Kinfauns right to roam

News release

For immediate use

Ramblers' Scotland Chairman Chic Nash will speak at the press conference to be held at Kinfauns Castle this Thursday 9 Feb, on the anniversary of the new statutory access rights coming into force in Scotland. The Ramblers will ask how effective the new legislation is and will challenge Ann Gloag, owner of Kinfauns Castle, to explain why she erected a seven foot security fence around the castle and area of woodland without seeking planning approval in advance.

Chic Nash said:

"Ann Gloag is trying to stop public access to a superb area of native woodland and specimen conifers of national significance. Here is the best location in Scotland to see swamp cypress and to see the giant sequoia and coast redwood growing side by side. These are national assets to be enjoyed by the public, not hidden away in a private kingdom. We want to know why the new land reform legislation has allowed Ann Gloag to get away with this insensitive action."

Ends

See below for notice issued on 7 February:

Media Call - How fares Right to Roam?

One year after statutory rights of access came into force over most land and water in Scotland we ask do we really have the best access legislation in Europe? Come to Kinfauns Castle, near Perth, on Thursday 9 Feb at 11 am to ask:

• Are landmanagers and ramblers cooperating over access?
• Where are the promised path networks?
• Why is access blocked along the banks of the River Tay?
• Why have Network Rail closed a main access route to the River Tay?
• Why did Ann Gloag, owner of Kinfauns Castle, erect a large security fence around her Castle without planning approval?
• Why is the public now prevented from visiting some of Scotland's most famous trees at Kinfauns?
• How does the experience in Scotland affect future access arrangements in England and Wales?
• How do we take access by custom, tradition and right?

COME TO KINFAUNS FOR ALL THE ANSWERS!