discover how one father's 20-mile walk and the dedication of vintage bus staff are strengthening community bonds across Edinburgh and East Lothian
Who: a father of two from East Lothian What: a walk of more than 20 miles from Edinburgh Castle to Gullane to raise money for a local charity When: reported 15/02/Where: Edinburgh and towns across East Lothian Why: to back a cause close to his family and inspire neighbours to give
A walk that matters On a crisp spring morning, a local dad will leave the shadow of Edinburgh Castle and follow the shoreline and lanes eastward to Gullane.
He isn’t out to break any records — he’s walking so a charity that has supported his family can keep doing its work. It’s the kind of neighbourly action that catches on: straightforward, visible and easy for others to support.
Small actions, wide effect Across East Lothian, personal challenges and grassroots events are becoming an informal engine for community fundraising.
Sponsored runs, bake sales and long walks don’t just raise money; they pull people together. Volunteers turn up, cafés open their doors for refreshment stops, and passersby drop in a few coins. Those everyday moments build momentum in a way that feels immediate and genuine.
Heritage buses pulling their weight One local group has found a creative way to contribute: a fleet of restored red buses that are anything but inert museum pieces. These Routemasters and classics are hired for weddings, community outings and fundraising events, bringing in income and drawing crowds. The buses give organisers a distinctive backdrop and a social hub — a place where donations, curiosity and conversation all come together.
People power behind the scenes Keeping that fleet on the road takes dedication. Emma, the operations and events manager, started out as a student conductor and now juggles schedules, social media, volunteer coordination and event bookings on a tight budget. Martin, a founder of the preservation trust, spends long hours under bonnets, restoring engines and keeping safety checks up to date. Gordon knows every coastal route, trains new drivers and remembers the impromptu singalongs that made delayed trips feel like community gatherings. Together they make preservation practical and purposeful.
Joining forces Organisers have linked the father’s walk with the bus timetable to amplify the impact. Restored buses will be parked at key points along the route and on Gullane’s seafront so walkers and spectators can climb aboard, meet the crew and learn about the charity. Combining the walk and the vehicles turns two modest projects into a single, more visible campaign — one that invites people to linger, donate and get involved.
Practical planning, lasting gains Good logistics matter: meeting points mapped, stewarding arranged, volunteers briefed, and local businesses signed up to host refreshment stops. Maintenance logs, cross‑training for drivers and steady supplier relationships keep events running smoothly. Those details don’t just reduce risk — they turn casual interest into ongoing support. Someone who stops for tea, hears the cause and steps onto a restored bus is more likely to give their time or money later.
How you can help – Donate to the walk or the associated fundraising page. – Volunteer for stewarding, publicity, or vehicle maintenance. – Hire a heritage bus for a community event or charity function.
This isn’t about one person’s stamina so much as a community’s willingness to pitch in. A single walk can spark conversations and small acts that, together, make a real difference.
