News release
For immediate use - 15.00hrs
Cameron McNeish (1), President of Ramblers' Association Scotland, is calling for a fundamental restructuring of Government Departments to meet the needs of outdoor recreation.
When opening the annual meeting of Ramblers Scotland (Saturday, 11 March, 2pm, Marine Hotel, Troon) Cameron McNeish will call on the First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP, to consider a fundamental change in the way that the Scottish Executive promotes outdoor recreation. Cameron will say:
Getting out of our houses and into the outdoors is a fundamental need for every citizen. Fresh air and exercise are vital, whether you are going for a 30 minute walk around your local streets or climbing the north face of Ben Nevis. Promoting outdoor recreation to everyone, from Govan to Galashiels, should be at the core of government policy - it is a vital part of our culture, our environment and our social and economic needs."
"But we have a big problem - outdoor recreation has no Government Minister acting as its champion. Too many government departments regard it as an add on to what they see as more important responsibilities. Scottish Natural Heritage gives too much emphasis to preservation not enjoyment. SportScotland is dominated by the needs of so called "elite" sports. VisitScotland thinks it is all about getting bums into hotel beds."
"When we probe into the heart of Government we only find the Health Minister, Andy Kerr, making any real effort to get Scotland out and about. Even then most of his resources for promoting the simplest outdoor activity, walking, are focussed into very limited urban areas."
Cameron McNeish will remind delegates of the need to mobilise more Government support to encourage more physical activity, especially walking:
"In 2012 the Olympics will arrive in London. In 2014 we hope to see the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Now is the time to raise our game - we want everyone, from Shetland to Stranraer, walking at least 30 minutes each day by the time we reach the starting line for these great international sporting events. We will not achieve this with the present government arrangements. In the Ramblers we have done our bit with our healthy walking project, "Bums off Seats". We now need the First Minister to put some new bums on government seats, to create a department where outdoor recreation is its primary responsibility, with a Minister who is a real sporting champion."
ENDS
Note to Editors:
(1) Cameron McNeish, RA Scotland President, is one of Scotland’s best-known outdoor writers and broadcasters. He hosted the highly acclaimed BBC2 television series Wilderness Walks. Cameron edits The Great Outdoorsmagazine, is the author of a number of books on walking, President of the Backpackers Club and a leading spokesman for the outdoor movement in Scotland. He will open the meeting of the Ramblers Scottish Council at 2pm on Saturday, 11 March, at the Marine Hotel, Troon. The conference will continue until Sunday (12th) lunchtime (1pm).
(2) On the Saturday (11th) evening the meeting will be addressed by the Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury* Ramblers Association GB President and Director of the Clore Leadership Programme.
*Formerly Chris Smith MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 1997-2000.
