By Mark Mackay

A SIX-YEAR bid to get Scotland fit and active in time for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 was launched by the Ramblers Association Scotland in Perth yesterday.

The Walk Homecoming 2009 initiative is the first step in the programme, which was unveiled by Ramblers Scotland president Dennis Canavan at Perth Concert Hall.

The association believes a sustained campaign to promote walking is vital if the games are to have a lasting impact upon Scotland’s health record.

And so it plans to oversee the creation of a series of walking routes in and around villages, towns and cities.

Delegates at November’s SNP conference in Perth were given the chance to try out the first proposed walking routes, enjoying bronze, silver and gold-graded walks, based around Perth Concert Hall.

And those walks have now become the first to be officially introduced to the public.

Speaking at the concert hall yesterday, Mr Canavan said, “Walking is the key to a successful legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“It’s free and enjoyable, something almost everyone can do and an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

“There is a consensus that the games should have a legacy of getting people more active and improving their health and if that is to happen we need to promote walking wherever we can.

“We have now left the starting line with a map, produced in co-operation with Perth and Kinross Council, which shows 15, 30 and 60 minute walks around our ‘walking hub’—Perth Concert Hall.

“Over the next few years we want to see hundreds of walking hubs established right across Scotland, providing simple, cost effective walking opportunities which anyone can follow in every community.”

Also present at the launch was Perth and Kinross Provost John Hulbert, who said he was delighted the association had chosen to stage their launch in Perth.

He said, “As a general practitioner for over 30 years, I am acutely aware of the importance of walking for health.

“However what I enjoy most when walking is the opportunity for casual observation of wildlife—plants and trees, birds and animals.

“And in Perth you can watch the wildlife right in the centre of the city.”

Dr Hulbert stepped in to welcome delegates after Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham had to attend a meeting of the government’s environment committee.

The Perth MSP did send a supportive message, saying, “As an enthusiastic walker, I know that walking is an easy activity, accessible to almost everyone, with great health benefits in the form of physical exercise.”

She added, “This event will act as a catalyst, to be replicated elsewhere, as we count down to the London Olympics in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

“With almost 100 walking hubs already established throughout Scotland, I would encourage more communities to get involved and help promote and sustain what is one of the best forms of exercise.

“Together we can provide an incentive for residents and visitors to Scotland alike, to get out and about and for them to obtain the associated health benefits which will achieve a physical activity legacy.”