Key Points
- A group of sheltered housing tenants in Leith, known as the Leith Legends, have begun a 3,070-mile walking challenge from Easter Road Stadium.
- The two teams, We’re Still-Game and Pro-Aimers, aim to virtually reach Boston’s Gillette Stadium in 140 days before Scotland’s first FIFA World Cup match against Haiti.
- The challenge kicked off with a walk around Easter Road, with participants wearing Scotland flags and team t-shirts.
- Sheltered housing manager Maureen Combe highlighted the health benefits of walking and the excitement of supporting Scotland’s World Cup return.
- This follows previous challenges, including 1,280 miles from John o’Groats to Land’s End and 60 miles in Robert Burns’ footsteps.
Leith (Edinburgh Daily News) January 28, 2026 – A group of sheltered housing tenants in Leith has launched an ambitious 3,070-mile walking challenge to coincide with Scotland’s first match at the FIFA World Cup.
The Leith Legends, comprising two teams named We’re Still-Game and Pro-Aimers, set off from Easter Road Stadium. They plan to cover the distance equivalent to Edinburgh to Boston over 140 days, aiming to arrive virtually at Gillette Stadium ahead of Scotland’s game against Haiti. The challenge requires a collective 22 miles per day.
What sparked this walking challenge?
The initiative builds on prior efforts by Leith tenants, who previously walked the equivalent of 1,280 miles from John o’Groats to Land’s End on local paths and 60 miles from Alloway to Dumfries following Robert Burns’ route, according to Scottish Housing News.
As reported by Scottish Housing News, the event started with a ceremonial walk around Easter Road Stadium, where participants donned Scotland flags and special team t-shirts. The groups will complete the challenge on Sunday, 14 June, aligning with Scotland’s arrival at the tournament, its first since 1998.
Why are health benefits emphasised?
Maureen Combe, sheltered housing manager at Harbour Homes, described the challenge as a way to capture World Cup excitement while promoting wellbeing. “Increased movement and group exercise are among the best things we can do to look after our health as we age,” she said, according to Scottish Housing News.
How will tenants stay motivated?
Combe added that participants are driven by walking’s benefits, with Harbour Homes pledging support throughout. Both football enthusiasts and others can join the atmosphere, she noted.
What happens next for the Leith Legends?
The teams will track progress daily to meet the 140-day deadline. This collective effort underscores community spirit in Leith ahead of Scotland’s World Cup participation.
Scotland Housing News reports the challenge as the longest yet for these tenants, fostering fitness and national pride.
