Great Scottish Events 1968–2026
Over fifty years of fundraising – running, walking, strolling & toddling.
How it all began
During his twelve years’ service as a Royal Navy Physical Training Instructor, Terry spent his time on various ships and shore bases. From destroyers to aircraft carriers, his job was to encourage the crew to participate in sports and keep fit. He also spent some time at HMS Raleigh, the Royal Naval new entry base in Cornwall, getting new recruits fit for service in the Royal Navy.
Terry also participated in the world famous Royal Navy Field Gun Competition at the Royal Tournament, Earls Court, London. Described as the toughest sport in the world, Terry had the honour of running twice for the Portsmouth Field Gun ‘A’ Crew. Sadly 1999 was the last time the Royal Tournament was held due to defence cuts.
Terry was attached to the 1st Frigate Squadron on board HMS Dido visiting South Africa when he decided to enter a ship’s team into the Cape Town Big Walk, walking 22.50 miles from Simonstown to Cape Town. That was November 1967.
Terry left the Royal Navy in 1968 and settled in Edinburgh. He approached the Edinburgh Evening News about sponsorship of a walk. The Edinburgh Evening News agreed and was main sponsor from the inaugural walk in Edinburgh in December 1968 until 1996.
Milestones
Cape Town Big Walk
A ship’s team from HMS Dido walks 22.50 miles from Simonstown to Cape Town.
Terry, middle back row of team photo.
The first Edinburgh walk
Terry leaves the Royal Navy, settles in Edinburgh, and the inaugural walk takes place in December with the Edinburgh Evening News as main sponsor.
The Great Scottish Walk
After the Evening News sponsorship ended in 1996, Terry took his first year off before the re-launch. The Great Scottish Walk was launched by the Princess Royal in January 1999 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and grew into the annual Great Scottish Walk & Run Festival.
The Edinburgh Christmas Festival
A second event is added and becomes a big part of the Edinburgh Christmas calendar, with the Santa Parade, Festival Marquee, Santa’s Grotto and the Edinburgh Christmas Runs.
The Tattie Runs
The Great Scottish Tattie Run and The Great Perthshire Tattie Run (tattie is a Scottish word for potatoes) see over 1,700 tattie runners take part.
The Last Mince Pie Run
Perth’s New Year 5K in North Inch Park on Sunday 3rd January.
Fundraising
Over the lifetime of Great Scottish Events, an estimated £15m has been raised by the charities and good causes.