Scots Ramblers are being asked to stump up £200,000

Scotland’s Ramblers today announced a cash appeal to help save the organisation from proposed cuts.

The campaigning group says it needs £200,000 to stave off the closure of its office and the accompanying staff cuts. Its three leaders backed the appeal, saying it was essential for the future of the charity north of the border.

Dennis Canavan, convener of Ramblers Scotland, said: “Ramblers Scotland were key players in delivering our world class right to roam legislation.

“This legislation is now being challenged in the courts by land-owning interests who are also confronting national parks and local authorities over access. We need to be vigilant and robust in protecting our rights.”

The appeal is being made to all members and supporters and the charity issued a phone number, website address and postal address which can be used to make donations.

The former MP and MSP continued: “Ramblers Scotland also have a leading role to play in the development of new path networks – joining all our communities together by decent walking routes should be a top priority for our social, environmental and economic development. Please help us deliver this vision for a well connected Scotland.”

The Ramblers Scotland president also lent his support to the appeal. Dick Balharry said: “My colleagues and I are determined to secure the future for Ramblers Scotland.

Ramblers Scotland convener Dennis Canavan

“The Ramblers have made a massive contribution to the protection of Scotland’s natural heritage, helping to safeguard our magnificent scenery from endless threats, from superquarries and bulldozed roads to powerlines and blanket afforestation.

“The Ramblers are needed for today and tomorrow. When government energy policies promote huge windfarms in wild places we all want the Ramblers in at the centre of the debate, challenging those who put private gain before public benefit.”

Journalist and broadcaster Cameron McNeish pointed out the cash crisis was a short-term problem, brought on by a number of factors related to the recession. Mr McNeish, who is also vice-president of Ramblers Scotland, said: “Financial difficulties are causing the Ramblers to propose cutbacks in staffing and support services right across its GB operations.

“This is a short-term problem, largely caused by a falling off in income during the recession. For example, property that has been bequeathed to the Ramblers has been difficult to sell, and donations are lower due to people feeling the pinch.

“In Scotland a prospective £300,000 cut in our expenditure budget would leave us with just £81,000 to cover our 2009/10 operations when the next financial year starts on 1 October.

“This means that, without substantial donations in the near future, consideration is being given to closing the Scottish headquarters near Kinross, and reducing our staff from seven to two. To secure the situation we need to raise £200,000 within a few weeks to ensure we survive until mid 2010. By then we expect our main income flows to be restored and activities to be operating again at maximum strength.”

He said the Ramblers campaigns were at the heart of recent efforts to improve the health of Scotland’s citizens, which is acknowledged to be poor in relation to some other parts of the UK and Europe.

“Ramblers Scotland is at the forefront of efforts to encourage everyone to get out and about and enjoy the great outdoors,” he said. “Walking is vital for our health. Promoting walking has to be an essential ingredient in our work to deliver a lasting, healthy legacy from the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Ramblers Scotland must survive to deliver on its plans to help us become a fit and healthy nation by 2014.”

He offered the following reassurance to donors: “Should the appeal be unsuccessful in raising enough money to keep the Ramblers Scotland office open, funds will be transferred to the Ramblers Scottish Council to spend on access issues and promoting walking specifically in Scotland.”

grough readers wanting to support the appeal can send cheques payable to Ramblers Association Scotland to Freepost, Ramblers Scotland; the phone number for card donations is 01577 861222 and details of how to donate online are on the Ramblers’ website on the ‘Make a Donation’ page.

Organisers of the appeal say it is important, of using the website page, to write Scotland Appeal in the box asking what prompted the donation. Cheque donations should also carry the donor’s name and address.