Glasgow MSP takes on Kiltwalk for SSAFA

04 April 2023

Paul Sweeney, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow, Shadow Minister for Veterans, and a former Reservist in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, will take on Glasgow’s Kiltwalk for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Paul, 34, whose hobbies include hillwalking, will step off on his 23-mile walk on Sunday, April 30, along with thousands of others taking part for an incredible 800 charities in what is arguably the biggest and most popular series of charity fundraising events in Scotland. As if to prove its popularity, the Glasgow Kiltwalk is now full.

The MSP for Glasgow, who, before entering politics worked for Production Engineer at BAE Systems on shipbuilding programmes, said: “It’s a huge honour to be taking part in this year’s Kiltwalk to raise promote a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart: the welfare of veterans.

“As a former Army Reservist of 12 years and as Scottish Labour’s Veterans’ Spokesperson, I know how important it is that we do everything we can to protect and preserve those who have served our country. All too often they are forgotten about, and it is frequently left to organisations like Glasgow’s Helping Heroes and SSAFA to pick up the pieces.

“We owe everyone who has donned a uniform a huge debt of gratitude, and I am delighted to be able to play a small part in that endeavour by helping raise awareness and money for a great cause. If you can contribute anything at all, no matter how big or small, it will go a long way to ensuring that those charities who do such a magnificent and admirable job are able to keep helping those who need it most.”

Scott Cunningham, SSAFA’s Challenge and Community Events Officer for Scotland, said: “I’m delighted that Paul, himself a veteran, is doing the Glasgow Kiltwalk for SSAFA, which has been supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families for nearly 140 years, helping when, how, and where people need it.

“Paul’s Kiltwalk for SSAFA shows the great support that not only this charity has, but also and more importantly that the whole Armed Forces community has at all levels of politics and from all parties here in Scotland.”

Spaces are still available on the Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh Kiltwalks. To take part and raise funds for the UK’s oldest tri-service charity, visit ssafa.org.uk/support-us/kiltwalk-2023.