It’s official… Eve’s the first and only person to complete all 29 of Scotland's Great Trails!

NatureScot has confirmed that Eve (10) and her father (me) are the only people to have ever completed all 29 of Scotland's Great Trails! 🎉 🥳 🎈

Eve received her certificate from NatureScot with her father for completing all 29 of Scotland’s Great Trails.

After a meeting with Bridget Jones, Recreation and Paths Manager for NatureScot, it was confirmed that Eve (10) is the only person (along with her father, that's me) to have ever completed all 29 of Scotland's official long-distance trails, collectively known as Scotland's Great Trails (SGTs).

NatureScot is the official public body responsible for overseeing all 29 of Scotland’s Great Trails and advises Scottish Ministers on all matters relating to natural heritage.

It was phenomenal to have it confirmed by NatureScot, and we couldn't be happier. Eve has overcome and achieved a lot in her short life so far, including surviving a tumour on her spine when she was younger.

At age 8, Eve became the youngest person ever to have hiked the length of Great Britain in one continuous walk. Eve hiked from Dunnet Head to Lizard Point via John o'Groats to Lands End (JOGLE), raising money for the National Autistic Society. I think that's a pretty impressive set of achievements for a 10-year-old child! I am biased, being her father, so please forgive me for gloating a little! 🫣

Eve continued to walk through winter on the Cross Borders Drove Road just before Christmas

We will always be in awe of her achievements, not just for herself but in helping raise awareness of autism and fundraising to help support those living with ASD.

As parents, we can only ever facilitate opportunities for our children, but ultimately, we can never really make them do anything. It has to come from them. This was all Eve

Eve always maintained an unconditional VETO to end the entire challenge at any point and for any reason whatsoever. It was never contemplated! When I reminded her of her VETO, Eve would get emotional and almost frustrated. For Eve, it was never an option!

In all fairness, Eve did use her VETO once after I kept falling over. She used it because she was concerned I would injure myself! A few days later, we rested and recuperated, and we were back out again, and it was all ancient history.

NatureScot is planning on doing some publicity, which we are excited about! We hope it might result in topping up the JustGiving fundraiser a little more… 🤞