NOMINATIONS are open for the 2023 Scottish Walking Awards which will celebrate organisations who are striving to make us more active.
The awards, which happen every two years, will honour a variety of walking groups from businesses, councils and charities who inspire people to step out and improve their activity levels.
Heather Macleod, sport and physical activity development officer at the Good Move Walking Team, said: “Walking and being active is essential for our physical, mental and social wellbeing.
"Being active regularly has many long-term health benefits such as reducing our risk of heart disease, stroke and developing type 2 diabetes as well as maintaining a healthy weight.
“However, there are immediate benefits too such as relieving stress, improving sleep and boosting your mood. The beauty of walking and wheeling is that it is free and accessible for all no matter your age of ability. You also do not need any special equipment to take part.”
Nominations are encouraged from across Scotland, including the projects that support those in wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
There are 10 categories for the awards as well as an overall champion who will be named during National Walking Month in May.
Organisers for the event include Ramblers Scotland, Paths for All and Living Streets Scotland.
Stuart Hay, Living Streets Scotland director, said: “In the two years since the first Scottish Walking Awards, we’ve seen so many projects flourishing in communities to make sure everyone has the opportunity to walk and experience safe and enjoyable walking environments.
"We want to celebrate these projects and the vitally important role of walking essential everyday journeys for the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
“Promoting walking is particularly important in light of stress and hardship in society brought about by the cost of living crisis.
"We want to celebrate all the fantastic work that’s going on all over the country, in areas such as social housing, health care, community organisations, workplaces and local authorities.”
The public can nominate themselves, another organisation or person who they believe has done inspiring work to promote walking during the last two years.
Kevin Lafferty, Paths For All chief officer, 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.”
Nominations can be made online before the deadline of March 19.
