Committed volunteer highlighted for community spirit
A LOCAL man has been recognised for his commitment and enthusiasm in playing a key role for a voluntary group which upkeeps and maintains paths in the local area.
Scotland’s national walking charity, Paths for All, has recognised Brian Campbell as Path Volunteer of the Year at the 2023 Volunteer Awards.
The 76-year-old has taken on the role of Work Party Organiser with Blairgowrie and Rattray Access Network (BRAN) group, and has played an integral role in coordinating and organising weekly meet-ups to carry out maintenance work.
Brian is known for his hard work, positivity, and dry humour within the group – helping to keep the spirits high while they carry out the manual labour.
Brian Campbell said: “BRAN has become more than just a group; it’s a community of close friends. We often enter local quiz games; and the annual Christmas meal outing and summer barbeque have become highlights of the year.
“When we took over the path maintenance from the council it was a bit daunting, but everyone has come together – allowing us to save the council more than £22,000 a year which is quite the accomplishment.
“I always like to make the work we do fun and to have a laugh, while encouraging those who are taking part to enjoy the work; whether that’s the old-hands or the newcomers to the group.
“It’s great to be recognised for this award but it is testament to the hard work our team of volunteers put in, helping make our community paths accessible and safe for everyone to enjoy.”
Brian was commended at Paths for All’s 14th annual awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on 27 September.
Hosted by the BBC Scotland’s Fiona Stalker, with awards presented by sponsoring MSP Nicola Sturgeon, the event recognised 10 groups and individuals throughout Scotland who have gone the extra mile to keep their communities active.
Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport said: “Supporting people in Scotland to walk and wheel is a key part of our vision of a country where more people are more active, more often.
“A huge number of highly motivated and skilled people are helping us deliver this vision, especially the passionate volunteers who do so much to help others overcome challenges to participation and facilitate activities across the country.
“They really are inspirational, the recognition from Paths for All in these Awards is very well deserved.”
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, said: “Every year I am blown away at the number of incredible groups and volunteers out there determined to make a difference. The work carried out by volunteers is directly improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health, reducing social isolation and loneliness and helping people make more environmentally friendly lifestyle choices.
“It’s been fantastic hosting the awards at the Scottish Parliament again this year, I always enjoy getting to socialise with our amazing volunteers and hear first-hand about the invaluable contributions they have been making.
“Thank you to everyone for their efforts and ongoing dedication.”
Paths for All works with the Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and other ‘active travel’ initiative to improve the mental, social and physical health of the country.
The charity awards thousands of pounds worth of grants to worthwhile projects that improve health, promote walking and improve environments for people to be active in – making for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland.
Find out more about the Blairgowrie and Rattray Access Network, here: https://discoverblairgowrie.co.uk/blairgowrie-and-rattray-community-groups/blairgowrie-and-rattray-access-network
A full list of Volunteer Award winners 2023 can be found on Paths for All’s website: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/volunteerawards
