Treasure trail helps address air pollution

Published: Thursday 10 March 2022

South Lanarkshire Council Leader John Ross and Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee at North Lanarkshire Council, with WALKCYCLE4AIR competition winner Fiona Miller, from Ferniegair, and her son.

An App for a treasure trail game that crossed borders in Lanarkshire was downloaded more than 1100 times last summer.

The trail around Strathclyde Country Park and Hamilton Palace Grounds was accessed via a free App WALKCYCLE4AIR, produced by South and North Lanarkshire Councils and launched to celebrate Clean Air Day.

Users followed a trail on their phone, answering questions at landmarks along the trail then submitted their answers for a chance to win Halfords gift vouchers.

Five winners have now received their vouchers, including Fiona Miller, from Ferniegair, who completed the trail with her husband and two children.

Fiona was presented with her prize by Councillor John Ross, Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, and Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee at North Lanarkshire Council.

Councillor Ross said: “I’m delighted for Fiona and all who received the prizes but this is a case where everyone was actually a winner.

“The more people who get out of their cars and into the fresh air, the more fresh air there will be for everyone. And how better to enjoy it than with family and friends, having fun and seeing the landmarks that enrich our own local area? Well done to everyone!”

Councillor McPake said: “Well done to Fiona and our other winners, and I hope that everyone who took part in the trail enjoyed their tour of local landmarks at Strathclyde Country Park and Hamilton Palace Grounds.

“The project was part of our action to improve air quality in our towns and communities by encouraging more people to walk and cycle, helping to cut carbon emissions.”

The treasure trail app project was supported by the Scottish Government Air Quality Action Plan funding.