The agreement continues a longstanding relationship which has seen the bank help the public, colleagues and customers raise funding for charitable causes across Scotland since 2016.

As preparations for the Glasgow Kiltwalk on Sunday 30 April get underway, the extension is helping the charitable drive become more sustainable in its approach.

With bank support, Kiltwalk is providing all walkers with meals delivered in fully compostable Vegware, vastly reducing the waste and environmental impact on the local areas following the fundraising drive. This is one of several sustainable measures that the Kiltwalk is taking for the sold-out Glasgow event.

Royal Bank of Scotland’s director of commercial banking, Alastair Mclean, and customer service advisor for retail banking, Keira Hand, joined Kiltwalk CEO Paul Cooney and STV’s Polly Bartlett at a photoshoot at the Glasgow Green Commonwealth monument, the starting point for this year’s Mighty Stride event, to encourage those on the day to make use of the new Vegware provided.

Since its inception, The Kiltwalk, together with Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation, has raised a collective £37m, paid-out to 3,000 Scottish charities to support vital causes and create a legacy for communities throughout Scotland and beyond.

This latest environmentally-focused addition to the partnership continues Royal Bank of Scotland’s commitment to creating a more sustainable economy and future for customers and communities across Scotland.

As part of a series of initiatives to deliver impactful action, Royal Bank, as part of NatWest Group, will provide £100bn of climate and sustainable financing by the end of 2025, enabling customers to implement green solutions to become more energy efficient, sustainable and resilient.

Alongside this, the bank has established a £1m partnership with The Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) and the University of Edinburgh, which brings together experts from both parties to help Scotland’s small businesses identify the opportunities that a net zero economy can create while helping them become more sustainable in the process.

Registration for Kiltwalk 2023 is open and is set to take place across four locations in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. Find more information and sign up here.

Judith Cruickshank, chair of the Scotland board at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Royal Bank of Scotland and the Kiltwalk has a long and valued relationship and one which we as a bank are proud to be part.

“The positive difference it makes for communities and charities across Scotland is well known and, because colleagues can join walks in their home cities, it gives us the chance to get people involved across the country.

“On the eve of the first Kiltwalk of 2023, it is great that we are helping it take steps towards a greener future through the Vegware drive. Small changes can make a big difference and many of our colleagues will be joining other volunteers to assist in the clear-up operation too.

“By walking, volunteering, spectating or through donations, we hope that everyone this year supports this fantastic event and helps celebrate the impact it makes for those who need it most.”

Kiltwalk CEO, Paul Cooney, said: “As one of Scotland’s largest mass-participation charity events, sustainability is a crucial consideration that we factor into our event planning. With Royal Bank of Scotland being one of our longest standing relationships, it makes perfect sense to combine our expertise to introduce this new initiative to reduce waste and environmental impact.

“I would like to extend our gratitude to Royal Bank of Scotland for their unwavering support which has played a key role in helping us to achieve the success and impact we have been able to have as an event over the years.

“By working together, we can make a positive impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future for future generations of Kiltwalkers.”