Following plans to create the new Y Centre in Perth, which will include a Health and Wellbeing space for young people, the dedicated staff from YMCA Tayside have raised an incredible £2930.00 by taking part in Scotland’s 2021 Virtual Kiltwalk. This amount includes the pledge of an additional 50% from Scottish businessman and entrepreneur, Sir Tom Hunter. His generosity and that of all who donated is greatly appreciated by the YMCA Tayside team.

The event saw 16 members of staff, volunteers and students take on the challenging endeavour of walking both Beinn Ghlas & Ben Lawers.

Choosing to pursue these Munro’s was an idea suggested by their close partners at The Breathe Project and saw everyone walk for over six hours, successfully completing two Munro’s in just one day. This was a first for YMCA Tayside staff who successfully completed their first ever Kiltwalk fundraiser!

The money raised will be used to purchase an innovative ‘Electricity Generating Bike’ for the new Y Centre. Jill McGrath, YMCA Tayside’s Chief Executive, explains more on how the money raised will make a difference, “We believe the bike will be a fun addition to our Health and Wellbeing space, where young people, staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to improve their fitness level whilst generating electricity’.

This is especially significant for the city after it was revealed by the Chair of The Perth Leadership Forum, Mike Robinson, that their vision is to become the first small sustainable city in Europe.

YMCA Tayside is an active partner in the leadership forum ensuring the voice of young people in Perth and Kinross is heard.