The Unst Community Council and the Unst Partnership during the summer committed to the process of completing and application to become a Walkers Are Welcome Community. Both the UCC and the UP are delighted to announce that their application has now been approved.
Walkers Are Welcome was first discussed in 2006 and came into being when the Pennine town of Hebden Bridge became the first Walkers are Welcome town in Spring 2007, closely followed by Moffat in Scotland. Each of the now 70 communities committed to achieving and maintaining the six qualifying criteria which are all aimed at providing a great walking experience for visitors.
It is expected that being the 71st member and the first Island Community Unst will through its membership attract many additional visitors to enjoy some of the best walking in Europe. WAW membership will attract walkers from The Ramblers Associations, Hill walking Clubs and individual Walkers from the UK and Europe.
The Community Council and Unst Partnership both believe that WAW will have the effect of extending the holiday season bringing much needed additional income for Unst Hotels, Gardiesfauld YHA, Cafes, Shops and Tourism venues.