Held virtually for the second year and hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Fiona Stalker 11 awards were presented to volunteers.
Our 2021 winners are:
Community Path Volunteer of the Year
Ian Gibb, Earlston Paths Group, Scottish Borders
Community Path Group of the Year
The Hit Squad from the Water of Leith Conservation Trust
Active Travel Volunteer of the Year
Alan Brown, Former Chair of The Bike Station
Active Travel Group of the Year
Walk with Braveheart
Health Walk Volunteer of the Year
Terry McTaggart from Bums off Seats in Fife
Health Walk Group of the Year
Inverclyde Bothy Health Walk Project
Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer
Margaret Mackie, Kirrie Connections Walking Group, Angus.
Project Coordinator of the Year
Fran Crumley, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Countryside Trust
Step Count Champion of the Year
Stephen Whiston, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership
Volunteer Diversity Award
Ayrshire Sportsability/RNIB Scotland walking group
Ian Findlay Outstanding Achievement Award
Susan Kennedy, Forth Bumps and Babies
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, said:
Getting outside and going for a walk is so valuable for our own personal health and for the health of our planet so it is vital that we celebrate the outstanding work carried out by volunteers to make safe environments.
Their invaluable contribution is directly working to improve the nation’s physical, mental and social health which has been evident throughout the pandemic, with many going above and beyond their normal duties.
350 volunteers received certificates of thanks to recognise the outstanding support they have provided in their community supporting more people to enjoy walking, wheeling and cycling.
Messages of praise and thanks for volunteers were also given from:
Mairi McAllan, Minister for Environment and Land Reform
Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights
Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport
Watch the event online here.