HUNDREDS of people pulled on their hiking boots and took part in the first ever Speyside Kiltwalk.
They included a group of 14 teachers from Speyside High School led by head teacher Nigel Engstrand on the 26-mile trek from Buckie to Aberlour.
He said: "We are supporting the kiltwalk because one of the charities
supported is the Aberlour Childcare Trust, which had its origins here in Aberlour.
"And because we work with children and young people and the charities are close to our hearts."
Mr Engstrand added: "Each person taking part is expecting to raise a minimum of £100, and of course some of our colleagues will raise more than that."
The Speyside team was one of 12 taking part in the event.
Others included Knockando Playgroup, Strathisla Play Centre, the Rocking Horse Playgroup, Knockando parent council and a team from Gordon and MacPhail.
There have been successful Kiltwalks, starting from Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, organised by the Tartan Army – fans of the Scottish national football team.
Jim Hart, who lives in Archiestown and is a member of the Tartan Army, came up with the idea to extend the event and give people in Moray the opportunity to participate.
CLIC Sargent, the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, the Tartan Army Children’s Charity and Aberlour Childcare Trust will benefit from this year’s events.
Those taking part have the option of spliting the money they raise between the kiltwalk charities and one chosen by themselves, with the Speyside team donating half to the Archie Campaign.
The Speyside Way Kiltwalk kick off at 9.15am at Buckie Community Centre to the skirl of Buckie and District Pipe Band on Sunday.
Walkers followed a route to Spey Bay and then Fochabers, where those preferring to participate in the shorter 16-mile route joined the rest of the walkers on their way to Aberlour.
