Ben walks into role as president

Ramblers group honour

We s t Lothian countryside ranger Ben Dolphin has been named President of Ramblers Scotland.

He follows in the footsteps of the late conservationist Dick Balharry, award-winning broadcaster Cameron McNeish and most recently Dr Andrew Mur ray, who was the Scottish Government’s first Physical Activity Champion.

Ben is a West Lothian Council ranger and is well known in the Scottish outdoor scene for writing for the Walkhighlands website and Outdoor Enthusiast magazine, as well as for his blogs, photos and videos on his own Benvironment website.

He was elected to the honorary position at Ramblers Scotland’s AGM this month in Dunblane.

Ben ( 41) says he is planning to use his presidency to encourage even more people to explore Scotland on foot.

He said: “Being put forward as President of Ramblers Scotland is a huge honour for me.

“In my personal and working lives I’ve seen first- hand how time spent around nature has enormous physical and mental benefits, whether it’s the blanket bogs of Sutherland or an urban park in West Lothian.

“Much of my time is spent encouraging folk to get out and about.

“As President o f Ramblers Scotland, I hope to be able to do just that by showing people the amazing wildlife and landscapes we have right here at home, not just up in the Highlands but right outside our front doors.

“I’ll also continue to speak up for our wild places and progressive access rights, which should never be taken for granted.” Eirwen Hopwood, West Lothian Council’s Parks and Woodlands manager, congratulated Ben.

He said: “We are delighted for Ben and he thoroughly deserves this accolade.

“Everyone who knows and works with Ben admires his knowledge and passion for the outdoors, and his ability to get his messages across to the wider public.

“On behalf of everyone at West Lothian Council’s Ranger Service I’d like to congratulate Ben on his appointment.”

Ramblers Scotland convenor Alison Mitchell added: “It’s wonderful to have Ben Dolphin on board as our President.

“His passion for walking, landscape and outdoor access, together with his respected position within the Scottish outdoors scene, will help us deliver the wide range of exciting campaigns and projects we have planned in the coming year.”

It is wonderful to have Ben on board