TWO Musselburgh clergymen, a church elder and team from a local youth project donned kilts and tartan to raise hundreds of pounds for charity in this year’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk.

The Revs Aaron Moffat-Jackman, priest-in-charge at St Peter’s Episcopal Church, and Leslie Milton, minister at St Andrew’s High Church, joined forces for Christian Aid on the 14-mile Big Stroll around the city, along with Faye Rolland, an elder at St Andrew’s High.

A seven-strong team from the Bridges Project on Bogpark Road also put their best foot forward for the Big Stroll to raise funds for the project’s services working with young people in East Lothian and Midlothian.

Mr Moffat-Jackman said: “We both proudly wore family tartan kilts and embarked on our walk.

“I was blown away by the sheer number of people in attendance, all committed to raising money for their chosen charities.

“It was an encouraging sign of solidarity and togetherness at a time when we need it more than ever.

“I enjoyed the chance to chat with people as I walked, to eat jelly beans and chocolate bars guilt-free, and to discover parts of Edinburgh that I didn’t even know existed, like Cramond Beach and the Water of Leith.

East Lothian Courier: Reverends Aaron Moffat-Jackman, priest-in-charge at St Peter's Episcopal Church, and Leslie Milton, minister at St Andrew's High Church, joined forces for Christian Aid at the Edinburgh KiltwalkReverends Aaron Moffat-Jackman, priest-in-charge at St Peter's Episcopal Church, and Leslie Milton, minister at St Andrew's High Church, joined forces for Christian Aid at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk

“Fourteen miles was a manageable distance but there were times when my feet ached and, as I approached the final leg, I found myself fantasising about a hot bath and a relaxing foot massage.

“We were greeted at the finish line with a medal and a tasty burger, and it was high fives all round for everyone who had participated.

“I ended up raising nearly £600 for Christian Aid, which will go towards supporting vulnerable people suffering because of climate change, poverty and war throughout the world.”

Between them Mr Milton and Faye raised £1,000 for Christian Aid.

Mr Milton said: “Taking part in the Kiltwalk was a great experience, made all the better by the fact that the weather was perfect for walking.

“There is a real buzz about taking part in a big event and the atmosphere was fantastic. I was really impressed by just how many people were raising money, many of them for local charities.”

The team from the Bridges Project – current and past staff members, partners and family members – also opted for the Big Stroll.

Simen Jordsmyr Holm, the project’s fundraising and communications manager, said: “We completed the distance in about five hours and raised £1,235 for our services.

“We see our fundraising as a great success as this was the first time we completed the Kiltwalk as a Bridges Project team.

“We are planning on repeating the walk next year as well and maybe do the longest distance – the Mighty Stride, which is 24 miles.

“We would love for people and businesses from the local community to join us in walking next year.”