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Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Talk by Jimmy Connolly
24th Feb 2005
Jimmy Connolly is an Area Access Officer from the new Loch Lomond and
Trossachs National Park. He gave a presentation on the Land Reform Act,
the new Outdoor Access Code and the Park’s role
Land Reform Act
Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives statutory rights
of responsible access most land and water and typically includes
activities such as walking, horse-riding, cycling and canoeing
(non-motorised access). People will only have these rights if they
exercise them responsibly by respecting people's privacy, safety and
livelihoods, and Scotland's environment. Equally, land managers need to
manage their land and water responsibly in relation to access rights.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) guides people exercising
their access rights and those managing or owning land and water.
Scottish Natural Heritage has submitted a revised code to the Scottish
Parliament following extensive consultation last summer. The new law
will take effect only when this code has been approved by Parliament.
This is now expected early in 2005.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives detailed guidance on your
responsibilities when exercising access rights
Jimmy handed out copies of a summary leaflet ‘Know the Code’
published by SNH which he recommended every body read! http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/upload/Leaflet
REV Know the Code.pdf
The Act sets out where and when access rights apply. The Code defines
how access rights should be exercised.
The three key principles for responsible access apply to both the public
and land managers:
Respect the interests of other people: Be considerate,
respect privacy and livelihoods, and the needs of those enjoying
the outdoors.
Care for the Environment: Look after the places you visit
and enjoy. Care for wildlife and historic sites.
Take responsibility for your own actions: The outdoors
cannot be made risk-free for people exercising access rights;
land managers should act with care for people’s safety.
National Park Authority's Role
When the law takes effect, the Park Authority will become the
statutory access authority for the National Park area and will have a
number of new duties, namely to:
· uphold access rights
· prepare a core path plan
· estalish a Local Access Forum
· publicise the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
This was a very interesting talk which stimulated a lot of discussion
especially relating to noisy motorised trail bikes and jet skiis! We all
learnt a new word – curtiledge ! – which my spell checker does know!
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