Former Stirling teacher Elaine given Pride of Scotland lifetime award for ‘Daily Mile’ initiative

Former Stirling headteacher Elaine Wyllie MBE, whose Daily Mile initiative has inspired children across the world, was given a lifetime achievement award at Pride of Scotland on Monday night.

More than five million children globally are taking part in the health initiative, which was started by Elaine, 68, in 2012 at St Ninian’s Primary School in the city.

The Daily Mile involves classes heading outside to run, “wheel” or walk around their school grounds for 15 minutes every day. It has now spread to more than five million children in 20,000 schools in 96 countries.

Elaine was presented with the award at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow by presenters Dawn Steele and James Cosmo MBE.

In 2019 Elaine was herself made an MBE, for services to the fitness of children, having come up with the idea of getting children out of the classroom for 15 minutes every day to walk or jog at their own pace.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May also previously awarded her the Points of Light Award, which recognises innovative and inspirational volunteering.

And in 2015 Elaine won the Pride of Britain Teacher of the Year award.

Since then she has been a driving force of the programme’s increasing popularity, addressing schools and headteachers across the country, appearing on TV and travelling the globe.

She is also the recipient of a Stirling Provost’s Award.

Elaine previously told the Observer: “It is staggering to see how this initiative has grown into a global movement. Being active is key for everyone’s health and wellbeing.”

Research shows the benefits of The Daily Mile for children’s physical health, mental wellbeing, and learning.

Children feel happier and the activity supports children’s focus and concentration in the classroom.