Mark Beaumont, the Scottish cyclist who only last month announced his new role as ambassador for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, has now been recognised as ‘Top Scot’ of 2010, in an awards ceremony held in Edinburgh last night.
Famed for cycling 18,296 miles around the world in the record-breaking time of 194 days and 17 hours,
Beaumont has now pledged to go the extra mile for Scotland’s wildlife by flying the flag to promote the work of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, as well as supporting the People’s Postcode Lottery, a community lottery which raises funds for local charities.
Simon Milne, Chief Executive for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “To win the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland ‘Top Scot’ award is a remarkable and well-deserved achievement for Mark Beaumont. Mark is a very determined and motivated person, and we are thrilled to be able to say that he is an ambassador for Scotland’s wildlife and our work. As a conservation charity, it is superb that a role model like Mark recognises the importance of our work and is helping us spread the word and gain more support.
“We’d also like to congratulate the Isle of Eigg who received the Spirit of Scotland Environment award last night. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has had a long-standing association with The Isle of Eigg, a sustainable community which has shown that it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as possible, in innovative ways, which engage their community, and can be replicated elsewhere.”
Speaking of his new role as the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s ambassador, Beaumont said: “I grew up in rural Scotland and have always been lucky enough to experience our diversity of natural places and wildlife. Through my expeditions across the world, I now realise how unique and precious our ecosystem is. As an ambassador for the Scottish Wildlife Trust I want to encourage others to appreciate our wonderful natural environment and to look after it for the future.”
Beaumont is also in support of the People’s Postcode Lottery, a unique fundraising concept where players play with their postcode to win prizes and support local charities. It was recently announced that People’s Postcode Lottery players have raised over £10million for UK charities, including £1,343,787.20 for the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Beaumont added: “After travelling around the world on the seat of a bike, the idea of going ‘an extra mile’ to achieve something special is one which means a lot to me. That’s why I admire the People’s Postcode Lottery, the UK’s first community lottery which goes that extra mile for UK charities.
“On behalf of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, I’d like to thank all the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery for allowing this forward-thinking charity to do even more to protect Scotland’s precious wildlife for the future, including helping to maintain over 120 wildlife reserves across Scotland and protecting amazing native species such as pine martens, peregrines, and seals.”
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR IMAGE REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicola McGovern, PR and Communications Manager
nmcgovern@swt.org.uk
0131 312 4742
Notes to Editors
1. The Scottish Wildlife Trust is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. The Scottish Wildlife Trust seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.
2. The Scottish Wildlife Trust receives financial assistance and support from a range of organisations, funders and individuals including Scottish Natural Heritage and People’s Postcode Lottery.