NEWS

Walks project and the Millenium Volunteer

Lead organisation: Sgoil an Iochdair agus a'Choimhearsnachd

Total project cost: volunteer time only

One of our findings from our original community survey was that people would like to go out and walk more, but felt that it was difficult to do this safely. Concerns were raised about restrictions caused by fencing, and by worries about safety when walking along the roads. Since that survey, we see more and more people out walking and running, in part due to the good work done by the running and walking groups that are now operating.

We have had our own walk leaflet out, describing the route around Iochdar, which is level, and avoids the main road. It is quite descriptive, aimed at the slower or less fit walker, pointing out items of historical or environmental interest. We have also been very fortunate in gaining permission to publish the walk descriptions that Martin Margulies writes for am paipear.

Our latest scoop is gaining the support of a Millenium Volunteer. This scheme is aimed at 16-25 year olds, enabling them to use their volunteering experience to gain awards which can prove helpful in developing career plans. Our volunteer is interested in websites and journalism, amongst other things, and she is keep to help research walks, and to keep our website fresh and lovely. She has edited a first set of walks to make them suitable for our site, and they will be added very soon.