Volunteers recognised for going the extra mile throughout the pandemic

Our 12th annual volunteers award ceremony celebrated the volunteers who are supporting improved health and wellbeing in their local communities.

Health Walk Volunteer of the Year - Terry McTaggart (red jacket centre) with Bums off Seats has been leading Health Walks since 2003

Held virtually for the second year and hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Fiona Stalker 11 awards were presented to volunteers. 

Our 2021 winners are:

Community Path Volunteer of the Year
Ian Gibb, Earlston Paths Group, Scottish Borders

Community Path Group of the Year
The Hit Squad from the Water of Leith Conservation Trust 

Active Travel Volunteer of the Year 
Alan Brown, Former Chair of The Bike Station

Active Travel Group of the Year
Walk with Braveheart 

Health Walk Volunteer of the Year
Terry McTaggart from Bums off Seats in Fife 

Health Walk Group of the Year
Inverclyde Bothy Health Walk Project 

Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer 
Margaret Mackie, Kirrie Connections Walking Group, Angus.

Project Coordinator of the Year
Fran Crumley, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Countryside Trust

Step Count Champion of the Year
Stephen Whiston, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership 

Volunteer Diversity Award
Ayrshire Sportsability/RNIB Scotland walking group 

Ian Findlay Outstanding Achievement Award
Susan Kennedy, Forth Bumps and Babies

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, said:

Getting outside and going for a walk is so valuable for our own personal health and for the health of our planet so it is vital that we celebrate the outstanding work carried out by volunteers to make safe environments.

Their invaluable contribution is directly working to improve the nation’s physical, mental and social health which has been evident throughout the pandemic, with many going above and beyond their normal duties.

350 volunteers received certificates of thanks to recognise the outstanding support they have provided in their community supporting more people to enjoy walking, wheeling and cycling.

Messages of praise and thanks for volunteers were also given from:

Mairi McAllan, Minister for Environment and Land Reform

Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights

Maree Todd, Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport

Watch the event online here.