Dave Hector has been a volunteer with National Trust for Scotland (NTS) for over 15 years, specifically supporting their Outdoor Conservation work. 

From Walker to Volunteer 

I have been volunteering in Outdoor Conservation for the NTS for over 15 years. I have enjoyed walking highland footpaths since I was very young, and I would often pass by folks with buckets and tools fixing the treadway – so I joined them.  

You meet a wide mix of people, with vastly different backgrounds, coming together with a common purpose over the day, weekend or week. I find the most rewarding part of volunteering is being part of a friendship group, adapting to new experiences, acquiring new skills and having fun. 

A moment to remember 

I have lots of good memories – my most magic moment came at the finish of a week working on the TNG path up to Ben Alligin, when it all came together as it always does. 

After a very wet, muddy, chaotic morning, with the building and landscaping complete, and many buckets of surfacing after lunch, the afternoon sun streamed down on Loch Torridon, Bob Brown and us, tea and biscuits in hand, job done. 

“The afternoon sun streamed down on Loch Torridon, Bob Brown and us, tea and biscuits in hand, job done.” 

Everyone is welcome 

You get lots of support as a volunteer, irrespective of experience, and there is someone close by for a chat and to give you a hand. 

Outdoors work obviously means preparing for wet weather, keeping safe and then enjoying the sunshine – good boots, sound waterproofs and cheery company keeps most of the worst weather at bay. 

Looking forward to the next season 

It is not practical or safe to do path work in the winter – so for now I go have fun in the Alps, returning for the new season in the early Spring. 

Giving Tuesday for NTS 

For the past four years NTS has been running a Giving Tuesday campaign, raising funds to support the Footpath Fund, with last year raising over £51,000. This year, they will be raising money for work to restore and improve a footpath on Arran.  

To support NTS this Giving Tuesday, or to get involved and volunteer with them, please check out their website. https://www.nts.org.uk/support-us/get-involved/find-a-volunteering-opportunity