Awards seeking Scotland's walking heroes

The biennial awards will showcase a diverse range of inspiring walking projects – from businesses, councils and land managers to the journalists, NHS staff and volunteers who inspire others to step out.

Organisers encourage nominations from all regions of Scotland and all sections of society, including projects that support people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Winners of the 10 categories, as well as an overall Champion of Champions, will be named during National Walking Month in May.

The awards are organised by Ramblers Scotland, Paths for All and Living Streets Scotland.

Brendan Paddy, Ramblers Scotland director, said: “The number of people walking is booming in Scotland, which is wonderful news for the health and happiness of our nation. These awards offer a timely opportunity to showcase the communities, companies and projects that are opening the way for more people to benefit from the joy of walking.”

Paths for All chief officer Kevin Lafferty said: “I’m encouraging people to enter the Scottish Walking Awards to recognise the fantastic work happening in Scotland to make walking and wheeling* accessible to everyone. Collectively, we can showcase the transformative role walking plays in reducing health inequalities, lowering carbon emissions, and improving the environment.”

People can enter themselves, or another organisation, business or person who they think has done great work to promote walking or wheeling in Scotland during the past two years. Anyone can make a 250-word nomination using an online form at pathsforall.org.uk/scottishwalkingawards before the deadline on Sunday, March 19.

The overall winner of the first-ever awards in 2021 was Fife charity worker Magdalena Augustyn-Lygas. This recognised her work to help migrants boost their health, social life and spoken English through the Sole Sisters group walks project.

For more information and to submit nominations pathsforall.org.uk/scottishwalkingawards.