation walk on Saturday, the first without the charity’s founder Scott Glynn.

The foundation, which helps other good causes in East Lothian, was set to host a two-day Infinity Walk in May but delayed it to next May due to Covid-19 concerns.

Instead, it decided to host a marathon-length walk. About 50 people are taking part, less than the usual 130.

Here are all the details of this year's event.

 

When will the walk start?

Walkers will leave the Royal British Legion branch in Cockenzie at about 7.30am.

 

What is the route?

Participants will then walk west along the coastline through Prestonpans to Musselburgh Rugby Club, then through the south of Prestonpans to Longniddry, where they will stop at about noon for lunch at the Royal British Legion branch. Walkers are bringing their own lunch.

They will then walk the Haddington Railway Walk to Haddington Rugby Club before travelling through Gladsmuir and Macmerry on their way to Ross High Rugby Club in Tranent, where they will finish at about 5-6pm, having walked a total of 26 miles in about 10 hours.

This year’s walk is the first since the foundation’s founder Scott passed away on New Year’s Day last year.

Last year’s walk was cancelled, also due to Covid-19.

 

What are the Covid safety measures in place?

There are also extra Covid safety precautions – participants will need to take a lateral flow test and bring masks and hand sanitiser.

 

How are people feeling ahead of the event?

Karen Kidd, Walk With Scott Foundation secretary and trustee, said: “It’s exciting as it’s the first time we’ve had the walk in two years. I am and we all are really looking forward to it.

“But there is also a hint of sadness and it is the first one without Scott.

“We will all have him in our thoughts and imagine hearing him telling us to not moan and carry on.

“We are doing it for him, he is the one that started it.

“Some people taking part have been out training and preparing for it. But we remind people it is not a race, we walk together as a unit and encourage each other.”

Some of Scott’s family are taking part in this year’s walk, including daughter Lauren and son Gareth. Gareth came up with this year’s route and Lauren is head marshal.

Colin McGinn, the charity’s vice chair and a Tranent ward councillor, said: “It will be pretty poignant with it being the first walk without Scott but we need to keep his vision and the foundation alive; we’re all determined to do that.

“It will be a good event but it will be tinged with sadness. I still really miss Scott. My emotions are going to be all over the place on Saturday.”