Key Points
- 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 Gillette Stadium in Boston before Scotland’s opening World Cup match against Haiti.
- The challenge spans 140 days, with a collective 22 miles walked daily, ending on 14 June to coincide with Scotland’s first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998.
- Previous efforts by the group include walking distances from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End and in the footsteps of Robert Burns.
- Harbour Homes sheltered housing manager Maureen Combe highlighted health benefits of walking and excitement for the World Cup atmosphere.
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 celebrate Scotland’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Leith Legends, comprising teams We’re Still-Game and Pro-Aimers, started their ‘March to the Match’ from Easter Road Stadium, aiming to cover the virtual distance from Edinburgh to Boston’s Gillette Stadium in 140 days.
What is the purpose of the Leith Legends’ walking challenge?
The challenge seeks to build excitement ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup match against Haiti, marking the nation’s return to the tournament since 1998, according to reporting by Scottish Housing News.
As reported by Maureen Combe of Harbour Homes, “This is an exciting year to be a Scotland supporter. With this challenge, both football fans and non-football fans alike can get involved in all the thrills and the atmosphere that a World Cup brings.”
How will the tenants complete this record-breaking distance?
The two teams will walk a collective 22 miles per day over 140 days, kicking off with a lap around Easter Road Stadium while wearing Scotland flags and team t-shirts, Scottish Housing News reports.
What previous challenges have these tenants undertaken?
The Leith Legends previously walked 1,280 miles from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End and 60 miles from Alloway to Dumfries following Robert Burns’ footsteps, making this the longest journey yet.
What health benefits does the challenge promote?
Maureen Combe of Harbour Homes emphasised that increased movement and group exercise benefit health as people age, with participants motivated by walking’s advantages, per Scottish Housing News.
The initiative underscores community spirit among Leith’s sheltered housing residents supported by Harbour Homes, which provides affordable homes in Leith and north Edinburgh.
