John Henderson Award 2026

Now in its fifth year, this annual Award was set up by the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum (SPRF) in memory of John Henderson, a founding Trustee and Treasurer of the charity who played a leading role in encouraging our member organisations to develop pilgrimage walking routes across Scotland.  Through his Walking Support business and his personal interests, John brought a wide-ranging practical knowledge of the issues involved and particularly valued the important role played by volunteers in this work.  John died in early 2021.

The Award is made annually to any individual or group who has played an outstanding voluntary role in the creation or development of a pilgrimage walking route in Scotland recognised by SPRF or accredited as a Scottish Pilgrim Way™.    Nominations are open to groups or individual charity Trustees, Steering Group members or volunteers involved in such work, and to staff in local access authorities who participate in a personal capacity.  Since its inception, the Award has gone to Bill Jack for his pioneering work on the St Kentigern Way; to David McNeish for inspiring and leading the initial creation of the St Magnus Way; to Sylvia Jenks for her dedication to developing the Whithorn Way and pilgrim walks elsewhere; and to Nick Cooke for his sustained personal input to the creation of most of the routes recognised or accredited by SPRF today.   Typically, Award nominees will have done any of:

• Promoted the initial concept of a pilgrim route and inspired others to support its physical establishment on the ground

• Demonstrated exceptional practical leadership in planning the development of a pilgrim route in accordance with a strategic vision, goals and values

• Worked collectively and proactively with local agencies and other stakeholders to develop and improve the long-term infrastructure of a route

​

Submit nominations using the form below, or download and complete the form, submitting via email to secretary@sprf.org.uk