Outdoors for the Disabled

© Julie McElroy

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and adventurer Julie McElroy have teamed up to try to encourage more people with disabilities to access Scotland's great outdoors. They are on the lookout for 10 disabled participants for a weekend of activities in Kintail this June.

Weekend on Arran  © Julie McElroy
Weekend on Arran
© Julie McElroy

The project, due to take place from 19 to 22 June, will see participants take part in a range of outdoor activities including short country walks and a little taste of NTS conservation work. It follows the success of a similar trip to Arran, the first in a programme which aims to help people who are living with disabilities develop a meaningful connection to natural landscapes.

Robert May from the NTS said:

'The National Trust for Scotland is proud to be working with Julie on this project and supporting the campaign to improve access to the outdoors for those living with disabilities. The last project we ran together was a great success and we can only get better, especially by going somewhere as stunning as Kintail.'

'We really see the Trust and its properties as being open to absolutely everyone and we relish the opportunity to continue to open our doors to an ever wider representation of Scotland's community.'

A keen adventurer who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was a child, Julie was recently the recipient of a JMT award. She is eager to help more people with disabilities experience the advantages of the outdoors.

She added:

'I have always had a love of the outdoors and I was really delighted about getting this project off the ground for the second time. Kintail will be more stimulating and interesting for the disabled participants. This course is designed to enhance the confidence of the participants and also increase their personal development, by allowing them the chance to take part in a series of tasks and adventures that they haven't before.'

Participants must be aged 18 and upwards, living in Scotland, fairly ambulant and able to commit to all four days of the project. For more info contact Julie by email


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1 Apr, 2012
Excellent idea, I know some people that will be interested in that.
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