John Lamont MSP has said he is ‘disappointed’ that fewer Borders school pupils are walking to school.
A survey carried out by cycling charity Sustrans and local authorities across Scotland has shown that six per cent fewer school pupils walked to school in 2013 than in 2008.
The survey results show that in the Borders only 44.4 per cent of pupils walked to school in 2013. The number cycling increased, but so to did the number of students being driven to school by parents.
Mr Lamont said: “It is disappointing to see that fewer pupils in the Borders are walking to school.
“While I appreciate that walking is not an option for many youngsters due to the distance between home and their school, it is important that those who are within walking distance do so.
“Not only is it healthier to do so, but it can also help to reduce the carbon footprint of households across the Borders.”
Mr Lamont added: “It is important that we teach our children the importance of a healthy lifestyle at a young age, and encouraging them to walk more is an easy way to do this.
“With national statistics suggesting that obesity is becoming more and more prevalent in Scotland, we must do all we can to tackle it.”