These boots are made for walking

Unite Construction members are swapping safety shoes for walking boots and tackling the West Highland Way to raise money for a Scottish Hospice.

Four members of the Joint Trade Union Committee, including Unite’s Darren Burrows and Brian Sutherland, have set an ambitious goal, raising £20,000 for The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice (PPWH), by taking on a staggering 96-mile trek through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking and demanding landscapes  as part of 20th anniversary celebrations for City Building in Glasgow

The walkers are being supported by a transport and background team of Unite members John Cassidy and George McKendrick.

The walkers, which also includes fellow JTUC members from Unison and Community, hit the trail on Monday 4th May 2026 at Fort William and plan to finish on Friday 9th May in Milngavie.

Darren, a joiner, rep and branch secretary, at City Building said, “As part of the JTUC’s ongoing commitment to working with charities in the city, providing support on behalf of all their members they decided that they should focus on one major mid-year challenge, some of the JTUC members were already active and avid walkers and it was suggested that a challenge doesn’t come bigger than the 96 mile West Highland Way!”

“Discussions with City Building Management, including members at GCC (Glasgow City Council) and Wheatley, highlighted that this could be a fitting way to celebrate City Building’s 20th year.

“Then came the suggestion from Lesley Quinn, Divisional Director of Corporate, Governance and Performance, “20 for 20” raising £20,000 for 20 years. With support across the organisation, the idea became reality.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice was the very first charity supported by City Building after its inception, so the walkers felt it fitting to support their work.

Darren and his fellow walkers are under no illusions how tough the challenge will be, Darren explained, “The challenge is a massive undertaking which will take six days to complete requiring months of training and personal commitment and sacrifice from the walkers.

“The walkers will face steep climbs, unpredictable weather, long days on their feet, and the cumulative strain of nearly 100 miles.”

Fellow joiner and Unite rep Brian has walked this challenge 5 times already and has plenty of experience on what a massive challenge it is, Chris also walked it some time ago but Steven and Darren are stepping into completely new territory having only some recreational walking experience and have never attempted anything as large or challenging as this undertaking.

Training is already underway for the hikers, who are combining regular outdoor walks with structured gym sessions to build stamina, strength, and endurance. 

The team hopes to achieve more than just a financial milestone. Reflecting on the challenge, Darren added that, “This challenge is also about raising awareness of the incredible work PPWH does for people in their time of need and that these people could easily be some of our members. 

“We want to highlight the vital role that our TU branches do collectively via the JTUC in supporting the community and demonstrating what we can achieve when we come together as a united workforce.”

The team are keen to involve others, and there will be opportunities for colleagues to join them on the way, with details being shared nearer the time.

To support this effort have set up a JustGiving page at City Building and Joint Trade Union fundraiser

By Keith Hatch