Lathallan School proudly opened its doors on Friday, 7th February, to host over 100 cyclists participating in Doddie’s Grand Tour – a challenging 700-mile cycling ride marking the culmination of the 2025 Doddie Aid campaign. Led by former Scotland rugby captain and OBE recipient Rob Wainwright, the riders arrived for a well-earned rest, a hearty meal, and an evening bursting with community spirit in support of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to raise awareness and funds for MND research.
Between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm, Lathallan’s Brotherton Castle estate thrummed with excitement as pupils, staff, and families gathered to cheer on the determined cyclists. The evening was filled with memorable moments: our Lathallan pipe band delivered a rousing welcome, performing in full Highland attire on a cold February night, accompanied by raucous clapping from Lathallan parents and supporters. A special highlight was when Headmaster Mr Richard Toley touched the match ball from the Scotland vs. Ireland game on Sunday for good luck; the ball’s final journey saw Rob passing it to Chris Hoy on the Murrayfield pitch.
The school’s catering team served a warm, satisfying meal of homemade chilli in the Dining Hall, where the riders enjoyed Lathallan’s renowned hospitality. Over 80 registered cyclists rested in the Grand Assembly Hall, while an additional 40 stayed in caravans outside, before many departed for the next leg of their journey as early as 4:30 am the next day. We sincerely thank the parents who supported us, even though the evening extended longer than anticipated while awaiting the cyclists. The flawless organisation was made possible by the dedication of our catering team, estates staff, supportive Lathallan families – including the Pedalling Ploughman and Team Expro, who participated in the Doddie Aid event – and all our other committed staff who made hosting this event possible.
A group of six friends, cycling under the team name “The Pedalling Ploughman”, embarked on an extraordinary 700-mile journey from Stranraer to Murrayfield, in just four days. This team included Lathallan School parents Allan Hay, Sam Reid, and James Brunton, along with three other dedicated individuals. Despite not being seasoned cyclists, they joined forces with Rob Wainwright and the rest of the tour, contributing to remarkable fundraising efforts. Their dedication has helped raise over £55,000 for this incredible cause, significantly contributing to the over £5 million raised by Doddie Aid since its inception in 2021. Headmaster Mr Toley summed up the spirit of the event:
“It was fantastic! Rob’s 700-mile journey truly showcases the resilience of his character. This is a quality we strive to instill in every Lathallian, and as a former pupil, Rob’s incredible drive resonates deeply within our community and inspires us all to persevere against the odds.”
Rob Wainwright, whose leadership and commitment have been pivotal in Doddie Aid 2025, also reflected on his return to Lathallan:
“As I came down the drive, I remembered being dropped off here 51 years ago by my mother – a memory that still makes me smile. It’s wonderful to be back at Lathallan, where so many stories unfold.”
The success of Doddie Aid 2025 at Lathallan is a testament to the power of community and collective action. As we look ahead, the school remains committed to supporting initiatives that inspire, raise awareness, and make a meaningful difference.
About Lathallan School:
Lathallan is an award-winning independent, co-educational day and boarding school offering Nursery, Junior and Secondary education in the North East of Scotland.
Despite being a relatively small school (over 220 pupils from J1-S6) Lathallan continues to significantly impact the sporting arena. A remarkable 10% of Lathallan senior school pupils are competing at a regional or national level.