Disabled mobility dream progresses
Council weigh in to take forward charity’s ambition
A Callander-based charity has received £25,000 of funding from Stirling Council to take forward their ambition to make the outdoors accessible for all.
Funding set aside earlier in the year by the council to support tourism-focused business in the Callander area has allowed the amount to be allocated to Trossachs Mobility, a non-profit group who aim to provide allterrain access for the physically challenged within the Trossachs area.
The group was created by friends Gordon Wilson and Wayne Johnson, a local businessman and community councillor, who wanted to improve access in their community after realising that it’s not always possible for everyone to have the same access to their surroundings.
The charity was borne out of Wayne’s friendship with wheelchair user Gordon, and a conversation about difficulties in accessing some of the amenities in and around Callander.
Gordon, 65, a keen photographer, has been in a wheelchair for the past seven years due to osteoarthritis as well as heart and lung problems.
Now, supported by a team of volunteers, the group have created a hub on Callander Main Street where they provide ‘terrain-hoppers’ for hire, information on local facilities and access, and guidance and advice on suitable routes within the area, so that people with all levels of ability can freely access the surrounding countryside.
Wayne said: “I’m so proud to be part of this great charity and grateful to have met Gordon Wilson and discovered his vision. Helping him turn his dream into a reality has given me immense satisfaction and joy, and we’ve already witnessed the freedom and empowerment these vehicles give to their users. We would like to thank all involved for their support, time and effort in helping us obtain this funding as it has allowed us to acquire our first Terrain Hoppers and get the charity rolling.
“We look forward to the exciting future ahead and cannot wait to see the joy on the faces of the people that will use them.”
Stirling Council’s finance and economy convenor Councillor Neil Benny said: “This is a fantastic scheme which I’m very proud to have been able to support.
“This will help those less able to access our great countryside and cement Callander’s place as the outdoor capital of Scotland.”
Local Councillor Martin Earl said: “I am delighted that the council has been so positive and acted quickly to provide financial support.
“Everyone involved in this project deserves huge credit for their enthusiasm and hard work. The potential benefit to both individuals and the local economy are obvious. Great ideas like this deserve support and it will continue to have mine.”
Chris McCoy, head of accessible tourism for VisitScotland, said: “VisitScotland’s accessible tourism project is all about giving people with accessible needs the chance to enjoy a great holiday experience.
“Disabled people still have difficulty finding businesses to cater for their access requirements and provide adequate opportunities and information to help them to make informed choices.
“The tourism industry has not fully understood that disabled people not only require accessible accommodation but they too have aspirations and dreams of climbing a Munro and walking through the Trossachs National Park.”
Representatives from Trossachs Mobility will be in the Thistles Centre all day tomorrow (Saturday) showing off the Terrain Hopper and talking to members of the public.
More about Trossachs Mobility at www.trossachsmobility. com/ or follow them on Twitter @Trossachsmobil1 and www.facebook.com/ trossachsmobility/. More on Terrain Hoppers at www. terrainhopper.com/.