Pupils record festive charity song to encourage winter walking

Schoolchildren from Elgin have recorded a festive song to encourage children nationwide to walk to school during winter.

‘Walk for the world this wintertime’ has been produced with Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking. The song aims to encourage families to take to their feet this winter and enjoy the benefits of being active.

The song was recorded at Gordonstoun Primary School near Elgin with the accompanying music video featuring pupils from Bishopmill Primary School in Elgin.

Living Streets Scotland runs WOW – the year-round walk to school challenge. WOW rewards primary school pupils who walk to school at least once a week with a monthly collectable badge, helping to create healthy habits for life.

Chris Thompson, Schools Coordinator at Living Streets Scotland delivers WOW in schools across Scotland and wrote ‘Walk for the world this wintertime’ with arrangement support from Adam Csenki at Gordonstoun Primary School. 

Chris Thompson said: “The song was a chance to have a bit of fun with pupils who have been working really hard to move more this term.

“WOW schools in Scotland all see increases in walking rates, helping to reduce congestion, road danger and air pollution – all whilst children benefit from being more active.

“We hope the song encourages others to take to their feet – whatever the weather this winter.”

Video available: https://vimeo.com/378252738

Strider, the Living Streets mascot (above), has been on a festive tour of schools to celebrate the steps they’ve taken so far this year. The visits have been a chance to educate children about the benefits of walking to school in the winter months and give a sneak preview of the festive song.

The tour kicked off in St Peter’s Primary School in Renfrewshire on 3 December. Renfrewshire Council has made a real investment in promoting walking as the mode of travel to school and have offered WOW to all 49 primary schools. 

Fiona Muir, Project Coordinator (Renfrewshire), Living Streets Scotland said: “Strider’s festive tour rounds off a very positive start to the project in Renfrewshire. The schools have all be incredibly enthusiastic about WOW and are getting some great results.

“There’s no better way to keep warm this winter than with a brisk walk. It’s good for your health, your wellbeing and can boost immunity.”