North Berwick Umbrella Walk returns this September

The sponsored walk, organised by the Rotary Club of North Berwick, will begin and end at St Baldred's Church Hall on September 26, with participants setting off at any time between 8.30am and 4pm for a five-mile trek to Yellowcraig car park and back.

While clubs raise funds individually, the Rotary club covers the costs of organising the event, meaning every penny raised by clubs goes directly back to them.

The money is transferred across to the Rotary club to apply for gift aid, helping increase the fundraising total.

This year's winning advertising poster was designed by Imogen McCabe, a P7 pupil at Gullane Primary School (Image: Rotary Club of North Berwick)

Allen Angus, Rotary Club of North Berwick treasurer, said: "There are so many invisible costs involved in running a not-for-profit club.

"Securing sponsorship for strips is relatively easy, but managing the costs of things like clubhouse heating, lighting, pitches, referees, as well as helping families financially struggling where they can, is a much bigger task."

Mr Angus was inspired to bring the idea to North Berwick after witnessing the success of the Umbrella Walk organised by the Rotary Club of Langholm.

The name is not inspired by the Scottish weather but rather the fact it is organised under the umbrella of the Rotary Club.

Last year's Umbrella Walk raised more than £16,000 for community groups, a significant increase from the £9,000 raised at the inaugural 2024 event.

The Rotary club also works closely with the feeder schools for North Berwick High School.

This year, Gullane Primary School pupils were invited to take part in a competition to design the event poster.

The winning design was created by Primary 7B pupil Imogen McCabe and will be posted around the town and surrounding villages.

This year, North Berwick Trust and North Berwick Common Good Fund are providing support to the club and Tesco will be supplying water and biscuits for the walkers.

Mr Angus added: "We encourage any groups, societies, or clubs to turn up on the day and expect the event to grow year-on-year."