We're delighted to annouce that Graham McQueen is our new Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Manager.
Graham was previously our Senior Development Officer with the SCSP Open Fund, where, alongside the wider team, he managed the day-to-day processing and awarding of grants, the successful collation and reporting on project evaluation, and the development and ongoing delivery of the SCSP network.
Before that, Graham worked with Forth Environment Link, delivering various projects including the Forth Valley Active Travel Hubs, Nextbike Stirling and Forth Bike.
In his new post, Graham also becomes a member of Paths for All's Senior Management Team.
Graham said:
I am delighted to take on the role of Manager of the Smarter Choices Smarter Places Programme with Paths for All.
I am passionate about the potential of Sustainable and Active Travel to change the lives of people living and working in Scotland, and I am committed to partnership working across the board to help us achieve a just transition to a more sustainable society.
"I believe we are at a turning point where society is starting to see the evidence of the destruction we are inflicting around us. We work in a key sector where we can influence individuals and communities to change elements of their life for the benefit of the environment around them.
I think this is an incredibly exciting opportunity, and we need to be creative and energetic in pursuing ways in which to help and support people to make the changes that are needed to safeguard life as we know it for future generations.
"I am equally as passionate about the benefits of an active lifestyle and being connected with the great outdoors. My life changed for the better in my late 20s when I discovered cycling and walking, and I strongly believe that living an active lifestyle helps in every aspect of life.
"I was lucky enough to have people around me that encouraged and supported my first forays into these activities, but for some taking the first step or turning the first pedal can be a barrier that they will never overcome and we need to support and encourage people to take those first steps, both for their own good and wider society.
"Supported by Transport Scotland, Smarter Choices, Smarter Places aims to encourage creativity and new ideas which will deliver both on getting people active and on changing the way we travel.
"I am incredibly excited about seeing how the fund and the projects and organisations we support develop over the coming years."