Tim piles on the green miles

The local activist for the Scottish Green Party decided to undertake the fundraising venture when he realised the costs involved for anyone campaigning for election.

He said: “Anyone wanting to be a MSP has to first find £500 for an election deposit before they can even start campaigning for election.

"The Scottish Greens do not have wealthy benefactors so are reliant on raising money locally. I wanted to help this effort, and also raise awareness of the election campaign to as many people as possible.

To support Tim’s fundraising walk, click here.

He added: “It is important that everyone uses their vote, whether they vote Green or vote for any other party.

“And it is important that the voters have a good selection of candidates to choose from, not just those with the most money behind them.”

If lockdown restrictions continue through March, Tim plans to complete the equivalent 60-mile distance in his local area instead – but still aims to journey from Coldstream to Holyrood once the restrictions are lifted, even if this does not happen until after the election.

“It will be a tough walk, but also wonderful to travel on foot through different parts of the Borders – we have some of the best countryside anywhere in Britain.

“It should be great fun – and if it raises enough money to help the local Green candidates that will be a real bonus.”

The Scottish Green Party is fielding candidates in both Borders constituencies for the first time since the Scottish Parliament was founded in 1999. Dominic Ashmole, from Peebles, is standing in the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency, while Barbra Harvie, from Selkirk, is standing in the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire constituency.