PERTHSHIRE Rotarians feared a popular charity fundraising half marathon and 10K run had hit a brick wall after more than 30 years.
But Kilmac threw the rebranded Rattray Beaver Run a last-gasp lifeline.
Our three-year sponsorship commitment has secured the future of an event which had seen Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club grasp the baton.
September’s hastily pulled together 10K and fun run ensured chosen charities, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and Parkinson’s UK, have each received cheques for £4250.
More than 100 runners, including an enthusiastic group and support team flying the flag for Kilmac, took part in the challenging event in the hills above Rattray.
Presenting the cheques at Rattray Community Centre, Rotarian Janine Seymour, convener for community, said plans were already being hatched to ensure next year’s run would build upon the foundations now in place.
“We are delighted that our partnership with Kilmac ensured we could raise funds for our two chosen charities and we look forward to taking forward the Rattray Beaver Run, half marathon and 10K next year,” she said.
“We are also grateful to the Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust, Perthshire First Aid, the Blairgowrie Runners and all the volunteers who helped on the day.”
Kilmac Managing Director Athole McDonald said: “We were delighted to step in to ensure the future of this popular annual event.
“It would have been a real shame if the Rattray Beaver Run hadn’t gone ahead.
“Having handled the groundworks for the Blairgowrie Recreation Centre we wanted to support this community initiative.
“It’s fantastic that two deserving causes have benefited and we look forward to making it even bigger and better in 2026.”
John McLean, a volunteer with SCAA based at Perth Airport, said: “To receive a cheque for £4250 was a huge surprise.
We are grateful to the Rotary Club, Kilmac and everyone involved in the Rattray Beaver Run for their support.
“Charities like ours depend on donations from the public to keep saving lives and events like this also help maintain our profile.”
Bruce Port, community fundraiser for the East and Highlands of Scotland with Parkinson’s UK, added: “It was fantastic that Kilmac came in to save the day and support the event and the fundraising which has gone hand in hand with it over many years.
“It is a great community event and a massive pat on the back to all the runners because this has a reputation as being one of the toughest of its kind in Scotland.”
