A retired Royal Air Force Wing Commander from Glasgow is preparing to take on a ‘Mighty Stride’ in support of Scotland’s leading Veterans charity – a cause that has been woven into his family’s life for more than four decades.

David Tait, 46, will walk the 23-mile Mighty Stride from Glasgow Green to Loch Lomond on 26 April as part of this year’s Kiltwalk, raising funds for Erskine Veterans Charity.

The walk represents more than a fundraising effort for David, with military service, and supporting those who have served, a cause that runs deeply through his family.

He and his wife, Kelly Ann, first met as teenage cadets in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets in Johnstone. Both later pursued ambitions to become pilots and later continued their training with the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron.

In 2003, David qualified as a Fast Jet pilot with the Royal Air Force, while Kelly Ann trained as an Army officer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He went on to serve 22 years in the RAF, retiring with the rank of Wing Commander.

His wife, now a Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, continues to serve and currently commands the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit at RAF Brize Norton. The highly specialised tri-service unit is responsible for designing, building and trialling the safe dispatch of personnel, vehicles and equipment from military aircraft and helicopters.

Yet the family’s connection to supporting veterans long predates their own service.

David’s relationship with Erskine began in 1983 when, aged four, he attended a visit to the charity’s hospital by Diana, Princess of Wales and King Charles III, who remains Erskine’s patron today. David still recalls shaking hands with Princess Diana, a childhood memory that marked the beginning of a lasting connection with the charity.

He visited Erskine regularly growing up and saw first-hand the care provided to some of Scotland’s final surviving veterans of the First World War.

Today the charity provides a wide range of support services, including care homes, assisted living apartments, transitional supported accommodation and activity centres across Scotland. It also assists veterans living independently through its home support service.

Support for the charity is also rooted in the Taits’ family history. David’s godfather, Andrew Robertson, served as chair of the Erskine board of trustees, while his late great-uncle, Colonel Derek Naismith TAVR, was an active committee member during the 1970s and 1980s.

And the family’s commitment continues into the next generation, with their 14-year-old daughter, Abbie, volunteering on Saturday lunchtimes at Haig House in Erskine’s Veterans Village in Renfrewshire.

This year marks David’s third Kiltwalk in support of the charity. Having completed the Mighty Stride previously, he knows the eight-hour walk will be demanding.

David said: “Erskine has been close to my family’s heart for generations. I’ve seen first-hand the compassion and professionalism shown to veterans and their families. Military service runs through our household, but so does the responsibility to look after those who have worn the uniform before us.

“Walking 23 miles is a small challenge compared with the sacrifices made by our veterans. If I can help Erskine continue its work, every step will be worthwhile.”

Ian Cumming, Chief Executive of Erskine, said: “We are enormously grateful to David and his family for their continued dedication and support. The Tait family’s commitment both through military service and their support for veterans is truly inspiring.

“Fundraising efforts like David’s help ensure we can continue delivering daily care and support of the highest standard to veterans and their families across Scotland.”

To donate to David’s JustGiving page, visit https://bit.ly/4sJu7g1