Thousands of people in Scotland have an outdoor ambition which remains on the back burner – whether it is conquering a first Munro, wild swimming in a loch, or lacing up the running shoes for a first trail run.
For many, the barrier isn’t motivation, but confidence, know-how, or simply not having the right gear to get started.
Livingston Designer Outlet aims to change that. The shopping centre has launched a new campaign, “Start Your First”, inviting people to share the outdoor activity they have always wanted to try but never quite got round to starting.
The campaign follows research from the Observatory for Sport in Scotland (OSS), which points to a clear opportunity to help more Scots build active, outdoor lifestyles. Livingston Designer Outlet says the aim is to give people the push they need to swap “one day” for “day one” – and to enjoy the physical and mental wellbeing benefits that come with getting outdoors.
Organisers hope the campaign will resonate with anyone who has ever fancied climbing their first hill, trying wild swimming, taking up trail running, or exploring one of Scotland’s many cycling routes, but hasn’t known where to begin.
Four people chosen through the campaign will each receive a £200 gift card to spend with leading outdoor brands at the outlet, including The North Face, Trespass, Regatta and Tog24 – enough to kit themselves out properly and turn their ambition into action.
Michelle Whitelaw, Centre Director at Livingston Designer Outlet, said: “The hardest part is often taking the first step when trying a new sport or outdoor activity. Through ‘Start Your First’, we want to remove some of those barriers and show that getting started can be simpler than people think. Whether it’s your first hike, your first cycle or your first wild swim, we’re here to help make it happen and can’t wait to hear from the people of Scotland what ‘firsts’ they are looking to take on this summer.
“Scotland offers some of the most incredible outdoor experiences in the world, and we hope this campaign inspires more people to get out there and experience them for themselves.”
Entries are now open for ‘Start Your First’. To enter, head to Livingston Designer Outlet’s Instagram or Facebook page and comment with the outdoor activity you’ve always wanted to try. Selected participants will receive a personalised Starter Kit Drop packed with the clothing, footwear and equipment they need to get started, helping to turn their outdoor ambitions into reality.
