An Introduction To Black Scottish Adventurers

Black Scottish Adventurers (BSA) was launched to help improve representation within outdoor spaces. We connect people from different backgrounds - especially ethnic minorities - with the outdoors, while understanding the challenges that are particular to them, like access issues and education around where to go and what to wear. 

Through our adventures, members develop a better understanding of the importance of wild spaces, while also discovering the benefits to both their physical and mental wellbeing. At BSA we also use the opportunity to educate our members on how their daily activities impact the environment.

As a first generation immigrant in Scotland, I was fortunate to have discovered the outdoors through an article I read about the Land Reform Act (Right to Roam).

While exploring wild spaces responsibly, I quickly recognised the sheer lack of representation within the space. I knew that my friends and family would love to connect with nature, so I took time to educate myself on the challenges that were particular to them and how to help resolve these challenges - this led to the launch of BSA. 

It has to be our first adventure to Ben A'an, Scotland in April 2022. I supported about 20 of our members to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

For them, it was their first time connecting with nature in that way, and being at such high elevation enjoying the breathtaking views of Loch Katherine from the Summit of Ben A'an.

Some cried, some laughed and most of them danced. It brought so much joy to my heart, and I didn't realise it fully until I started crying as well.

We have members across Scotland, England and Wales, so I consider where the highest amount of attendees are based and look at fitness levels of the group and weather conditions to help determine the location of our adventures.

Education is key - it's really helped enhance my outdoor experiences and enabled me to learn what kit to wear and where to go. 

A great way to learn is through visiting outdoor stores, such as Cotswold Outdoor, and chatting to their in-store experts. They can provide recommendations and have extensive knowledge about kit, best routes to explore, and how to stay safe outside. 

Outdoor courses are also a great way to learn more about safety and confidence in the outdoors.

Our core values at BSA are: 

• Educate the benefits of spending time outdoors
• Roam responsibly
• Increase awareness around environmental sustainability

Our aim is to equip our members with the tools needed to confidently connect and explore the great outdoors on their own, or with friends and family. We currently have almost 1500 members and we continue to grow. We are now finding that our members are connecting locally, which is helping us eradicate loneliness within communities. We hope to continue on this mission. 

We want to continue to educate more people about the great priviledge of having the right to roam responsibly, particularly in Scotland, and why this is so beneficial - spending time in nature, environmental awareness and eradicating loneliness within our community and beyond.

Connect with people, understand their challenges and help address those challenges.

For some, it could be access issues. For others it could be about education around kit or how to stay safe in the outdoors. For others it could be simply not knowing that these beautiful places exist, and that they can access and feel comfortable exploring them. 

Thanks for sharing more about the inspiring impact of Black Scottish Adventurers, Josh.

If you’ve been inspired to find your happy place or take on your own outdoor adventure, book an in-store appointment with one of our gear specialists, or stop by your nearest Cotswold Outdoor store.