Scotland’s landscapes, its rolling hills, serene lochs, and rugged highlands, are often portrayed as emblematic of national identity. Yet, for many minorities, these spaces have remained culturally distant. Enter Joshua Adeyemi, a Nigerian-born Edinburgh-based outdoor leader and co-founder of Black Scottish Adventurers (BSA), who is changing the narrative one hike, camp, and wild swim at a time.

Joshua grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, a tightly knit community but away from natural green spaces. A decade ago, he moved to Scotland, drawn to a new way of life by his brother’s studies. He soon discovered the “right to roam” under Scotland’s Land Reform Act which sparked a transformational love for its outdoors. His first adventure was to Arthur’s Seat where he got to see the beautiful city of Edinburgh. This kick started his great love for the Great Scottish Outdoors.

Launching Black Scottish Adventurers

In 2022, Joshua Adeyemi and his brother Enoch co-founded Scottish Adventurers, a community-interest company aiming to encourage ethnic minorities to experience Scotland’s wild spaces. What began as social media posts quickly mobilized hundreds of people who also wanted to experience the outdoors. By 2024, this act has attracted around 100 participants monthly from diverse backgrounds.

Joshua’s vision earned formal acclaim as he was named Overall Champion and Media/Online Walking Champion at the 2023 Scottish Walking Awards. BSA’s inclusion in a VisitScotland documentary, filmed in the Cairngorms, further amplified their message and more interest surged after the film aired.

For Joshua Adeyemi, outdoor adventure is more than leisure; it is medicine to the soul. BSA’s travels across Scotland, from Ben Nevis to Ben A’an, blend education, mental health, and community. Participants often express how first lochs and Munro summits feel therapeutic. It makes them rediscover themselves, shed stereotypes, and forge new paths.

Joshua Adeyemi Breaks Barriers and Challenges Bias

While on their adventures, Joshua and his team have encountered prejudice such as baseless ranger accusations. However, they remain undeterred, filming clean-up efforts to prove their respect for the land. “Racists tried to keep us off the Munros, but we belong here,” he said, affirming BSA’s place in Scotland’s outdoor scene.

Beyond BSA, Joshua Adeyemi holds pivotal roles in the wider community as he serves on the boards of Paths for All since November 2024 and participating in Black Professionals Scotland and Black Alliance Scotland, where he promotes equity and environmental awareness.

Joshua’s core message is simple yet profound: Scotland’s wild places are for everyone. BSA provides affordable group hikes (£20 including travel and food), training on kit, and mentorship. These actions are dismantling myths and inspiring people across ages and backgrounds to claim their right to roam.

Joshua Adeyemi has ignited a powerful movement which has drawn over 50,000 global followers, empowering diverse communities, and shifting Scotland’s outdoor culture towards inclusivity. Through every hike, Joshua fosters space where identity and nature come together to cultivate environments that heal, connect, and transform.