The medal routes are aimed at getting Scotland on its feet
Scotland’s sports minister will step out today to kick off a scheme to get Scotland on its feet in the run-up to the Olympics.
Shona Robison will join broadcaster and writer Cameron McNeish in a brisk walk round Glasgow to launch a series of medal routes across the nation.
The gold, silver and bronze routes are circular walking courses lasting 60, 30 and 15 minutes respectively, and organisers, including the Ramblers, hope to encourage Scots to be more active by regularly taking part in a walk on one of the routes.
The launch is part of a UK-wide Inspire Day, with activities across the country encouraging communities to take up sport and physical activity as the Olympics approach.
Ramblers Scotland convener David Thomson said: “Our medal routes project aims to make going for a walk as easy as possible.
“From Shetland to Stranraer, Ardnamurchan to Aberdeen, we are inviting communities, groups and individuals across Scotland to establish medal routes from a walking hub in their local area.
“Delivering a physical activity legacy in Scotland from the 2012 Olympic and 2014 Commonwealth Games is a big challenge but lots more walking is the key.
“By creating medal routes across the whole country we will be encouraging more people to go for a walk more often, to enjoy our wonderful green spaces and countryside and get a bit fitter too.”
Cameron McNeish will be at the launch of the medal routes
Mr McNeish, Ramblers Scotland’s vice-president, will be joined at the Commonwealth House launch by Dr Andrew Murray, the Scottish Government’s physical activity champion.
Medal routes project officer Jacqueline Ferguson said: “Walking is a great way to get fit. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking, five times a week, helps maintain good health, and medal routes can help everyone to get out for a walk more often.
“Medal routes are based on walking hubs in local communities which could be schools, hospitals, community or sports centres, cafes or hotels.
“I’d love to hear from people across Scotland who would like to get involved in the project, especially those in communities along the route of the Olympic torch relay as it passes through Scotland next month.
“Let’s be inspired by these great sporting events to go for a walk outdoors and improve our physical and mental health.”
The Glasgow event starts at 11am from Commonwealth House on Albion Street.
