Brian frames his fitness through River Forth walks

Visual Communication Lecturer Brian Smith has been framing his fitness over the last ten months, by taking advantage of the picturesque walks surrounding the Stirling Campus.

Brian (59) has shed four stones in weight – down from 15 down 11 - and improved his fitness by walking three times a day, including in the morning before classes and at lunchtimes during his working day at the College, and then at home at night with his two dogs.

He hopes he can encourage other colleagues to keep fit and healthy in a similar manner, and to keep creative and productive, he also takes his camera with him and has captured a host of exciting wildlife in and on the banks of the famous River Forth. This has included beavers, otters, seals… and even the lesser spotted Wimbledon Champion Sir Andy Murray – who he met recently while the Scottish sporting legend was walking his dogs!

Brian, who has already clocked up 1,685 miles since he started his walking keep fit quest last February, said: “I upgraded my Apple watch at Christmas last year and when I put it on it very quickly raised a wee alarm that my blood pressure was high and I should make an appointment with my GP. This was reinforced when during the holidays I tried to walk up to the Comrie Monument and I was totally out of breath. It seems I had hypertension and I resolved soon after to do something about it, as there is a history of heart disease in my family.

“By the start of February 2026 I had started to walk more regularly and seriously, building up daily miles as my fitness improved. I also changed my diet… including eating more fruit and starting to eat porridge again, something I hadn’t done for 50 years.

“I am in my 60th year and I have two grandchildren and I want to be here for them, so I have been driven to get out and walk as much as I can. I really enjoy the ‘Kildean Loop’ walk starting at the western edge of the Stirling Campus, where the steps down to the river, and out towards Kildean and back, which takes about 50 minutes.

“Most of the time I take my camera with me too and I have managed to get some great shots of the picturesque scenery and the wildlife including beavers, otters and seals.

“But the highlight recently has been bumping into Andy Murray who was out walking his dogs. He initially thought I was paparazzi as I had the big camera lens with me, but I explained that I was a lecturer at the local College and he was totally happy with me getting a wee selfie pic with him and he was great to chat to.

“I am feeling great through this walking schedule and my energy levels are really good now and this helps me get through the working day. I am not pushing anything or preaching, but I would recommend it to anyone especially my colleagues.

“I was even on a cruise holiday recently with my wife and I couldn’t help but get up in the morning and walk all around the ship’s decks when we sailed from port to port around the south of Spain!

“I am determined to keep as fit as I can and keep on walking and taking some lovely photographs. I may be going through walking shoes at a fair old rate, but it is keeping me healthy and fit and you never know what you will see or who you will meet when walking around the River Forth!”

Katie Johnstone, FVC’s Active Travel Coordinator, said: “What I love about Brian’s story is how he’s made walking part of his working day. By walking in the morning and getting out at lunchtime around the Stirling Campus with his camera, he’s found a routine that fits his day and gives him something to look forward to.

“This is the type of behaviour we want to encourage at Forth Valley College through our Active Travel project. It might start with a 10-minute walk at lunchtime or walking part of your commute. Finding something you enjoy and can fit into your day makes it much easier to keep going.

“If you’re a member of staff or a student who’s found a way to walk or cycle more often, I’d love to hear from you. Sharing what’s worked for you might give someone else an idea to try.”