Shona McMillan walking at Kinlochbervie, Sutherland

A keen hillwalker has been given the task of getting Scotland on its feet in the run-up to the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

Shona McMillan will take up the post of promoting walking coordinator for Ramblers Scotland, with the task of encouraging Scots to take a hike.

Her appointment is part of the Ramblers’ Walk the Path to 2014 scheme, which has the backing of the Scottish Government, in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympics and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games two years later.

Ms McMillan’s role will involve promoting bronze, silver and gold walking routes from hubs, covering 15-, 30- and 60-minute walks respectively. They will be sited around hotels, hostels, schools, hospitals, community centres and offices.

Another aim is to persuade people to take a brisk 30-minute walk at least five days a week, and also to set up active-nation communities across Scotland to develop non-motorised routes, for walkers and bikes.

The new promoting walking coordinator said: “This is a great opportunity to use the games to help create a fit and active Scotland with huge environmental, social and economic benefits.

“An ideal time to join the Ramblers, I am really looking forward to working with many organisations to build the local and national partnerships which will lie at the heart of the successful delivery of the games legacy.”

Scottish Government Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison added: “Walking is a great way to keep fit, whether as a way of getting to work or a stroll through the countryside.

“It’s important to promote the benefits of this activity, which is why I welcome the appointment of Shona McMillan as Ramblers Scotland’s promoting walking coordinator. I wish Shona well in her work to promote walking and other outdoor activities, and to help ensure a lasting legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.”

Almost two-thirds of Scottish men of working age are overweight, and more than half the nation’s women are also carrying too much weight, with a quarter of men and women in that age range classed as obese.

Obesity can lead to premature death because of association with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels – with attendant cardiovascular problems. Poor diet and lack of physical activity are major factors in the modern trend to obesity.

About a third of Scottish children also fall outside normal weight ranges.

Director of Ramblers Scotland Dave Morris said: “We must use the impetus of these iconic sporting events to get Scotland active.

“Far too many people do too little physical exercise. The easiest, most cost effective way to change this is to encourage more people to do more walking.

“Our business plan identifies a series of projects that will help people get more active, from sofa to summit. We are delighted that Shona will be able to apply her extensive experience in the delivery of cultural and environmental projects in Scotland’s public and voluntary sectors to lead our 2012/2014 work.”

Ms McMillan added: “I am delighted that we already have significant financial support from Scottish Natural Heritage for our medal routes project. We will be working with many other organisations and individuals over the years to 2014 to raise the funds and deliver all our legacy aspirations.

“We will establish an advisory group of individuals with expertise from sporting, business, health and media backgrounds to help guide our plans. Alongside this will be an expanding role for our Ramblers members and volunteers.

“With over 50 local groups in Scotland we are well placed to ensure that Scotland’s Active Nation programme delivers benefits from local community level to city wide.”