More than 30 people were present in Giffnock to hear about the special fundraising event, in aid of Jewish Care Scotland, which takes place from May 8-15, 2011.

JCS chairman Maureen Solomons said: "This is the beginning of a very exciting adventure for all of us."

Max Kramer, who has been leading treks for 15 years, outlined the itinerary. The trail will include Riga, the Shtetl of Zagare, the Ninth Fort in Kaunas, the Sugihara Museum and Vilnius.

Max said: "Vilnius will be the jewel in the crown of the trek. We will visit the Jewish Museum, attend the Shabbat service, visit the Jewish Day School and the community centre and have dinner with communal leaders.

"There has been a real revival of Jewish life in Vilnius with 6,000 Jews now living there. The adults are learning about Judaism from the children and some people are coming back there from Israel and Russia."

Trekkers will be walking 15 kilometres per day on average. David Sinclair, of Five Star Fitness, will be providing specialist training guidance.

Each participant will have to raise a minimum of £1,500, including £900 to cover the costs.

Scottish Jewish Archives Centre director Harvey Kaplan encouraged participants to do some family history research before they left.

He suggested obtaining old family papers and offered help from the Archives Centre to trace relatives. He also hoped that people would allow them to copy any material they found and also provide feedback from the trek.

Treasurer George Hecht announced that 27 people were committed to the trek so far, including two ladies from Oxford, one from London and two former members of the community who were coming over from Israel to take part.

George said: "We are looking to raise £30,000 from the trek."

Renee Aronson (nee Wellins) travelled up to Glasgow from Oxford for the meeting with friends Hazel Woolfson (nee Zuckerman) and Pat Silver from London. Renee and Hazel are originally from Glasgow.

Renee said: "I'm very excited about it. I think it is a fantastic idea and will be a marvellous trip."

There are a limited number of places left and booking closes soon.

Contact 0141 620 1800.