THOUSANDS of tartan trekkers took to Glasgow’s streets yesterday to raise £1 million for charity in this year’s four Scottish Kiltwalks.

A record-breaking turnout of more than 7200 people pounded the pavements, furthering Kiltwalk founder Sir Tom Hunter’s vision to create the country’s biggest mass participation event to fight poverty and ill health.

Hunter, who is also bringing former US President Barack Obama to Edinburgh this month for a charity dinner, has guaranteed that he will add 10 per cent to all fundraising at the Kiltwalk this year.

Leading out Glasgow’s Mighty Stride alongside Sir Tom Hunter was six-year-old Nathan Mowat from Gourock who suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The youngster and his mum Gill, along with nine of her friends, walked the Kiltwalk to raise money for Calum’s Cabin.

The 36-year-old mum said: “It was such an honour for Nathan to lead the Glasgow Kiltwalk and get the day underway.

“We walked for Calum’s Cabin as the charity has given us so much support during Nathan’s treatment and helped us create some happy memories during a difficult time.

“It’s great to be able to give something back.”

In addition to supporting children’s charities, Kiltwalk 2017 is open to all charities in Scotland.

Anyone walking for Kiltwalk sees 110 per cent of their fundraising going to the STV Children’s Appeal.

Volunteers also got in on the fundraising action, as for every hour of time they donated, Sir Tom Hunter and the Hunter Foundation is to gift £1.10 to each Kiltie’s chosen charity.

One lucky Kiltwalker will also win a brand new Renault Clio from Platinum Sponsor Arnold Clark, who are gifting a car for each of the four Kiltwalk events in 2017.

Hunter said: “The real heroes are our wonderful walkers who have been pounding the streets and paths between Glasgow and Loch Lomond in a sea of tartan to change lives for the better. They were encouraged along the way by our amazing Kiltie Volunteers who helped make it such a unique experience for everyone involved.

“The atmosphere yesterday was nothing short of incredible. It’s inspiring and it makes me extremely proud to be Scottish.”

With walks in Aberdeen (June 4), Dundee (August 20) and Edinburgh (September 17) still to come, funds raised by the Kiltwalk since it began in 2011 could reach £5m.

Malcolm Buchanan, chair of the Scottish board of the Royal Bank of Scotland which sponsors the event, said: “The Royal Bank of Scotland is a proud partner of the Kiltwalk and our CEO Ross McEwan joined colleagues, customers and friends to raise money for the STV Children’s Appeal. We are looking forward to the Kiltwalk in Aberdeen in June.”