Kevin Lafferty

Chief Executive Officer

I’ve had a successful 30-year career within the public sector having led a number of teams including NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s physical activity team. I was responsible for developing and implementing Glasgow’s physical activity strategy ‘Let’s Make Glasgow More Active’. I was the lead for the Forestry Commission Scotland’s ‘Woods for Health’ strategy and action plan to improve people’s health and wellbeing through outdoor recreation and nature connection.

I studied sport in the community at Strathclyde University and did my postgrad in health promotion and health education. I am an Executive Committee Member of the UK’s leading outdoor recreation advisory body ORN (Outdoor Recreation Network). And an expert advisor with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Commission on Protected Areas health and wellbeing specialist group.

I practice what I preach, and I’ve been coaching and teaching exercise and dance in communities for over 30 years.

Kevin joined Walking Scotland in September 2021.

Kevin shares why walking is important to him

“Walking is my favourite way to keep active. It reminds me of what matters most and helps me clear my mind and live in the moment. When I am outdoors walking, I get to use all my senses. I am reminded of the little joys of life like birdsong or the smell of cut grass and how good it feels to walk and connect with nature.”