Walking Across Canada in a Kilt: A Journey to Rewild Scotland
How one Scotsman's journey across Canada in a kilt is breathing new life into the ancient Caledonian Forests of Scotland.
Michael Yellowlees, a Scotsman from Dunkeld and Birnam, undertook an extraordinary trek across 8,000 kilometres of Canadian wilderness. Accompanied by his faithful Alaskan husky, Luna, and clad daily in traditional Scottish attire—a kilt—he walked from Tofino on the west coast of British Columbia to Cape Spear, the easternmost point of Newfoundland. This epic journey was far more than a test of endurance: it was a mission to raise awareness and funds for rewilding the ancient Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands.
The Origins of a Mission
The Scottish Highlands, once blanketed in dense native woodlands, now stand largely barren. Named after the ancient kingdom of Caledonia, the Caledonian Forest once covered vast stretches of Scotland. However, centuries of logging, land clearance, and overgrazing have reduced this iconic ecosystem to just 35 isolated remnants. Conserving and restoring these precious environments is at the heart of rewilding efforts, with organizations like Trees for Life leading the way.
- Caledonian Forest now exists in small, fragmented patches.
- Centuries of human activity have left the Highlands treeless and ecologically depleted.
- Trees for Life aims to plant native species and recreate wild habitats.
Why Trek Across Canada?
Michael Yellowlees chose Canada for his fundraising route to inspire and draw contrasts. As he explained, Canada’s vast forests are a reminder of the wild landscapes Scotland once had and could have again through restoration. The journey also resonates with the generations of Scots who emigrated to Canada, forming deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
- Canada’s diverse and still-intact wilderness offers a vision for Scotland’s restoration.
- The symbolic journey from Pacific to Atlantic mirrors Scotland’s potential rewilding from coast to coast.
- The trek celebrated Scottish-Canadian heritage and environmental stewardship.
Setting Out: The Start of an 8,000-Kilometre Adventure
Michael and Luna began their walk in March 2021, departing from Tofino on Vancouver Island. Their route followed the Great Trail (trans-Canada trail network), traversing forests, mountains, open prairies, and bustling towns. Michael’s attire—a kilt, no matter the weather—became a symbol of determination and cultural identity.
From British Columbia through the Rocky Mountains, across the central Canadian plains, and into the Maritimes, the journey was filled with harsh weather, warm hospitality, and moments of reflection:
- Encountered snowstorms in the Rockies; battled cold rain in Newfoundland.
- Greeted by supporters from all backgrounds, often bringing food, encouragement, or shelter.
- Featured frequently in local news and gathered crowds at key stops, including the celebratory arrival at Cape Spear Lighthouse in December 2021.
Challenges on the Road
The trek, spanning nine months, brought no shortage of challenges—both expected and unexpected. Luna, bred for distance and cold, proved a capable companion, though not without incident. In the wilds of northern Ontario, Luna went missing in dense brush, causing considerable worry. For seven days, Michael anxiously searched until Luna returned, unharmed but in need of rest.
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Other daily obstacles included:
- Extreme weather: Battling blizzards, relentless rain, and scorching sun all while wearing a kilt.
- Long stretches of solitude, with only Luna for company.
- Logistics of food, rest, and resupply in remote areas.
- Physical exhaustion and the toll of thousands of kilometres walked on foot.
Despite hardships, Michael continued, drawing strength from the mission’s purpose. Community support, both virtual and along the route, provided crucial encouragement.
Rewilding Scotland: The Cause at the Heart of the Journey
The trek’s true purpose was to support the rewilding of the Scottish Highlands through fundraising for Trees for Life. The organization’s vision is ambitious: to restore the remnants of the Caledonian Forest and reconnect scattered habitats, fostering the return of native wildlife and diverse plant life.
- Trees for Life has planted nearly 2 million native trees on dozens of Scottish sites.
- Restoration efforts create habitats for species including red squirrels, pine martens, and the elusive capercaillie.
- Funds raised by Michael and Luna surpassed £40,000, directly supporting these projects.
Rewilding is more than planting trees. It’s about restoring the natural balance:
- Promoting biodiversity by reintroducing native species.
- Letting forests regenerate naturally and sustainably.
- Engaging local communities in stewardship and environmental education.
Cultural Significance: Echoes of John Muir & Scottish Heritage
Michael’s walk evoked the spirit of legendary Scottish-American naturalist John Muir, a pioneer of modern conservation whose journey from Scotland to North America shaped global environmentalism. The walk also deepened the connection between Scotland and its diaspora in Canada, underscoring an enduring bond over landscapes, culture, and a shared vision for ecological restoration.
- Celebrated by locals, environmentalists, and wider communities along the route.
- Welcomed by prominent figures, including a statement of encouragement from Canada’s Prime Minister.
- Amplified the importance of international cooperation in conservation.
Public Response and Support
The journey captivated individuals and communities both in Canada and in Scotland. Social media updates chronicled daily challenges and triumphs, drawing a loyal following who contributed donations, shared messages, and participated in events along the route.
- Grassroots donations poured in through a dedicated giving page and social platforms.
- Frequent local media coverage raised awareness about the dwindling state of Scotland’s native forests.
- Supporters offered food, temporary shelter, and kind words along the journey.
| Milestone | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Tofino, BC | March 2021 |
| Luna Missing (Found after 7 days) | Northwestern Ontario | July 2021 |
| Arrival | Cape Spear, NL | December 2021 |
Lessons from the Trail
Michael’s journey was not only about fundraising or landscape—it became a meditation on the power of perseverance, the necessity of reconnecting people and wildness, and the resilience that comes from purpose-driven action. The hardships he faced also highlighted the stark contrast between thriving Canadian wilderness and the depleted Highland landscapes—a living call to restore what’s been lost in Scotland.
- Nature’s recovery is possible with collective will and sustained action.
- Personal commitment can inspire broader change and international awareness.
- Even the most daunting conservation challenges begin with individual steps—literally, in this case.
About Trees for Life: Making Rewilding a Reality
Trees for Life is dedicated to restoring wild forests in the Scottish Highlands. With a strong track record and the support of volunteers and international attention spurred by endeavors like Michael’s, the organization has:
- Established forest restoration sites across key Scottish landscapes.
- Developed educational programs to engage young people and local communities.
- Partnered with scientists, landowners, and public agencies to foster resilient ecosystems.
Michael Yellowlees and Luna: More Than a Walk
The trek has become a story of partnership—between one man and his dog, Scotland and Canada, and people and the wild. Luna’s role as both companion and symbol of resilience resonated deeply with supporters. Their journey, documented through photos, video updates, and community gatherings, has left a lasting mark on all who followed their path.
- Luna’s disappearance and recovery underscored the unpredictability and wonder of true wilderness.
- Community support in both countries highlighted the universal appeal of conservation.
- Michael and Luna’s achievement stands as a testament to the impact of personal courage in service of a greater cause.
A Global Message: Rewilding for the Future
Efforts like Michael Yellowlees’ walk across Canada emphasize the growing movement for rewilding—not just in Scotland, but globally. Restoring native forests, reviving wildlife, and reconnecting people to the land are urgent, necessary steps in responding to climate change and biodiversity loss.
Rewilding offers solutions for:
- Restoring biodiversity: Native forests support complex webs of life and resilience.
- Carbon sequestration: Expanding wild forests helps to combat global warming naturally.
- Community regeneration: Healthy landscapes foster tourism, education, and well-being.
Michael’s odyssey is a rallying cry for individuals, governments, and organizations worldwide: it takes vision, action, and a willingness to cross great distances—literal or metaphorical—to safeguard our planet’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Michael Yellowlees?
A: Michael Yellowlees is a conservationist and musician from Scotland who walked across the length of Canada to raise funds and awareness for rewilding the Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands.
Q: What is rewilding?
A: Rewilding is the process of restoring natural habitats and reintroducing native plant and animal species to areas where they have diminished or disappeared, helping to rebuild balanced ecosystems.
Q: How much money did the journey raise for conservation?
A: The trek raised over £40,000 (around $60,000), supporting Trees for Life’s Highland reforestation and habitat restoration projects.
Q: Why did Michael walk across Canada instead of Scotland?
A: Michael chose Canada for its vast, unspoiled wilderness, to draw attention to what Scotland has lost, and to connect with the many Scots who emigrated and shaped Canadian society.
Q: What happened when Luna went missing?
A: Luna, Michael’s dog, went missing for seven days in a remote part of northwestern Ontario. She eventually returned, safe, needing rest before rejoining Michael for the remainder of the walk.
Q: How can others support rewilding in Scotland?
A: Supporters can donate to organizations like Trees for Life, participate in volunteer planting sessions, or spread awareness about the importance of ecosystem restoration.
References
- https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/12/07/this-scotsman-walked-across-canada-in-a-kilt-to-help-rewild-the-highland-forest
- https://iheartdogs.com/man-and-his-dog-walk-8000km-across-canada-for-conservation/
- https://www.northern-times.co.uk/news/one-man-and-his-dog-on-the-walk-of-a-lifetime-253417/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KviPlj3JCIo
- https://www.scottishbanner.com/2021/11/07/if-i-could-walk-5000-miles-michael-and-luna-a-rewilding-journey-across-canada/
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