Bridge to Bridge Highland Cycle raises record £131k for Highland charities

Bridge to Bridge Highland Cycle is celebrating a record-breaking year, with £131,668.71 raised for local charities and community organisations following its biggest staging to date. A record 250 cyclists took part in the annual charity challenge on Saturday 12th September,  2026 tackling the iconic 77-mile route from the Skye Bridge in the west to the Kessock Bridge in Inverness, raising vital funds for local charities and community organisations across the Highlands.

Now in its fifth year, Bridge to Bridge has grown from a small community fundraising initiative into a major fixture in the Highland fundraising calendar, bringing together cyclists, volunteers, local businesses and supporters with a shared commitment to making a difference. The 2026 event marked a significant milestone for organisers, achieving both its highest participation and fundraising figures to date. Since launching in 2022, Bridge to Bridge has now raised more than half a million pounds for Highland causes, with every penny raised going directly to local charities.

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Local charities to benefit

Funds raised through the 2026 event will support three principal charity partners: Àban Outdoor, This Is Me Highland and HALO – Highland Action for Little Ones, - which will each receive £37,789.57 - alongside additional donations to inSpire Project (£5,000) , Disability Sport Highland (£6,500), Inverness Women's Aid (£2,600), Outfit Moray (£1,200) and Highland Hospital Radio (£3,000). The funding will help these organisations continue delivering vital services, activities and support to individuals and families across the region.

For Àban Outdoor, the funding will contribute towards the purchase of a new minibus, helping the organisation improve access to outdoor activities and experiences for young people across the Highlands. Funding awarded to HALO – Highland Action for Little Ones and This Is Me Highland will help both charities continue their fantastic work, providing much-needed support to children, young people and families across the region.

Supporting smaller, grassroots charities has always been central to Bridge to Bridge, with organisers committed to ensuring funds raised make a direct and meaningful difference within Highland communities.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Willie Gray, one of the founders of Bridge to Bridge Highland Cycle, said:

“I’m quite speechless about the success of this year’s event. With a record 250 cyclists taking part and a record amount for Highland charities raised - especially in the current climate - it’s something everyone connected to the event is incredibly proud of.

“It’s incredible to see what started as quite a modest event continue to grow and go from strength to strength - and that's entirely down to the fantastic support of our riders, sponsors, volunteers and the wider Highland community. We can't thank everyone enough for helping make it possible and helping raise such a significant amount for local causes.

“We're already looking ahead to 2027 and hope to build on this year's success, bringing even more people together to make a difference across the Highlands.”

‍Mel Thomson, founder of one of the beneficiary charities, HALO, commented:

“Halo is incredibly grateful to everyone involved in Bridge to Bridge for their fantastic support. The funds raised will make a real difference to children and families across the Highlands, helping us continue to provide essential items and support to those who need it most.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of such a special event. The sense of community is amazing, with so many people coming together to support Halo and the other wonderful nominated charities. It really shows what can be achieved when a community pulls together, and we feel very lucky to have been part of it.”

Johannes Petersen, Chief Officer, Àban Outdoor Ltd, adds:

“Being a Bridge to Bridge beneficiary has honestly meant the world to us. The funding boost itself will be transformational, doubling our vehicle capacity for our youth groups and community transport scheme. But the support goes a lot deeper.

“We're a relatively new charity established in 2021, and this year we have felt a huge morale boost as the Bridge to Bridge community swung behind us. There's so much great history, so many supportive individuals and businesses, and such a warm Highland feel to the whole event from start to finish. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who donated, cycled and volunteered their help.”

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Businesses invited to get involved

Bridge to Bridge Highland Cycle’s continued success has been made possible by the generosity of local businesses, whose sponsorship and practical support ensure that all money raised by cyclists goes directly to the charities.

Corporate participation also continued to grow in 2026, with more businesses entering teams and bringing colleagues together to take on the challenge. Organisers are keen to build on this momentum in 2027, encouraging even more Highland businesses to get involved, support local causes and make Bridge to Bridge part of their team-building and fundraising activities. 

Businesses interested in entering a corporate team or supporting the event can contact info@bridgetobridgecycle.co.uk.

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Applications open for 2027 charity beneficiaries

Building on the success of the 2026 event, Bridge to Bridge is now inviting Highland charities and community organisations to apply to become beneficiaries of the 2027 challenge. Organisers are particularly keen to hear from smaller, locally focused charities where funding can make a tangible difference to the people and communities they support.

Applications are now open via www.bridgetobridgecycle.co.uk, with eligible organisations encouraged to submit their details for consideration.

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