Our 14th annual Volunteer Awards took place on Wednesday 27th September. We celebrated 10 individuals and groups who have made amazing contributions to the health and wellbeing of their communities.
The awards represent those giving their time and passion to inspire others to walk, lead Health Walks, improve local paths and encourage people to travel actively.
MSP Nicola Sturgeon sponsored the event with broadcaster Fiona Stalker hosting in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament.
This year’s winners were from urban and rural projects from across Scotland. Winners include a walking group in Edinburgh’s Portobello that support people with dementia to take part in inclusive Health Walks and a community path volunteer in Blairgowrie who has lead the way transforming and maintaining the walking environment for locals and visitors to the village.
Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport said:
“Supporting people in Scotland to walk and wheel is a key part of our vision of a country where more people are more active, more often.
A huge number of highly motivated and skilled people are helping us deliver this vision, especially the passionate volunteers who do so much to help others overcome challenges to participation and facilitate activities across the country.
“They really are inspirational, the recognition from Paths for All in these Awards is very well deserved.”
The 2023 Volunteer Award Winners are:
Path Volunteer of the Year 2023 - Brian Campbell from Blairgowrie & Rattray Access Network
Path Group of the Year 2023 –Aboyne Paths and Tracks Group
Active Travel Volunteer of the Year 2023 – anonymous volunteer, Bike for Good Glasgow
Active Travel Project of the Year 2023 - Inverness Festival of Walking & Cycling, Partnerships for Wellbeing
Health Walk Volunteer of the Year 2023 - Claire Henderson, Bums Off Seats
Health Walk Group of the Year 2023 - Walk in the Park, Killin
Dementia Friendly Health Walk Group of the Year - Portobello Promenade - Ageing Well, Edinburgh Leisure
Project Coordinator - Denise Carmichael, Walk It, Scottish Borders.
Step Count Champion - Catherine Goodfellow, Scottish Disability Sport
Ian Findlay Outstanding Achievement Award – Jonathan Kitching of Aboyne Paths and Tracks Group
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, said:
“Every year I am blown away at the number of incredible groups and volunteers out there determined to make a difference. The work carried out by volunteers is directly improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health, reducing social isolation and loneliness and helping people make more environmentally friendly lifestyle choices.
“It’s been fantastic hosting the awards at the Scottish Parliament again this year, I always enjoy getting to socialise with our amazing volunteers and hear first-hand about the invaluable contributions they have been making.
“Thank you to everyone for their efforts and ongoing dedication.”
Read more about all the nominees for the 2023 Volunteers Awards and watch our videos to hear the stories of the fantastic contribution our volunteers make in our Volunteer Awards 2023 winner gallery.