Insights are being gathered from communities across Aberdeenshire in a major consultation effort to improve local opportunities for walking and wheeling.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Walking Scotland, which is seeking feedback from residents in Kincorth, Westhill and Kemnay to better understand what’s helping and hindering people when it comes to choosing active travel.
The charity-led campaign aims to gather real-life perspectives from those navigating public spaces with buggies, mobility aids, wheelchairs, scooters or simply on foot so that future improvements are rooted in local experience.
Organisers hope the consultation will break down barriers to walking and wheeling, while boosting access to key services, green spaces and transport links.
Drop-in sessions will run in each location across January, alongside an online survey to ensure as many voices as possible can take part.
Richard Armstrong, Walking Communities and Environments Manager at Walking Scotland, said:
“We want everyone to have the opportunity to walk and wheel every day, in schools, workplaces and communities.
“This consultation is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Aberdeenshire to share their views on what could make walking and wheeling easier and more enjoyable.
By prioritising active travel, we’re helping to solve some of Scotland’s biggest challenges, from health inequalities to the climate-nature emergency.
Working alongside local community organisations and representatives from Aberdeen City Council, Walking Scotland will use the findings to develop tailored action plans to support walking and wheeling in each area.
These plans may include proposals such as infrastructure improvements, enhanced health walk programmes, or targeted footpath repairs – all backed with support from the charity to bring them to life.
The consultation is designed to reach people from all walks of life, including parents with buggies, disabled people, older residents and young people who regularly navigate public spaces.
Sessions for Kincorth residents will take place at Kincorth Community Centre on Thursday 8 January (11am–1pm) and Wednesday 11 January (1pm–3pm).
In Westhill, residents can drop into Westhill Library on Wednesday 21 January (1pm–3pm) and Tuesday 27 January (10am–12 noon).
Kemnay Library will host two events on Tuesday 20 January (11am–1pm) and Wednesday 28 January (2pm–4pm).
An online version of the consultation is also open until 31st January ensuring accessibility for those unable to attend in person.
Walking Scotland is encouraging everyone, whether they walk regularly or not, to share their views on what would help make local walking routes safer, more accessible and better connected.
In Case You Missed it:
Feedback will be used to shape a more inclusive active travel experience and guide long-term improvements that support community wellbeing and environmental goals.
To participate in the online consultation, visit the links below:
- Kincorth Walking and Wheeling Consultation Form – https://forms.office.com/e/rvgUYfe3ks
- Westhill Walking and Wheeling Consultation Form – https://forms.office.com/e/HJ8wnhFwb0
- Kemnay Walking and Wheeling Consultation Form – Https://forms.office.com/e/55FYJKDYZH
