“I have seen more of Scotland in the last six months than I have in 39 years,” says Naveed Bakhsh, one of the co founders of Boots and Beards.

The group organises walks every two weeks and aims to encourage men to “escape” from every day stresses, as well as appreciate the “natural beauty on their doorstep”.

“Many men from the Asian community are self employed. They work long hours which has an impact on their physical and mental well being,” adds Naveed. “It also affects their relationship with their families.

“Whilst there are many groups catering for Asian women when it comes to issues around mental health and depression, there is nothing much out there for Asian men.

“Our group is diverse and consists of taxi drivers, chefs, IT professionals, doctors. Once they are out with us and smell the fresh air and take in the scenery they appreciate the benefits of the outdoors, especially the emotional release. It allows them to open up and talk about matters that they would normally keep from their partners.”

Another group member Kash Butt says by encouraging a ‘Dads and Lads’ culture they want to strengthen father son relationships.

“My normal routine on a Sunday was to take my son out for a bite to eat before returning home where I would sit in front of the TV and he would be in his room playing on his Xbox”, adds Butt. “I began to realise that he was putting on weight.

He adds: “Being involved with Boots and Bears allows me to spend more quality time with him. He is also beginning to learn different skills around orienteering, working as part of team and general social skills when interacting with other walkers.” The group initially consisted of extended family members. However within a short period of time it began to receive enquiries from others, especially through social media, who also expressed an interest in participating.

Boots and Beards officially became constituted in April 2016, but their first walk took place in August 2015. To date their hikes have taken them to various locations including Conic hill and Locherwood. Each walk is currently attracting between 10-15 people.

Recently representatives of Boots and Beards met with the Forestry Commission as well as the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Earlier this year the Forestry Commission Scotland announced it will continue to fund its Volunteer Community Champion Programme. Delivered in partnership with CEMVO (Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations) the initiative allows members from ethnic minority communities to be trained up in order to lead events in woodlands and forests.

Simon Jones Director of Conservation and Visitor Operations at the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park said: “The National Park Authority were delighted to welcome Boots and Beards to Park HQ at Balloch, to meet the team and learn more of what is so special about Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

“ Well done to the Boots and Beards initiative, which is giving the opportunity to members of the black and minority ethnic community to explore and enjoy the great outdoors and we look forward to supporting them in their efforts.”