Residents of two areas in Midlothian where new housing has expanded the local community are being urged to take part in a unique challenge to help meet their neighbours.
Midlothian Council has become the first local authority in Scotland to join forces with charity Walking Scotland to launch a four week challenge.
The Step Count Challenge will invite teams of residents from Danderhall and Shawfair to compete against each other to record the most steps walked during the month.
The council said the event was targeting two communities in the county where new housing had brought a lot of new people in in recent years.
It said: “The purpose of the challenge is to not only promote fitness but also to bring people together because there are lots of new people moving into the area.”
The challenge is free to take part in and will kick off on Monday, February 2, until March 1 with people urged to bring teams of five together to register.
Participants will have access to the Walking Scotland Step Count Challenge dashboard, where they can track their progress and log steps as well as chatting with team mates and even grow a ‘virtual forest’ based on estimated Co2 savings.
There will be a prize for the winning team with the highest total step count as well as recognition for the most inspiring team-mate. And walking, running, and wheeling are all included in the ways to take part.
Councillor Colin Cassidy, cabinet spokesperson for active travel, said: “This challenge is a fantastic way to bring the community together, encourage healthy habits, and make walking fun. We hope as many residents as possible will take part and enjoy the benefits.”
Kevin Lafferty, Walking Scotland CEO said: “At Walking Scotland, we want everyone to experience the benefits of walking and wheeling. This Step Count Challenge is a great opportunity for residents of Danderhall and Shawfair to make a positive impact on their health, communities and environment.”
To register a team of five or find out more go to here
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
