SCOTTISH charity, Paths for All, has been acknowledged, on their 20th anniversary, for their contribution to getting Scotland more active.
MSPs across the Scottish Parliament supported a motion which noted the contribution of Paths for All in encouraging walking in Scotland over the past 20 years.
Fulton MacGregor MSP lodged the motion underlining the importance of short local walks in Coatbridge which get people out and enjoying an active life regardless of fitness, health or time constraints.
Paths for All – which is a key delivery partner of the Scottish Government’s National Walking Strategy -celebrated their 20-year anniversary in 2016. They are an organisation who promote physical activity, particularly everyday walking as the way to a happier, healthier Scotland.
Says a spokesperson: “Physical inactivity is one of the biggest health risks of our time, the stark reality is that seven Scots die every day due to inactivity.
“As walking is the most popular form of physical activity, regardless of age, income or gender, it is a vital solution to tackling this inactivity and improving health, social and mental wellbeing of everyone in Scotland.
“Walking can also play a huge role in meeting the social, transport and environmental challenges that Scotland faces.”
Minister for Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell, said: “We want everyone in Scotland to be more active and encourage them to stay active throughout their lifetime as that benefits their own health and that of the country as a whole.
“The best thing about physical activity is that it doesn’t need to be onerous – it can be a simple walk in the country or by one of our lochs, and can be enjoyed in a leisurely manner with friends.
“Paths for All has been providing those opportunities over the last twenty years and I’m happy to see the dedicated staff and volunteers being recognised for their hard work and commitment, and to hear about the positive impact the group has had on many of our communities.”
Ian Findlay, chief officer, Paths for All, said: “Over 20 years, we have focused on helping people to get out and enjoy their local environment through welcoming and safe multi-use path networks, supporting community and workplace walking and promoting active travel.
“We have played key roles in the input and development of legislation introduced by the Scottish Parliament throughout the past two decades. Over 28,000 ‘health walks’ were delivered through our network last year and we continue to develop and grow this activity every year.
“We are pleased that this motion values promotion of walking and the multiple benefits it can bring to our population and society.
“Looking forward, Paths for All will continue our important work leading the delivery forum for The National Walking Strategy. We will be further developing our targeted support to help the most inactive people to walk more, along with wider work to promote physical activity, active travel and paths suitable for all users.
“We support the call for Scottish Government to consider a Year of Walking and look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to get Scotland walking in 2017 and beyond.”
ENDS
For further information from Paths for All, please contact Anna Mitchell (communications manager) on 01463 725129 or at anna.mitchell@pathsforall.org.uk
Notes to editors:
About Paths for All
- Paths for All is supported by the Scottish Government to promote physical activity and walking for health in Scotland and is a key delivery partner for the Scottish Government’s National Walking Strategy and the Active Scotland Outcomes Framework.
- Paths for All champions everyday walking in Scotland and we want to get more people walking – everyone, everywhere and every day.
- Paths for All aims to significantly increase the number of people who choose to walk in Scotland – whether that’s leisure walking or active-choice walking to work, school or shops. We want to create a happier, healthier Scotland, where increased physical activity improves quality of life and wellbeing for all.
- We work to create more opportunities and better environments not just for walking, but also for cycling and other activities, to help make Scotland a more active, more prosperous, greener country through active travel.
- Read more at: pathsforall.org.uk.
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Paths for All contact details…
Contact: Paths for All
Phone: 01463725129
Email: communications@pathsforall.org.uk
Website: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk
