The Scotland Hat Walk was back in action in Dunfermline, with over 130 milliners, hatters, and hat enthusiasts rocking their best headwear and raising more than £2,500 to support finding a cure for brain tumours. The event took place in Pittencrieff Park on Sunday, April 27, 2025, marking its second successful year. Lisa Jones (Off With Her Head Millinery) and Leanne Cairns (Leanne Cairns Millinery) were the brains behind this colorful gathering, which attracted a lively crowd of hat lovers, milliners, and supporters eager to get creative and raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.
The day kicked off with a vibrant millinery exhibition at The Glen Pavilion, where attendees got to admire a variety of handmade hats and headwear. Scottish milliners and hatters showcased their work, discussing their creative process and the inspirations behind their designs with visitors. At 1 pm, the walk officially commenced, led by Joscelyne Kerr, a 19-year-old astrophysics student from Kinross who bravely battles an ultra-rare brain tumour. Joscelyne, this year’s Scotland Hat Walk Ambassador, was accompanied by her mum Ann and sister Evie on the walk.
The event, now part of the global World Hat Walk, saw participants from over 50 cities across six continents coming together, all rocking their favorite headgear. Watt Nicol, a Scottish folk singer and comedian, joined the walk as part of his 90 Mega Watt Challenges to celebrate his 90th birthday. Messages of support poured in from local MSP Jenny Gilruth and singer Barbara Dickson, who hails from Dunfermline. The day wrapped up with the Best Dressed Competitions, judged by Alexander Stewart MSP, where prizes were awarded in categories like Best Dressed Couple, Best Hat (Adult), Best Hat (Kids), and Best Dressed Dog.
Leanne Cairns expressed her astonishment at how far the Scotland Hat Walk has come in just its second year, crediting sponsors, the Scotland Hat Association volunteer team, and all the supporters for the event’s success. The event also aligns with Wear A Hat Day, Brain Tumour Research’s flagship awareness and fundraising campaign, helping to fund crucial initiatives like the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. With plans already underway for Scotland Hat Walk 2026, the newly formed Scotland Hat Association aims to promote millinery across the country, ensuring that this stylish event continues to make a difference in the fight against brain tumours.
Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, highlighted the importance of events like the Scotland Hat Walk in raising awareness and much-needed funds to support research efforts. Joscelyne’s resilience and the organizers’ dedication serve as an inspiration, showing how community-driven events can bring us one step closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease.
