Rocky path to top success for Kingussie trail-builders
A group of volunteer path-builders in Kingussie have been recognised for their commitment and dedication to improving their local community at a national award ceremony.
Scotland’s national walking charity, Paths for All’s has recognised Kingussie Community Development Company (KCDC) Path Group as Community Path Group of the Year.
The KCDC Path Group is a large group of volunteers dedicated to carrying out maintenance on the network of upland paths in and around Kingussie, and works to improve existing paths, while also creating new routes.
Additionally, the members maintain signage and clear encroaching vegetation.
Since the summer of 2020, The KCDC Path Group has tackled projects at 12 different locations around Kingussie, most notably contributing over 500 hours to transform what was once a rocky and muddy 120 metre section leading to the 487 metre hill, Creag Bheag, which overlooks the town.
Sandy Maxwell, director of KCDC said: “It’s fantastic that the work of our volunteers is being recognised.
“Every week our volunteers come out in force regardless of the weather to make a positive impact on our local path routes which helps to promote active travel amongst the community.
“The Kingussie area is a popular tourism destination so it is important to make sure our local assets can be enjoyed in a safe and accessible way.
“There are still so many ambitions the group has for the future and for some of our existing projects we have a long way to go.
"We’re always looking for new members and would encourage anyone interested to come along and get involved in making a positive difference.”
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, said: “Giving your time and energy to a cause without financial reward – may seem like a big ask but our volunteers continually go above and beyond in local communities across Scotland and never fail to make it look effortless.
"Even though we all know an immense amount of work goes on behind the scenes.
“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.
“Thanks to all of the Kingussie Path Group for their hard work and dedication to improving the local community!”
There was also another winner from the Highlands.
Sheena McLellan was named Step Count Campion of the Year for her efforts and encouragement in supporting the health and wellbeing of her colleagues at NHS Inverness Social Work Teams.
The 63-year-old teamed up with four workmates to complete the Step Count Challenge as part of an initiative to encourage movement within the workplace.
The group was named ‘Burning Rubber’ and Sheena played an instrumental role in keeping all members motivated.
Sheena clocked up 533,045 steps throughout the challenge.
As a permanent wheelchair user, Sheena used use a MOTOmed Therapy bike to complete the equivalent of steps through pedalling with her arms. A smart watch is used to determine the step count.
She said: “I use my MOTOmed everyday as when you’re in a wheelchair it’s important to stay active, when my colleague asked me to join the group challenge, I thought why not?”
“I was flabbergasted and shocked to be nominated for such an award but it’s lovely to be recognised."
The Kingussie Path Group and Sheena McLellan were recognised at Paths for All’s prestigious annual awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament last night (Wednesday).
Hosted by the BBC Scotland's Fiona Stalker and sponsored by Paul MacLennan MSP, the event celebrated 11 groups and individuals throughout Scotland who have gone the extra mile to keep their communities active.
Paths for All is a national charity that champions everyday walking for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland.
It manages a range of grant funds that support projects aiming to increase participation in walking, active travel, and to improve community paths for travel and recreation.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd has championed the awards and said: “Encouraging and 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, not least the passionate and dedicated volunteers who do so much to help others overcome challenges to participation.
“They are an inspiration and I am delighted that their contribution is being recognised by Paths for All in these Awards.”
Mr McLennan commended the work of the volunteers: “My congratulations go the inspiring group of volunteers awarded this evening.
“The range of talent across the country is extremely impressive, and this is reflected in the passion of all the volunteers towards supporting health, wellbeing, social inclusion and the many other benefits of getting out and about.
“Scotland’s outdoors are stunning and varied. My own patch, East Lothian, has stunning coastlines a few miles away from the rolling Lammermuir hills.
"It’s brilliant to know that across all of Scotland’s diverse outdoor spaces there are people like the volunteers recognised this evening who are
working hard to make those spaces accessible and inclusive to all who live here.
“I’d like to commend the work of the volunteers and the team at Paths for All for going above and beyond to promote active travel and leisure. I look forward to seeing what the next year brings!”
Paths for All supports local authorities and communities to develop inclusive environments for people to be active; whether walking, cycling or wheeling.
The charity works with the Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and other ‘active travel’ initiative to improve the mental, social and physical health of the country.
The group awards thousands of pounds worth of grants to worthwhile projects that improve health, promote walking and improve environments for people to be active in.
The autumn Step Count Challenge is also about to start on October 31 and more details can be found by visiting www.stepcount.org.uk