Healthy Valleys Walk the Commonwealth 2014 Slideshow

A healthy finish...everyone who made it round the course received a well-deserved medal at Healthy Valleys Walk the Commonwealth event at Lanark Loch (Pics by James Clare)

Participants had a go at trying to throw a welly as far as possible, in a contest in which the longest wang in each category was declared the

winner.

The day celebrated cultures of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Games and also featured a health walk around Lanark Loch, Indian dancing, African drumming, Henna tattooing, a pipe band and food tasting.

Clydesdale MSP Aileen Campbell, who launched the event, said: “It was designed to produce a legacy that would have a lasting benefit for future generations.

“It was great to see people from different generations taking part, from boys and girls to grans and grandpas.

“It was an event for all the family and it was lovely to see Lanark Loch looking so beautiful in the autumn sun.”

The walk around the loch saw the aforementioned participants picking up flags and facts from the various Commonwealth countries on their way around the course.

They also enjoyed sampling foods from all around the Commonwealth at an event organised by Rigside-based group Healthy Valleys and funded by a £6000 grant from the Big Lottery Celebrate Fund.

Other partners involved included Clydesdale Community Initiatives, Community Learning and Development, Libraries Service, NHS Lanarkshire Health Improvement, Rathbone Training Lanark, Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health, COVEY, RVS and Making It Work.

Healthy Valleys grassroots project worker Christine Foster said: “Almost 500 people took part, which was fantastic.

“One of the most popular aspects of it was the food-tasting in the marquee, with people enjoying pies from a variety of different Commonwealth countries.

“Every single person who took part in the walk around the loch received a medal.

“We organise a lot of events but this was one of the biggest we have ever done. There was a great atmosphere and fine community spirit.

“My thanks go to all the volunteers who helped out.”

The pictures featured in our slideshow, created for your viewing pleasure by editor Julie Currie, were taken by freelance photographer James Clare and can be purchased via the Buy It Now section on our website.