A Scottish accountant asserts that he and his hiking companions never infringe the rules, despite being labeled as litterbugs and reported to rangers by other hikers due to their race.
Enoch Adeyemi is a co-founder of Black Scottish Adventurers and frequently leads parties of up to sixty walkers into The Trossachs National Park.
The father of two is enthusiastic about introducing black people to trekking, but he claims that the Scottish wilderness is “extremely white” and that they “stand out” when they go exploring.
He asserts that some white individuals have ‘assumed this is their space’ and get’really pissed off’ when they see black walkers.
The avid hiker claims that every group trip is beset by white ramblers making “condescending” remarks, such as telling them not to leave trash behind and to turn off their music.
The Nigerian-born hiker also criticized park rangers, asserting that they “perpetuate the cycle of ignorance” by taking such complaints seriously and addressing the complainants.
The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority stated that their rangers treat all persons and groups equally, regardless of ethnicity or origin.
However, they “strive to make the National Park an accessible and pleasant location for all” and take Mr. Adeyemi’s concerns “extremely seriously.”
Enoch Adeyemi of Edinburgh, Scotland, asserts that some white hikers treat his group differently due to their color.
The accountant claims that other hikers have labeled him and his hiking companions from Black Scottish Adventurers as litterbugs and forced them to turn down their loud music.
Mr. Adeyemi claims that the Scottish wilderness is’very white’ and that they’stand out’ when exploring.
Mr. Adeyemi from Edinburgh, Scotland stated, “My LinkedIn post discusses the disadvantages of mountaineering.
When we go hiking, we do not encounter other black hikers. Hiking is perceived to be a white person activity – not that there is anything wrong with that.
In general, white people hike and black people do not; it is what it is.
I believe it was a shock to the system when we started hiking in groups since white people are so accustomed to seeing just other white people when they go out.
Therefore, some of these individuals will complain to the park authorities. Next, park officers approached us and informed us that they had received complaints about our group’s loudness and littering.
Because we’re exploring the mountains in our own way, I believe it’s a shock to the system for the majority of people.
Up to sixty hikers traverse Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park (pictured)
Recently, the group climbed the Pentland Hills with over 60 colleagues from business partners of Black Professionals Scotland, and they were able to raise almost £2,000 for organizations such as Parkinson’s UK.
Mr. Adeyemi notes that his group enjoys playing music on their hikes, which he acknowledges is not the case for the majority of hikers.
He stated, “For most people, hiking involves ascending and descending softly.
‘For us, we play music the entire time, to the point where you forget you’re climbing a mountain.
People have confidently stopped us and instructed us to turn off our music. Why should I turn off my music, I ask myself?
“Just because white Scots appreciate nature in a particular manner does not mean that black Scots must do the same.”
They speak to us in a condescending manner, advising us not to litter and to leave only our footprints.
Recently, I went hiking with a predominantly white group, and we encountered none of this.
There were sixty of us, yet no one told us to leave simply footprints or made condescending remarks.
Interesting, we went on a hike without incident, I thought. We were in a large group and played music, but none of the typical problems occurred.’
The father of two says he and his company are reported to rangers unfairly due to their color.
The ecologically minded father, who usually brings a plastic bag to collect their trash, believes the occurrences are racially motivated, with hikers supposing black people will litter.
Mr. Adeyemi stated, “I believe it has to do with the color of our skin. We are not a large group; rather, we are black.
People assume that when they see us, we will be littering.
“I have no idea why that is. There may be a belief that when a large number of black people assemble, they will cause trouble.
‘There are several situations on every trip, whether it’s becoming angry or upset, it’s never-ending.
We would be out by the lake when park officers would appear and say, “We’ve received noise complaints.”
I don’t believe the park guards are accustomed to seeing folks like us enjoying the outdoors, and that is part of the problem.
“Ninety-nine percent of the time, park rangers apologize when they return. I just think, and please don’t apologize, that when you received that complaint you should have shut it down.
In addition, he believes cultural factors may also be at play, stating that Africans tend to be more active and speak louder.
After posting on LinkedIn about his trekking experience in Scotland, Mr. Adeyemi received a great deal of encouragement.
Mr. Adeyemi published his experiences on LinkedIn to highlight the challenges experienced by the group.
He stated, “I spoke up about this since many people claim Scotland is not racist. I am there thinking, “I believe you’re high, buddy.”
“I am not claiming that Scotland is racist, but there are racist individuals in Scotland. I wish to communicate this to others.
“I want people to know what they can do to combat racism. Others should speak up when others are intolerant or make complaints.
If there is anything you can do when you hear racist comments, it is to state that they are discriminating and racist.
“These occurrences have not discouraged me from hiking. It has made me realize that society still has a ways to go.
Commenters on LinkedIn rallied to Mr. Adeyemi’s aid and expressed their condolences.
One wrote: “I feel saddened after reading this.” Sad because walking into the open area and appreciating the “nature” serves as a constant reminder that you do not belong here. It is tiresome.’
Another person responded, “This is nonsense.” Sadly, this is the truth for many. Each and every single day Keep doing what you’re doing, and let’s keep sharing tales to demonstrate its true nature.
A other fan said, “It’s heartbreaking to read this, and it’s apparent that we still have a long way to go in Scotland to eliminate bigotry.”
“Stay strong and continue to appreciate the beautiful areas of Scotland; I admire your fortitude in dealing with the awful circumstances you have encountered.”
Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, stated, ‘We strive to make the National Park a place that is accessible and welcoming to all, and the fact that a group of regular visitors feel they have been treated differently by other visitors due to their race is something we take very seriously.
We reject all forms of bigotry, and I have personally contacted out to Black Scottish Adventurers to learn more about their experience.
Our Rangers interact with hundreds of visitors of all ages and backgrounds each week, extending a warm welcome and advising them on how to enjoy their stay safely and responsibly.
If reports of difficulties such as litter are received, the same strategy of engaging positively with tourists and advising them is taken. It is the same strategy regardless of ethnicity or origin for all individuals and groups.
We are aware that minority groups face challenges to accessing the outdoors.
Zain Sehgal, co-founder of Boots & Beards, a nonprofit that helps Glasgow’s Asian and other minority ethnic populations explore the outdoors, has joined our Board and is advising us on enhancing access for underrepresented groups as part of our efforts to remove these obstacles.