A supporter and member of the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North in Forres, Shaun Moat, has set himself the challenge of taking on the Mighty Stride at the Aberdeen Kiltwalk in support of Erskine Veterans Charity.
And you can join Shaun and Team Erskine through a free charity place for the event on Sunday 7th June.
However, there is one extra twist to Shaun’s intrepid walk as he will be walking the entire 18-mile route dressed as Arasgain, Erskine’s mascot.
Walking from Banchory to Aberdeen in full mascot costume will mean plenty of heat, limited airflow, and sore feet for the RAF Veteran. But Shaun says it is all worth it to help raise vital funds for the charity and shine a light on the support Erskine provides to veterans and their families.
Erskine delivers vital care, support and companionship to Scotland’s veteran community, and the Veterans Activity Centre North (EVAC North) in Forres has become a lifeline for Shaun and many other Veterans across the region.
EVAC North has supported around 700 Veterans since opening in 2025 with free activities and services, including counselling, a gym, financial advice, art classes, and IT courses.
Shaun said: “I wanted to do something that would not only raise money for Erskine, but also grab people’s attention and hopefully make them smile along the way. Walking 18 miles is tough enough but doing it in the full Arasgain mascot outfit will definitely make it something I’ll never forget.
"Erskine does incredible work for veterans, and I’ve seen first-hand the difference that support can make. I had previously tried to commit suicide three times and when EVAC North opened their doors, I was the first one there. They saved my life. This is my way of giving something back.”
The charity is also offering free places to any fundraisers who would like to take on the Aberdeen Kiltwalk on June 7, whether it’s the 18-mile Mighty Stride or the 4-mile Wee Wander.
Erskine’s Fundraising and Development Manager (North), Michael Parkes, will support Shaun on his brave walk and is encouraging others to join them.
He said: “A huge thank you to Shaun for his amazing commitment to Erskine. Taking on 18 miles of the Aberdeen Kiltwalk dressed as our mascot is incredible. In all my years in fundraising, I’ve never heard anything like it. Shaun is living proof of the life-saving difference EVAC North has made to Veterans across North Scotland. We would love to have more walkers join Team Erskine at Aberdeen Kiltwalk through our free places at the event.”
Funds raised through the Kiltwalk will help Erskine continue its life-changing work, providing care, compassion and understanding to veterans when they need it most.
To support Shaun’s fundraising effort, donations can be made via his fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/erskine-shaun-moat
Find out more about claiming your Aberdeen Kiltwalk place by contacting Michael at michael.parkes@erskine.org.uk or on 07899 066228.
Watch Shaun’s story on how Erskine saved his life at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJiwxZjFoyU