Charity partnership sees Doddie Duck Race return to Dalkeith Country Park

24 April 2025

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is proud to be Dalkeith Country Park’s charity partner for 2024/25.

The two-year-long partnership is a commitment from the team at Dalkeith Country Park to support the Foundation’s work in funding motor neuron disease (MND) research.

The park, which is based in Midlothian and borders the City of Edinburgh, has set up collection tins for donations at various till points across the site. This includes the Fort Douglas Adventure Playground and at the Restoration Yard’s store and eateries.

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is also benefitting from many of Dalkeith Country Park’s events, and May of 2024 saw the first Doddie Duck Race take place. Hundreds of charming yellow ducks took to the River Esk to race downstream for the win, and local food vendors, face painting, live music and a raffle were also enjoyed by all visitors.

Last year’s duck race raised £4,874 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and we’re excited to see the return of this fun family-friendly day out on Sunday 4 May 2025. 

Throughout the day, multiple duck races will take place every hour, starting at 10:00 and with the final race at 15:00. There are lots of prizes to be won too, so get ready to cheer on your lucky duck as it races down the river.

And it’s not just ducks! Grab a bite to eat from the Pink Elephant food truck or Dalkeith Country Park’s new Pizza Trunk as you enjoy the races. There will also be face painting, a raffle, the chance to pick up some exclusive My Name’5 Doddie Foundation merchandise, and get your photo taken with the Doddie tartan tractor.

Tickets are £5 per duck and must be purchased in advance, with all ticket proceeds going to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Tickets can’t be purchased online on race day - card payment only at the entrance, and entries will close 15 minutes before each race.

For more information and to get your tickets, click here.

May the best duck win!