Scotland Outdoors

Mark Wrightham, Secretary of the National Access Forum, explains the way Scotland's access forums work together to promote responsible access to the outdoors

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act has established rights of access to most land and inland water for outdoor recreation and to go from place to place. These rights apply to a wide range of activities including walking, cycling, climbing and paddle sports, and allow everybody in Scotland to make the most of our countryside. This is not just about high and wild places and is just as relevant to the outdoors close to home, including daily journeys to work or school.

Scotland's access rights are not in themselves a 'right to roam' and depend on responsible behaviour. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been developed to provide guidance and ensure that these activities do not interfere with those of others, including land managers and other recreational users. The key principles for both users and land managers are to respect each others' interests, care for the environment and take responsibility for their own actions.

Key bodies

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) keeps the Access Code under review and has convened a National Access Forum (NAF) to advise on this and other national issues linked to access rights. The forum brings together recreation, land management, education, commercial and conservation interests, along with key public bodies, and is chaired by an independent Convenor elected by forum members.

Local and National Park Authorities have a key role in making access rights work on the ground. This includes promoting access through path networks and addressing any local problems which arise. Each authority has convened at least one local access forum to assist with this task by advising on path provision and other local issues plus helping to resolve any disputes.

The national forum and the network of local forums are thus important, but distinct, parts of Scotland's access framework, with complementary roles in its smooth running. The national and local forums keep in touch in various ways, but one of the most important opportunities for liaison is provided by regular joint meetings. These take place annually and move around the country to help all local forums to contribute.

Scotland's modern framework of access rights provides an important asset for people and the economy. It depends on dialogue and respect for others.

Page first published on Tuesday 30th October 2007
Page last updated on Thursday 4th December 2008