THE JOHN
HENDERSON AWARD

John Henderson, who died in 2021, was a champion of long-distance walking routes across Scotland and, through his business Walking Support and strong personal involvement in the Church of Scotland, he became actively involved in the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum from its establishment, joining the Board of Trustees as Treasurer and webmaster. His wide knowledge and experience led him to give invaluable support to the early development of the Iona - St Andrews Pilgrim Way, Three Saints Way, Whithorn Way, Forth to Farne Way and Kentigern Way routes. John's contribution to our annual spring and autumn meetings and his work with local Steering Groups was highly valued.

​John took a practical approach to the various stages of identifying, physically scoping and promoting these routes.  He believed strongly in encouraging local people in the form of volunteer Steering Groups to play a leading role in the task of ‘getting boots on the ground’ and this is the legacy that he wanted to pass on to others.

​The John Henderson 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. 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 value

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

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. 

Nominations can be submitted at any time using the form below, or download and complete the form, submitting via email to secretary@sprf.org.uk 

The Award Fund is open to donations at any time; please visit our donations page if you would like to contribute.