Earlier this month, hundreds of cyclists gathered in Kilmarnock to celebrate the long-awaited return of one of Scotland’s most beloved community sporting events – the Braveheart Ride and Dinner – proudly sponsored by CR Smith.
After almost a decade away, the event came roaring back to life on Saturday 18 October 2025, raising more than £16,500 for the Braveheart Cycling Fund, which supports young Scottish cyclists striving to make their mark on the sport.
The revival was made possible thanks to sponsorship from CR Smith and the personal backing of our founder and chairman Gerard Eadie CBE, a long-time supporter of Scottish cycling and a firm believer in nurturing potential at every level.
“CR Smith has always believed in investing in people and potential, and the Braveheart Fund captures that perfectly,” Gerard said. “It’s about more than developing cyclists – it’s about giving young people the confidence and opportunity to pursue their ambitions.
We’re proud to have helped bring this event back and to support the next generation of Scottish talent. The Braveheart Ride has always been about community, effort, and opportunity – values that resonate deeply with us as a business.”
A community united in support
The Braveheart Ride first began in 2004 and has long been a fixture of the Scottish cycling calendar. Starting once again from St Joseph’s Academy in Kilmarnock, riders took on an 87km route through the scenic East Ayrshire countryside, cheered on by local supporters.
After the ride, guests gathered at The Park Hotel for the Braveheart Dinner, where funds were raised through auctions, raffles, and donations to support grassroots riders. The evening featured inspiring appearances from Olympians Grant Ferguson and Jack Carlin, alongside former professionals Evan Oliphant, Kate Cullen, and commentator Brian Smith, who co-founded the fund.
Among the star names taking part was Scottish cycling legend Pippa York – who, riding as Robert Millar – became one of Britain’s greatest ever cyclists with a Tour de France stage win and the famous Polka Dot jersey in 1984.
Pippa described the Braveheart Fund as ‘a vital lifeline’ for young Scottish riders. She said: “The Braveheart Fund has always been something special – the only fund in Scotland that directly supports young cyclists outside the official system. Cycling can be an expensive sport, and not everyone fits the mould of the national performance pathways. Braveheart gives young riders another route.”
Supporting the next generation
Since its founding in 2005, the Braveheart Cycling Fund has played a pivotal role in supporting some of Scotland’s brightest cycling talents – including Olympic champions Katie Archibald and Callum Skinner, as well as Olympians Neah Evans and Anna Shackley.
Its ethos, captured in its tagline ‘Heroes Don’t Just Happen’, reflects the belief that champions are built through encouragement, opportunity, and community support.
Among this year’s Braveheart-funded riders were Erin Boothman, Ahron Dick, Daisy Wilkinson, and Evan Marsh, who said: “The Braveheart Cycling Fund has been there for me from the start of this season. Their support made a real difference, and I’ll always be thankful for it.”
A milestone moment for Scottish cycling
The 2025 event marked 20 years since the Braveheart Fund was first established. It was a night that not only celebrated two decades of impact but also looked ahead to the future of Scottish cycling.
Kathy Gilchrist, Trustee at the Scottish Cycling Foundation and organiser of the Braveheart Dinner and Ride, said the return of the event was a huge boost for the sport:
“The Braveheart Fund has been instrumental in developing some of Scotland’s brightest cycling talents. Not every promising rider fits into a national performance programme, so having a fund that provides direct, practical support at grassroots level is invaluable. We’re thrilled that CR Smith made this return possible.”
A legacy of opportunity
Support from CR Smith for the event reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to investing in potential – whether through our own youth and apprenticeship programmes or by backing causes that make a tangible difference in Scottish communities.
As Gerard Eadie said: “It’s been great to see the Braveheart Ride return stronger than ever, surrounded by passion, generosity, and hope for the next generation. We’re delighted to have played our part.”
