A Perthshire teenager is helping people to stay active amid the coronavirus restrictions.
Rian Harvey, 17, from Crieff has worked alongside SportScotland and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) on the Walk and Talk campaign.
The scheme encourages participants to set a time to go for a walk and to talk on the phone with a friend, family member or colleague while they do so.
Participants are invited to take a photo during their walk and to post it to social media using the WeAreHere hashtag.
Swimmer Rian has been a member of SportScotland’s Young People’s Sport Panel (YPSP) since 2018. He said he had enjoyed his own walks and talks with friends.
“Walk and Talk is a great way to stay both physically active whilst making these connections and looking out for one another,” he said.
“I found it really helpful to have a catch up and share some good stories and laughs together while we were both walking and benefiting from physical activity.”
Stewart Harris, chief executive of SportScotland, praised Rian and his fellow panel members.
He said: “Clearly this is an extremely challenging time for everyone in Scotland and beyond.
“I’ve been incredibly impressed by the commitment and passion for sport these sport panel members have shown.”
Head of Physical Activity and Sport at SAMH, Robert Nisbitt said: “During these difficult times, it’s important we all look after our mental health and wellbeing, as well as our physical health.
“The Walk and Talk campaign is a simple way for people to stay in touch and get some exercise.”
