An Aberdeen mum of two is lacing up her walking boots to take on each of the Kiltwalk events across Scotland this summer in a bid to raise money for Murtle Market, Camphill School Aberdeen’s (CSA) social enterprise.
Diane Mathieson, who works for the charity as a Management Accountant has already completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk and is now preparing for the Aberdeen event on 7 June. She will also take part in the Dundee and Edinburgh Kiltwalks later this year, covering a total of 81.7 miles across the four challenges.
Camphill School Aberdeen, which has campuses near Bieldside and Miltimber, provides day and residential care for more than 120 children and young people with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs.
Diane is hoping to raise over £1,000 towards the cost of equipment to wash, dry, and pack produce grown in the charity’s organic garden before being sold at Murtle Market.
She said: "I've seen first-hand the positive impact the opportunities Murtle Market has created for the young people here. The skills, confidence and experience they gain by being involved in some way are invaluable – whether helping to grow and pack produce, work in the store, or contribute towards the arts and crafts that are sold there.
“I wanted to challenge myself to help support this important part of Camphill’s community. By completing all four Kiltwalks, I hope to raise funds that will help the project continue to grow and create even more opportunities. I am looking forward to the Edinburgh walk this year as it takes in all the sites of the city and the beach at Portobello along the route."
Murtle Market forms part of CSA’s wider social enterprise programme, supporting young people to develop life and work skills while contributing to a thriving community business.
Having already completed the 22.7-mile Glasgow Kiltwalk in six-and-a-half hours, Diane will next take on the 18-mile Aberdeen route before heading to Dundee in August and Edinburgh in September.
Many of Diane’s colleagues are also taking part this year, with a team of 27 staff, residents and their families taking on the challenge in aid of the charity. Colum Pooler, CEO at Camphill School Aberdeen said, “We’re all wishing Diane the best of luck as she takes on this challenge in support of Murtle Market at Camphill school Aberdeen. The money raised will help expand the food production process, creating more opportunities for the young people we support.”
Anyone wishing to support Diane’s fundraising efforts can donate via: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/KiltwalkforCamphill2026