Interactive adventure ShireQuest launched in Ellon

People of all ages have been invited to help a forgotten Viking in Aberdeenshire.

The ShireQuest initiative, funded by Transport Scotland's Smarter Choices, Smarter Places program, is a blend of online gaming with real-life interaction.

Participants help Val – brother of Thor, the Viking God of Thunder – return to his home in Asgard, after having been accidentally left behind on a Viking voyage to Aberdeenshire way back in 1000AD.

Sally Weightman, Strategy Development Officer with Aberdeenshire Council, explains: “When you start your quest you’ll be given a clue to find your first QR code located somewhere in Ellon. When you find this QR code, scan it and Val will unlock key information to help you on your adventure.

“You’ll have to correctly answer a question to unlock your next clue somewhere to help you find the next QR code. Repeat this process until you’ve unlocked all 5 rings and you will send Val home!”

The scheme is firmly focused on encouraging participants to undertake the quest by walking, cycling and wheeling – but can equally be completed using environmentally-friendly modes of transportation such as public transport and electric vehicles.

Sally continues: “Active travel options such as walking, cycling and wheeling helps you build stamina, burn excess calories and even make you healthier. Choosing one of these options instead of the car for short journeys helps improve local air quality, reduce noise from traffic and reduce harmful emissions.

“Through ShireQuest we will also be encouraging participants to try out our very popular local e-bike hire scheme along the Formartine and Buchan Way.”