MORE than 30 dementia-friendly walks are now taking place around the Borders to help people with the condition get out and about.

The scheme which is run by the Scottish Borders Walking for Health project, Walk It, has seen its popularity increase over the years.

And now walks are taking across the area, including Peebles, Innerleithen, Galashiels, Selkirk, Jedburgh and Kelso.

The routes are developed by qualified leaders and take into account the needs of people living with dementia.

And organisers want more people to get involved.

Councillor Tom Weatherston, SBC’s executive member for adult social care, said: “These walks have been carefully developed to provide an enjoyable and accessible way for people with dementia to take exercise with all the well-known benefits that this can bring.

“It is encouraging to see that the demand has resulted in more walks being made available.

“And I hope that people will take up the opportunity to not only to enjoy the ones available in their local communities, but to also venture further afield and explore some new and different scenery.”

The series of walks is supported by Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders and free to join.

Peter Lerpiniere, associate director of nursing for mental health, learning disability and older people, said: “We are lucky in the Borders to have such beautiful countryside right on our doorstep. 

“These walks are a great resource for encouraging people with dementia and their loved ones to enjoy spending time together while benefitting from physical activity.”

For more information, visit: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/walkit or email walkit@scotborders.gov.uk