Glasgow mum Zahrah Mahmood installed as the president of Ramblers Scotland
Image by Instagram @the_hillwalking_
Walking charity – Ramblers Scotland – has announced Zahrah Mahmood as its president.
Known as ‘The Hillwalking Hijabi’ on Instagram, Mahmood is a 31-year-old chartered accountant from Glasgow and has amassed a significant following through promotion of diversity in the outdoors and climbing hills.
Mahmood, who is a Muslim woman of South Asian background, hopes to be the flagbearer of diversity and more representation within the hillwalking community in her new role.
She said in an interview, “I feel honoured to be appointed to the role of president. I have high hopes for my appointment and want to follow in the steps of my predecessors while putting my own stamp on the role. I’m looking forward to the next three years.
“Most will agree that hillwalking brings physical and mental health benefits. But I’ve also managed to enhance my spiritual health through the outdoors.
“Some of the factors stopping ethnic minorities enjoying the outdoors are the same for a lot of people regardless of background; finances, access, time and other priorities. But another barrier is fear of putting yourself in a situation where you know you will stand out in a predominantly white space. That unfortunately has a lot to do with the lack of representation from outdoor companies and brands, and not seeing someone who looks like you being represented in a meaningful way.”
Mahmood succeeded Arran-based international mountain leader Lucy Wallace and was appointed to the three-year long voluntary role at Ramblers Scotland’s AGM in Stirling on 4 March.
Image by Instagram @the_hillwalking_
Many prominent figures have previously taken up the position including: late conservationist Dick Balharry, countryside ranger Ben Dolphin and award-winning broadcaster Cameron McNeish.
Director of Ramblers Scotland, Brendan Paddy, expressed his excitement upon her appointment and said, “We have a lot to learn from Zahrah’s success in encouraging more people to feel confident and empowered to enjoy all the health and social benefits of adventures on foot.
“Despite booming numbers of people walking in Scotland, and the success of our world- class access rights, participation in the outdoors remains unequal. For example, people in affluent areas are considerably more likely to walk than those in deprived parts of Scotland.
“Too many people still feel that walking is not for them, simply due to their background, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability or age. We look forward to working with our president Zahrah and others in the years to come to create an outdoors for all.”
At a recent parliamentary event to mark the 20th anniversary of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, Environment Minister Màiri McAllan said, “Scotland’s landscapes are world famous – so too is our right to responsibly access them. Going forward, we must prioritise action to address the barriers and challenges that some still face in accessing the outdoors. No-one should be prevented from benefiting because of their circumstances.”
Mahmood currently resides in the South Side of Glasgow with her husband Tom and their one-year-old son, Muhammad Harris.
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