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Portraits inspire politicians to promote walking

This news post is about 4 years old
 

Nicola Sturgeon is among the MSPs to back walking charity Paths for All.

Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to champion everyday walking after seeing a photography exhibition highlighting its benefits.

The First Minister is among dozens of MSPs who are backing Scotland’s walking charity Paths for All after viewing the Humans of the Walk exhibition at the Scottish Parliament.

Featuring images taken by members of the all-female CollectiveF8 team, the exhibition featured uplifting portraits of Scots whose lives have been improved by taking regular walks, such as married couple Karine and Sarah Mather, who shared their story about how getting outdoors helped Karine following her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Paths for All said the portraits celebrate how walking benefits physical, mental and social health, regardless of age or ability.

Following the exhibition, Ms Sturgeon posed for a picture bearing a placard which read: “I will champion walking by encouraging and supporting it – and trying to lead by example.”

Ian Findlay CBE, chief officer at Paths for All, said: “It’s been a truly remarkable opportunity to be able to take the exhibition to the Scottish Parliament and share our messages and initiatives with the country’s leaders.

“Humans of the Walk has been received incredibly well and provoked many important conversations around the benefits of walking. We’ve had great discussions with numerous MSPs on the importance of walking and active travel and how it can positively impact not only the physical and mental health of the nation but also the environment.

“The response has been extremely positive and many of the politicians discussed the different ways in which they can help to encourage people in their own constituencies to walk more.”

Greens MSP Alison Johnstone, who sponsored the exhibition, added: “It’s a privilege hosting an exhibition like Humans of the Walk in Parliament, and even more so working with an organisation like Paths for All, who are relentless in their work to share the positive impact and evidence about walking and why it’s so good for all of us.

“In the face of the climate emergency and the obesity epidemic, walking is a sociable, affordable, health-enhancing way to get about. We can’t take it for granted though - we need to invest in making walking safe and attractive for all.”

The exhibition will go on show next month at the Scottish Government’s Victoria Quay building in Leith.