For anyone looking to challenge themselves in 2026, a fundraising event in aid of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) provides a unique opportunity.
Taking on a fundraising challenge is a great way to keep yourself motivated, improve fitness, make fun new memories, and give something back.
Abseil from dizzying heights, take on a marathon, enjoy a mud-soaked obstacle course, or don some tartan and march through a city – there are plenty of fantastic experiences for you to take on either solo or as a team!
SCAA Events Officer, Caryn Whitelaw, said: “By signing up to one of these events, you will be helping Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance fly to those most critically ill or injured when every second counts.
“So, take on a challenge, have fun, and know that every step, mile, or cheer helps save lives across Scotland.”
With a limited number of charity places and some events already sold out – including the ever-popular Kelpies Experience – it helps to secure your place quickly.
Here are some events to take part in this year…
SCAA STADIUM TAKEOVER AT MURRAYFIELD
Saturday, 16 May
Abseil 98ft from the Murrayfield Stadium roof or test your endurance and take on the stairclimb challenge around this iconic Scottish landmark. On May 16, we are offering you exclusive access to Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium for SCAA’s biggest ever independent event. Taking on the abseil will test your nerves as you descend into the stadium from the roof. This free-fall abseil is a one-of-a-kind challenge sure to get your adrenaline going. The minimum age to register for the abseil is 11, with a minimum height requirement of 140cm.
For the stairclimb, you can tackle either 4,200 or 7,500 stairs throughout the stadium. Test your endurance by climbing and conquering thousands of stairs with lots of other fundraisers all passionate about supporting our life-saving service. Minimum age to register for the stairclimb is 16. Anyone aged 16 and under will need consent from a parent/guardian to take part in the stairclimb.
www.scaa.org.uk/support-us/events/scaa-stadium-takeover/
THE BANCHORY BEAST
Saturday 12 September
Expect lots of muddy mayhem during this epic 10km obstacle course in Banchory on Saturday 12 September. This course will take you over tough Scottish terrain, tackling mega obstacles, giant water slides, icy loch waters, thick mud and swamp crossings in a playful test of stamina. This is a great challenge to take on as a team or to enjoy solo. Your entry includes a SCAA t-shirt, finishers medal, free parking, admission to the grounds and gardens and more.
www.scaa.org.uk/support-us/events/the-banchory-beast/
EDINBURGH MARATHON FESTIVAL 2026
Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 May
Is this your year to take on a marathon? None are quite so iconic as the Edinburgh Marathon festival, which boasts a scenic all-encompassing route taking in some of the capital's most notable landmarks as well as views along the East Lothian coastline. If a marathon seems extreme, there is also the choice of the EMF Half which follows the same fast, flat route, offering genuine PB potential. And let’s not forget the popular 5k and 10k runs which fall on the Saturday of the festival weekend in the stunning surroundings of Holyrood Park.
www.scaa.org.uk/support-us/events/edinburgh-marathon-festival-2026/
KILTWALK
(Glasgow – 25 April, Aberdeen – 7 June, Dundee – 16 August, Edinburgh - 13 September)
The annual Kiltwalks throughout these four cities has become a much-loved event for many throughout Scotland. Through rain or shine, the atmosphere at these events always proves stellar. Support your charity air ambulance at one of these four events, proudly wearing your tartan and SCAA t-shirt. Choose from three, 14, or 23 miles and you’ll be greeted at the finish line with a well-earned drink, hot meal and live music.
www.scaa.org.uk/support-us/events/
SKYDIVE FOR SCAA
For the ultimate unforgettable thrill, take to the skies and complete a tandem skydive for Scotland’s only charity air ambulance. Jump from the British Parachute Association approved airfields in St. Andrews, Errol or Auchterarder – dates are available most weekends throughout the year. Training is provided on the day, so there’s no need to worry about having any experience.
www.scaa.org.uk/support-us/events/tandem-skydive/
BAXTERS LOCH NESS MARATHON
Sunday 27 September
If you prefer to run your marathon surrounded by incredible Highland scenery, then Loch Ness Marathon is unbeatable. Widely regarded as one the most breathtaking marathons in the world, this route takes in moorlands, the shores of Loch Ness, and finishes in the city of Inverness. This friendly, well-organised event is hugely popular with both Scots and runners from across the globe.
RUN THE RUNWAY
Saturday 8 August
This is a unique opportunity to run around the runway at Perth Airport as this lively SCAA event returns for another year. Participants have the opportunity to run either 2.5km, 5km, or 10km around the Perth Airport runway – home to SCAA’s Helimed 76 air ambulance. The flat, triangular route is ideal for runners of all levels seeking a personal best. This colourful event is a fun day out for both runners and spectators. Participants will enjoy a race warm-up, entertainment, water stations, snacks and free parking.
Once you sign up for one of these incredible events, our Events Officer Caryn will help support you every step of the way, from expert fundraising guidance to kitting you out in a SCAA t-shirt.
To find out more about these events, you can email Caryn at: c.whitelaw@scaa.org.uk
