On the march to Hampden with Ally's Army!

Most Scottish football fans will still be in bed at 2am on the morning of Saturday, 17th November, even with the excitement of the big match ahead. But not for a few hardy members of the Ayr Tartan Army. They’ll be braving the cold darkness of a winter night to start their epic walk from Somerset Park in Ayr to Hampden stadium on Glasgow’s south side: 34 miles on foot in memory of the great Ally MacLeod and to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland. Over £9000 has already been donated.

keeping the drouth at bay...

Their walk has been planned with the help of Strathclyde Police, the SFA and the support of several businesses: Browning’s of Kilmarnock will be providing much-needed hot pies, Malletsheugh Inn will be topping those up with soup and hot drinks and Highland Spring will be keeping the drouth at bay with plenty of water and a support van along the way. The lads (including Ally’s grandson, Ryan MacLeod) will finish their walk with a lap inside Hampden itself at approx. 4.15pm. Then the official cheque presentation by two of the walkers to Mrs Faye MacLeod, who will receive the cheque on behalf of Alzheimer Scotland. After that, it’ll be a well-earned seat for the boys as they settle down to the big game.

Douglas Harper, Vice President of the Ayr Tartan Army and walk organiser, said, “We decided to do this walk back in July, to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland, and in memory of the late Ally MacLeod. Ally gave the town of Ayr, Scotland and Scottish football so much over the years, that we wanted to do something that was a fitting tribute to the great man that he was. We never realised that the walk would gather as much interest as it has, and we would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to donate. We would also like to say a big thanks to the people of Kilmarnock, and in particular the Kilmarnock 97 club for the money they have raised. In footballing terms, Ayr and Kilmarnock are rivals, but we have been overwhelmed by the support that they have shown and this shows how much Ally was loved by everyone”

"wonderful efforts..."

Moira Lawrance, Fundraising Manager at Alzheimer Scotland, said, “When Douglas first contacted me back in June, I had no idea big the event would become and how much the people of Scotland would support the wonderful efforts of the Ayr Tartan Army. Every day has brought a new development and I am delighted that all the boys’ hard work has paid off!”

Find out more about the Ayr Tartan Army’s fundraising at www.wehaveadream.co.uk or sponsor them directly at www.justgiving.com/wehaveadream.

Press enquiries: out-of-hours press enquiries should be directed to Kirsty Jardine, PR & Marketing Manager, on 07894 664055.