RAF RESERVES STORM THE HAIRY HAGGIS RELAY

Members of 502 (Ulster) Squadron RAuxAF took Edinburgh by storm when they competed in the Hairy Haggis Relay of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. The team joined others who were competing for the RAF Benevolent Fund, composed of other Reserve Squadrons and Regulars, as well as Cadet Organisations from across the United Kingdom.

With the normally picturesque streets of Scotland’s Capital awash with fancy dress costumes, running singlets and discarded energy gels, the race took in many of Edinburgh’s famous sights before heading out towards the coast of East Lothian where it eventually finished in Musselburgh. As well as being superbly supported, the event seemed to coincide with the best weather Scotland has enjoyed in recent memory; the cumulative result being a wonderful occasion and fitting inaugural charity event for 502 Squadron to formally compete in since their recent reformation.

Overall, the competing teams managed to raise a staggering £7,000 pounds for the RAF Benevolent Fund with the single largest donation coming from 502 (Ulster) Squadron. Corporate sponsorship came from Porsche and Lamborghini Edinburgh who kindly provided prizes for charity fundraising and the fastest relay team.

603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron were exemplary hosts but the largest thanks must be reserved for the regional fundraiser, Zee Fletcher, who overcame multiple logistical headaches and facilitated a genuinely brilliant day for all involved.