What We Do › Sustaining Choices
Sustaining Choices
Supporting communities to create Local Walking and Wheeling Action Plans
Supporting communities to improve local walking
What is Sustaining Choices?
Sustaining Choices is a programme led by Planning Aid Scotland and funded by the Walking Scotland “Smarter Choices, Smarter Places” fund. The programme focuses on supporting communities to develop Local Walking and Wheeling Action Plans to make it safer, easier, and more accessible for everyone.
____________________________________________________
Sustaining Choices 4: Programme update
Between November 2024 and March 2025 we worked closely with communities in Ruthrieston, Fa’side, Eskdalemuir, and Kelty to develop Local Walking and Wheeling Action Plans. These plans—which outline key tasks the local communities can work towards to encourage active travel—have now been published.
Collectively, the reports bring together the thoughts of over 650 people who participated in various engagement events and online surveys. They analyse barriers to walking and wheeling in the areas and outline suggestions to make it easier and more accessible for all.
You can read the Action Plans here:
____________________________________________________
Over the past four years, our Sustaining Choices programme has seen remarkable success in collaborating with communities to develop active and sustainable travel action plans.
“The ideas of a connecting path between Pencaitland and East Saltoun would have remained just ideas without your help.”
Sustaining Choices 4 participant
“We are already seeing the benefits of the Action Plan with groups using it as an informed, professional platform.”
Sustaining Choices 3 participant
“Well done, articulate and professional.”
Sustaining Choices 3 participant
“We have now documented the community concerns and have a working mandate to progress on these initiatives.”
Sustaining Choices 2 participant
How does it work?
Planning Aid Scotland works directly with local communities to gather their feedback and understand their concerns. Through a mix of creative activities and guided local walks, residents are invited to participate and think how to encourage local walking. Importantly, people of all ages, including children and young people, are invited to join the consultation stages – it’s vital to include everyone’s voices in local placemaking.
Residents’ feedback on local footpaths is essential. Are they well-maintained, accessible and well-lit? Are there missing connections or obstacles that make walking or wheeling difficult? Identifying these issues helps develop practical improvements that encourage more people to get out and about.
Community engagement
Sustaining Choices focuses on inclusive and creative engagement. The programme uses creative methods including art, poetry, podcasts or filmmaking, to ensure a wide range of voices are heard. These engagement opportunities empower communities to actively shape their local walking environment. Each community we work with has the opportunity to tailor these methods to their specific needs, ensuring relevance and accessibility for all.
Why walking?
Walking is simple yet vital activity that improves individual health and community wellbeing. Walking is more than just exercise. It’s about connecting with our environment, feeling a sense of community and reducing our carbon footprint. By focusing on walking, we can create easy-to-implement plans that make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s feedback on walking for enjoyment, exercise or taking your dog out, everyone’s feedback can contribute to shaping effective Local Walking and Wheeling Action Plans.
Programme outcomes
By the end of the project, each community has its own Local Walking and Wheeling Action Plan, filled with ideas to improve walking routes and experiences. These plans, along with creative outputs, help spread awareness and drive meaningful change.
If you’d like to find out more, please contact Diane Cassidy, diane@pas.org.uk
