News Release
Ramblers support draft Code,
with a warning and a challenge
For immediate release 21 January 2004Ramblers’ Association Scotland President, Rennie McOwan today welcomed the publication of the draft Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
He said: “We congratulate Scottish Natural Heritage in producing this comprehensive guide to statutory access rights. We believe the land reform legislation and this accompanying Code will provide Scotland with an access framework which is better than that found in any other European country.”
But Rennie McOwan also warned of potential problems ahead:
“The next stage is for the Scottish Executive to lay the draft Code before the Scottish Parliament for its approval. We do not want to see other government departments forcing through major changes to this draft Code to suit their own interests. This happened in the early stages of the draft legislation in 2001 and must not be repeated with the draft Code in 2004.”
Rennie McOwan also challenged the Executive to help farmers to implement the new access arrangements:
“We are very fortunate that this new legislation coincides with a fundamental reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. It provides the Scottish Executive with a superb opportunity to establish new field margin management schemes which facilitate access, safeguard wildlife and prevent pollution of watercourses. Ramblers are keen to work with farmers and landowners to help persuade the Executive to make such schemes a top priority.”
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