If you read this blog you will already know that I am chuffed as anything to be named the GO Outdoors blogger of the year. There are other worthy winners of awards, though, and I thought it would be good to publish those.
Each year, GO Outdoors run an online poll in which customers share their opinions on everything from the brand with the best outdoor products to the most insightful blog relating to their favourite hobby and pastimes.
GO Outdoors reports: “Fiona Outdoors, a blog run by Fiona Russell, focusing on her favourite activities including running, cycling and walking in rural Scotland, scooped this year’s title having produced a series of articles and videos documenting her experiences and encouraging others to give it a try.
“Having documented her experiences in the great outdoors over the past few years, Fiona has built up a loyal following on both her blog and social media profiles.”
What I said in reply!
“I am absolutely delighted to be voted the winner of the GO Outdoors Best Outdoor Blog Award for 2016. To have been shortlisted thanks to many votes from readers, friends and followers was amazing – but to have been chosen by the judging panel at GO Outdoors as the overall winner makes me feel very proud of what I do.
“I have worked hard over the last decade to create a blog that is informative, inspiring and showcases Scotland’s great outdoors environment. I also believe the award reflects my journalistic professionalism, strong research ethic and my personal outdoors passions.
“Blogging is great fun but it also takes hard work, dedication and skill and often for little money. It really is brilliant to have my blog recognised with this award.”
Brandon Egley from GO Outdoors said: “Fiona Outdoors was a deserved winner in the 2016 GO Outdoors Blog Awards having produced some wonderful content.
“She doesn’t just write about a weekend away, she provides useful tips and advice for others to try out and to experience life outside for themselves. Fiona received more than 22 per cent of the public vote and she’s a deserved winner.”
Runner up: Camping with Style
Shell Robshaw-Bryan, who runs the blog, Camping with Style, said: “With so many other amazing blogs making the final shortlist, we were already really chuffed to get through to the final stage, so finding out we are the 2016 runner up is absolutely wonderful news!”
Best Brand: Hi-Tec
Having received the most votes in the Best Brand of 2016 category, it was Hi-Tec who came out on top. Last year saw the brand continue to release a fantastic range of footwear for the whole family at affordable prices, getting people of all abilities and experience into the great outdoors.
Hi-Tec’s European Marketing Director, Helen Durant, said: “This award is definitely the most coveted Hi-Tec has ever won due to the fact that it is voted for by extremely passionate, dedicated and discerning outdoor consumers.
“We are extremely proud to be recognised for delivering supreme quality, innovation and true out-of-the-box comfort in our footwear and to be voted Outdoor Brand of the Year in the GO Outdoors Awards is fabulous recognition for the entire Hi-Tec team!”
Other winners in the 2016 GO Outdoors Blog Awards:
Clothing Product of the Year: Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket
Footwear Product of the Year: Scarpa Terra GTX
Camping Product of the Year: OEX Ultra Lite Camping Chair
Cycling Product of the Year: Cakibre Bossnut
Rucksack of the Year: Montane Cobra 25
Outdoor Gadget of the Year: Scosche boomBOTTLE Wireless Speaker.