What happens at the start of The Kiltwalk?

My Ann sister "fae Aberdeen", well to be accurate she's from Glasgow but has lived in Aberdeen for around 20 years, was down in Glasgow today.

She's down to look after her three Grandchildren as her daughter, my niece, Carol is off to a wedding, so after spending the morning "Prom Dress" shopping for my daughter Holly, we all met up at Rouken Glen Park for a bit of fresh air, a coffee and a catch up.

"All very interesting Ian, but what has this to do with The Kiltwalk and today's title I hear you say?" well stick with it, there is a link.

You see one of Ann's other children Mandy has been pestered by her Uncle Ian (me) since the start of the year to take part in The Kiltwalk this year.

So Mandy, after a few glasses of wine one evening, agreed to take part and was all ready to sign up up for Hampden to Loch Lomond when she realised the date clashed with one of her friends Wedding, so she had to, disappointingly, count herself out.

However all was not lost because as one Kiltwalk door closes, another Kiltwalk door opens and I said "not to worry, you can take part in the Speyside Kiltwalk" and that's exactly what she's doing :-)

Once Mandy got to grips with the fact that the aim of The Kiltwalk is to raise money for Children's charities, she set about putting together a team to take part at Speyside and help her fund raise.

So she recruited her brother Christopher, cousin Andrew, who is a veteran Kiltwalker having taken part this year and last, her Dad Ken and her Mum, Ann.

You see, I told you there was a connection, because after we had gossiped about family matters, Ann asked "What happens at the start of The Kiltwalk?" so I explained.

I told her that it is the most amazing spectacle as hundreds of Kilted Walkers head off behind a Pipe Band, which gives you such an immense feeling of pride at what you're about to take part in.

This conversation gave me an idea for today's Blipfoto because as soon as I got home, I went searching for this photograph taken by Shaun Ward, our official event photographer.

The picture above is of our wonderful Kiltwalk Pipers. We're lucky here at The Kiltwalk that we have fantastic support from the Caledonian Brewery Pipe Band (the lads and lassies in the blue Kilts) who are long standing supporters and have been involved with us for the last few years.

In addition to the Pipe Band, we also have the incredible Calum 'Spud the Piper' Fraser and Craig 'Haggis' Macfarlane who have not only piped us 'out of Hampden Park' for the last few years, but also taken part in the Kiltwalk and piped their way round the complete 26 miles. These two boys must have industrial lungs.

So The North East part of my family are in for a treat as the Speyside Kiltwalk will be led off by the Buckie and District Pipe Band while the the Dufftown & District Pipe Band will be providing inspiration for the Kiltwalkers from various pitstop along the way.

So I hope you enjoy the experience Ann and I'll be there at the end to cheer you over the finish line.

The gang can be sponsored at the following page http://www.justgiving.com/North-East-Mixed-Bag