News Release
For immediate use
Alison Mitchell, Chairman of Ramblers’ Association Scotland, today welcomed the coming into operation of right to roam legislation on Wednesday 9 February.
Speaking in advance of a press conference to be held tomorrow, 8 February, by Deputy Environment Minister Lewis Macdonald, Alison Mitchell said:
“Our new access legislation is a great achievement of the Scottish Parliament. It demonstrates how a modern democracy can deliver a legislative framework of rights and responsibilities which will benefit all its citizens.”
Alison Mitchell called on those who have criticised the Scottish Parliament to reflect on this achievement:
“No other country in Europe and perhaps elsewhere in the world has statutory rights of public access to most of its land and water, providing these are exercised responsibly. The campaign to secure a right of access to our land and water extends to over 120 years. It has been a long and winding trail before the arrival of the Scottish Parliament finally overcame all the barriers. It has delivered the cornerstone for future enjoyment of Scotland’s countryside and provided a key ingredient in our future health and wellbeing.”
Alison Mitchell also announced the Ramblers’ contribution to access events during this week, which is the first “Scottish Environment Week” – a celebration of Scotland’s environment, organised for MSPs at the Parliament:
Tuesday 8 February
RA Scotland Director, Dave Morris, will attend the press conference to be held by the Deputy Environment Minister at Haddington, East Lothian, at 2pm, to formally announce the coming into operation of the access rights contained within the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
RA Scotland Access Campaign Officer, Helen Todd and Fife Walking Initiative Project Officer James Fretwell, will host a 'Take 30' walk for Parliamentary staff and MSPs at 2.15pm, meeting outside the Parliament’s visitors’ entrance. Under the banner 'Take 30', this walk draws attention to the health benefits of walking. Advice from doctors is that 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week is sufficient to improve health and fitness. As walking is seen as being close to a perfect form of exercise, everyone should find time to 'Take 30' every day and go for a walk.
Wednesday 9 February
RA Scotland President, Cameron McNeish will speak at a lunchtime event organised by Scottish Environment LINK in the Parliament at 1–2.30pm in Committee Room 4 . He will call for greater effort, in support of the access legislation, to establish extensive networks of paths, for walkers, cyclists and horseriders around all local communities in Scotland.
Ends
More information: Ian McCall, Campaign and Policy Coordinator: Tel: 01577 861222 (office); e-mail: IanM@scotland.ramblers.org.uk
