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City schools taking part in big walk and wheel challenge
Photographer Alan
Simpson took this
delightful shot of Gabby.NEWS
EDINBURGH SCHOOLS will take
part in the UK’s largest active travel
to school challenge by walking,
scooting or cycling.
The Sustrans Big Walk and
Wheel takes place between 11 and
22 March and is intended to inspire
pupils of all ages to get to school
using active travel. It also reminds
them that by doing so they will be
improving the air quality in their
neighbourhood and finding out
that small changes matter. Now in
its 15th year, schools all over the
UK compete each day to make the
most journeys by travelling
actively to school - walking,
wheeling or using public transport
rather than a car.
Sustrans, the charity that aims to
make walking, wheeling andcycling easier, has laid down the
challenge in partnership with The
City of Edinburgh Council and the
headline sponsors of the event,
Schwalbe Tyres UK.
Dr Cecilia Oram, Head of
Behaviour Change, at Sustrans
said: “Millions of pupils have risen
to the challenge and embraced
walking, scooting and cycling
throughout these past 15 years of
Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, and
this time it’s going to be bigger
than ever.
“Not only are pupils and their
families enjoying quality time
together during an active school
commute, but they’re also
improving traffic congestion and
air quality around their schools.”
The prizes on offer to schoolsthis year include Micro Scooters,
Frog bikes and Cyclehoop cycle
parking and infrastructure.
Alison McLean, Acting
Headteacher at Queensferry
Primary School said: “Last year, our
pupils had so much fun walking
and cycling to school with their
friends and family.
“We noticed they arrived at
school refreshed and ready to
learn. We were also thrilled to
come in first place in the large
primary school category in
Scotland.
“I would encourage more
schools to sign up to the Big Walk
and Wheel as it’s a great way for
young people to learn more about
the local environment, air quality
and how it affects them.”Cycling is
encouragedSnowdrops
in bloom
Each year the carpet of white
flowers marks the delicate
beginnings of spring
THE SCOTTISH SNOWDROP
FESTIVAL runs from January to the end
of March, celebrating the flowers which
herald the start of spring. There is still
time to visit displays at the Royal Botanic
Garden Edinburgh where garden guides
will explain the various species, or
Hopetoun House where two-year-old
Gabby (right) was spotted during her visit.
At Hopetoun the next event will be a
celebration of Mother’s Day in March with
Afternoon Tea in the Stables when visitors
can tour of the house and explore the 100
acres of historic designed gardens.