Celebrate the new access rights!
Never mind the weather, Wednesday 9th February 2005
was a great day to go for a walk, a cycle, horseride or even to get your canoe out, as the long-awaited access legislation finally
came into effect. The remaining part of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003
came into force on that day, neatly coinciding with Scottish Environment Week running in the Parliament from 7-13th February.
Read about the background to the Act here and its accompanying
Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Scotland has a long tradition of enjoying access to land and inland water for recreation. Yet many of these customary freedoms were being questioned both by government bodies and by new landowners who sought to establish their own “private kingdoms”, sometimes encompassing our most magnificent scenery, which led to the need to confirm a statutory Scottish right of access.
This new forward thinking, democratic and responsible legislation gives a right of
non-motorised access over most land and inland water. In addition, local access forums in all local authority areas and national parks are being set up which will help to develop a core path network around and between communities and to resolve any access problems.
Ramblers’ Association Scotland Chairman Alison Mitchell, said “This legislation and its accompanying Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives Scotland a framework for access which is among the best in Europe. It secures our traditional rights and freedoms, and provides a modern system for protecting paths and developing new path networks.”
The access rights come with responsibilities, not just for the public but also for landowners and land managers. Public enjoyment of access must be compatible with land management needs, privacy and safety, while both access takers and management must care for the environment, including wildlife and historic features. In addition, local authorities now have a range of powers and duties in relation to access, including the power to remove obstructions to facilitate access.
With this new right of access coming into force, there’s never been a better time to get out into the countryside!
Scottish
Outdoor Access Code - shortened version
Scottish
Spring Outdoor Access Festival - 18 - 28 March 2005
Freedom to Roam in England & Wales
Guidance for Local Authorities
The Scottish Executive has produced guidance for local authorities and national park authorities. The guidance is available at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/environment/p1lra.pdf