Bridge to Bridge Highland Cycle has announced a record-breaking total of £131,668.71 raised for local causes, following its largest event yet.

A record 250 riders took on the iconic 77-mile route from the Skye Bridge to the Kessock Bridge in Inverness on Saturday 12th September, 2026, generating vital funds for charities and community groups across the Highlands.

Now in its fifth year, the event has grown from a small grassroots effort into a key date in the Highland fundraising calendar. The 2026 edition delivered its highest participation and donation figures to date. Since launching in 2022, Bridge to Bridge has raised more than half a million pounds, with every pound donated going directly to local charities.

Three principal partners — Àban Outdoor, This Is Me Highland and HALO – Highland Action for Little Ones — will each receive £37,789.57. Additional awards include 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 sustain essential services and activities for individuals and families across the region. Àban Outdoor will put its share towards a new minibus to expand access to outdoor experiences for young people, while support for HALO and This Is Me Highland will help them continue their work with children, young people and families.

Supporting smaller, community-led organisations remains central to the ethos of Bridge to Bridge, with organisers focused on ensuring the money raised delivers tangible local impact.

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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, added: "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."

Organisers credited local businesses for underwriting event costs through sponsorship and in-kind support, ensuring all rider fundraising goes straight to the charities. Corporate participation also rose in 2026, with more companies entering teams. Firms are encouraged to get involved in 2027 as part of their team-building and charitable activities. Enquiries can be sent to [email protected].

Applications are now open for Highland charities and community organisations wishing to become 2027 beneficiaries, with a particular focus on smaller, locally focused groups where funding can make a clear difference. Details and submissions: www.bridgetobridgecycle.co.uk.