Heriot-Watt goes the extra mile for Age Scotland

Heriot-Watt colleagues took on The Mighty Stride at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk as part of the University's ongoing fundraising efforts for Age Scotland.

Age Scotland, Scotland's national charity for older people, is a strategic partner of the University. Through this partnership, both organisations are developing stronger links through a range of activities and projects, particularly within the Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies.

The Edinburgh Kiltwalk begins in the shadow of Arthur's Seat before following a 21-mile route through Musselburgh, Portobello and Leith, finishing at Murrayfield Stadium.

The challenge was the second annual fundraising event organised in support of Age Scotland, following last year's Kelpies climb and abseil. These activities continue to strengthen the partnership while giving colleagues an opportunity to support an important cause.

The Heriot-Watt Kiltwalk team included colleagues from the Healthy Ageing theme within the Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies: Dr Sacha Hasan from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society; Dr Euan Winton from the Design School; and Professor Alan Gow from the Department of Psychology.

Together, the team raised more than £1,000. This was added to almost £300 raised earlier in the year by colleagues taking on other fundraising challenges. Sophia Otálora González, a PhD student in Bioengineering and Biosciences in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, completed 10km in the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, while Dr Theo Georgiou from the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon.

Combined, Heriot-Watt's fundraising activities have now generated more than £3,000 for Age Scotland, with plans already underway for a new challenge in 2027.

Alan said: “We had a perfect day for the Kiltwalk, and I was so grateful to Sacha and Euan for giving their time to support Age Scotland, and to all those within and beyond the University who donated. Our partnership with Age Scotland is well embedded in diverse areas of our research and practice, and this is our small way of thanking them for supporting so much of what we do within the University’s healthy ageing agenda.”

The latest fundraising challenge comes ahead of the University's 2026 Healthy Ageing Showcase. Join us in person on Wednesday 7 October for an afternoon exploring how we can support health and wellbeing as we age.

Age Scotland works with and for older people, with a vision of making Scotland a great place to grow older. Supporters can still contribute to Heriot-Watt's fundraising efforts for the charity by emailing Alan Gow. A donation of £5 would cover the cost of a call to Age Scotland's Friendship Line, a free helpline providing impartial and confidential information to older people, their families and carers.

Find out more about the Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies.