Scottish Outdoor Access Code for walkers Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland waters in Scotland for recreation, education and for going from place to place although some specific areas are excluded such as residential gardens, farm yards, airfields and … place to place providing they act responsibly. Responsible Access. All access rights are detailed in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) which is published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Find out more about everyone’s access rights and responsibilities in Scotland’s outdoors. Respect the privacy, safety and livelihoods of those living and working in the outdoors, and the needs of other people enjoying the outdoors. Check for all the latest updates. [3] They also allow access on inland water for canoeing, rowing, sailing and swimming. The 3 key principles of the Code are: • take responsibility for your own actions • respect the interests of other people • care for the environment This guide expresses the key points within the Code relevant to mountain biking. [7][8] The Trespass (Scotland) Act 1865 imposed fines on camping and the lighting of fires without the landowner's permission, but was largely ignored,[9] and throughout the nineteenth and twentieth century the basic legal position on access remained that there was no legal right of access, but equally no legal mechanism for landowners to prevent it. Scotland’s local authorities and National Park authorities are the access authorities in their areas, with a number of specific duties and powers under the Act. This page was last edited on 5 January 2021, at 16:18. However guidelines recommend signposting the reason for, and duration of, the restriction and an alternate route. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 established a statutory framework of public access rights to most land and inland water. Generally, such land will normally be closely connected, physically and in terms of purpose, to the building and forming one enclosure with it. Scottish Outdoor Access Code - Activity Guide Poster - Ages 12-14 pdf, 1.15MB Share. Access rights in Scotland apply to most land and inland water. Camping around many of the lochs within the national park is now restricted to designated areas, and campers are required to purchase a permit to camp within these areas between March and October. An example given is that of a mountain guide who is taking a client out on a commercial basis: this activity is permitted because the activity involved could be done by anybody exercising their access rights in the normal manner. But as we look to travel a little further and explore a little more, it's important to remember that our open spaces may look a little different now and we need to behave a little differently when we visit them. Manage your expectations: it is key to remember that now restrictions have eased, a lot of outdoor areas have not been operating for over two months, so even when they re-open, staff will need time and space to check the access to some paths, clean and service facilities, and generally make sure the area is ready for visitors again. Manage Cookie Settings. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code helps to make our outdoor spaces more enjoyable for everyone. Define Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Cookies are required to view this content. Our coasts and waters are great places to visit for all the family, but make sure you plan ahead where appropriate. Find out what level each area is under and read more about the 5-level Covid-19 restrictions to plan and book ahead when considering your trip. Mainland Scotland (including Skye) is now under a temporary lockdown, and all island communities are under level 3 restrictions. [21], Responsible access under the access code can be enjoyed over the majority of land in Scotland, including all uncultivated land such as hills, mountains, moorland, woods and forests. [15] The code includes an annex listing some of the most relevant pieces of legislation, such as those relating to the control of dogs and the protection of wildlife. Der Code hat drei zentrale Grundsätze. Take personal responsibility for your own actions. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides detailed guidance on the exercise of the ancient tradition of universal access to land in Scotland, which was formally codified under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.Under Scots law everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and going from place to place providing they act responsibly. Scotland’s access legislation and how it works Contacts. Scottish Outdoor Access Code - It is all of our responsibilities to respect each other’s activities and interests in the outdoors. There are also some areas of land where public access can be prohibited, excluded or restricted under other legislation. Failure to comply with the Code is not, in of itself, an offence, however where a dispute cannot be resolved and is referred to the courts for determination, the sheriff will consider whether the guidance in the Code has been disregarded by any of the parties. Behave with courtesy, consideration and awareness. Download the … In Snowie v Stirling Council and the Ramblers' Association the courts allowed about 5.3 hectares (13 acres) to be excluded, but refused permission for a wider area to be excluded and required the landowner to keep the driveway unlocked to allow access. These rights extend to grant access to riverbanks, loch shores, beaches, and coastline (except where such land is excluded due to other provisions, such the requirement to provide a reasonable measure of privacy). The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives guidance on how to access the countryside responsibly, whether walking on your own, in a group or taking your dog. This is because staff have been unable to carry out their regular checks to ensure it's safe for visitors to use. The introduction of this Code means everyone has a right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and for going from place to place providing they act responsibly. If you arrive at a car park and it looks busy, please have an alternative plan and go somewhere you can ensure physical distancing guidance. The Code is based on three key principles: – Take responsibility for your own actions: If you are exercising access rights, remember that the outdoors cannot be made risk-free and act with care at all times for your own safety and that of others. [1] The basis of access rights in Scotland is one of shared responsibilities, in that those exercising such rights have to act responsibly, whilst landowners and managers have a reciprocal responsibility to respect the interests of those who exercise their rights. a static caravan) to the extent needed to provide residents with a reasonable measures of privacy. Access rights extend to wild camping. Access rights in Scotland apply to most land and inland water. Scottish Charity number SC015460. Areas of grass that are specially managed for sport (for example golf greens, bowling greens and cricket squares) are excluded from access rights, as are sports pitches made of artificial materials. [4], The Code has been approved by both the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament. means the code prepared under section 10 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003(c) [23] This is usually defined as the garden around or adjacent to the house that is intensively managed for the enjoyment of residents. All public access rights to most land and inland water are set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Avoiding infection in Scotland’s outdoors. Help land managers and others to work safely and effectively. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is a simple guide to make sure that you can get the most out of the environment around you in a responsible way. You can now search our website to see what businesses are open and signed up to the Good to Go scheme. An example given in the code is that of a teacher taking a group of students outside to study wildlife or visit a geological feature. Scotland’s local authorities and National Park authorities are the access authorities in their areas, with a number of specific duties and powers under the Act. Iconic Ben Nevis needs to be top of your Scottish to-do list. As restrictions continue to ease, enjoy what Scotland has to offer, whilst keeping the recommended 2 metre (6ft) distance from people outside your household. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, came into effect on the 9th February 2005. Scottish Outdoor Access Code Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors responsibly Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and for going from place to place providing they act responsibly. Local authority and national park authority access officers. Please consider where you're going, and the facilities that will be available - smaller communities have less shops, petrol stations and toilets available, and those that are open will be small and may need to limit the number of people who use them at one time. This is particularly true for Scotland's island communities, which are mainly accessible via ferry - which will have limited capacity due to physical distancing. [20] The byelaws were opposed by groups such as Mountaineering Scotland and Ramblers Scotland, who argued that they would criminalise camping even where it was carried out responsibly, and that the national park authority already had sufficient powers to address irresponsible behaviour using existing laws. Visiting smaller and more rural communities: Scotland's cities are amazing, but we all like to head out of them from time to time and spend a much-loved day in the countryside. Land may also be temporarily exempted from access rights through an order made by the local authority, for example to allow for an event such a music festival or car rally. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code differs significantly from The Country Code in that it promotes access rights that include crossing over land and non-motorised recreational activities like walking, cycling, angling and horse riding, and will normally apply in all rural settings. The three main principles of the code are to: Respect the interests of other people. Avoid entering fields with crops or animals. Bliss! Safeguarding Public Access in Scotland since 1845. These access rights and responsibilities are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Take account of access rights if you manage contiguous land or water. Part 1 of the Act sets out a right of responsible non-motorised access for recreational and other purposes, to land and inland water throughout Scotland, with a … Public toilets - A phased reopening of public toilets will begin on Monday 20 July 2020. The Outdoor Access Code was introduced to Scotland in 2003 as a means of informing the public about responsible behaviour whilst enjoying the countryside. © 2021 VisitScotland. Find out more about everyone’s access rights and responsibilities in Scotland’s outdoors. For further detail on any of these issues, please refer to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (Section 5 and Annex 1) from the link above. walking (provided the dog is under close control), picnics, playing, sledging, paddling and kite flying are also listed as examples of permitted recreational purposes. These access rights and responsibilities are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Section 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 states that: “A person has access rights only if they are exercised responsibly”. Please also read and heed any water safety advice, guidance and signage where provided and keep yourself and other safe. Part 1 of the Act sets out a right of responsible non-motorised access for recreational and other purposes, to land and inland water throughout Scotland, with a few exceptions. Access rights come with responsibilities and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code explains how access rights should be exercised in a responsible manner. Take special care of children: Children aged between 12 and 17 will need to obey physical distancing rules when exploring outdoor spaces. Please make sure that you check before you visit to plan ahead. [14] Access rights also extend to activities carried out commercially, but only where the activity could also be carried out on a non-commercial basis. Scottish Outdoor Access Code. For more information, safety guidelines and helpful advice, visit. Please make sure you keep your dog on a lead if you are near farms or fields, to be sure not to disturb any animals or wildlife that you come across. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code – produced by NatureScot – is designed to help walkers and others outdoors users such as cyclists and horse riders enjoy these access rights responsibly. Shetland's outdoors include croft land, farmland and also the open hill which all provide great opportunities for open-air recreation and education. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code recognises and promotes the importance of disease avoidance or biosecurity by providing advice on responsible behaviours by the public and land managers In summary, the public are advised to: Avoid direct contact with, or feeding, farmed animals Respect access rights in managing your land or water. [7], In 1996 organisations representing walking and mountaineering interests came together with land management and government bodies to draft Scotland's Hills and Mountains: A Concordat on Access, a voluntary code that sought to balance the interests of both access users and land managers. The responsibilities of access users are: The responsibilities of land managers are: The code states that access rights can be exercised for recreational purposes, some educational activities and certain commercial purposes, and for crossing over land and water. As this happens, it is important to be mindful and manage your expectations - be patient and allow staff to do their job before visiting the area. The Code also provides guidance for camping, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding and various water sports. [19] In 2017 the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park introduced byelaws restricting the right to camp along much of the shoreline of Loch Lomond, due to issues such as litter and anti-social behaviour that were blamed on some irresponsible campers. Access Rights in Scotland. Care for the environment. Access rights apply to any non-motorised activity, including walking, cycling, horse-riding and wild camping. Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice. [15] Gathering items such as mushrooms or berries for commercial gain is not covered by access rights;[15] but the customary picking of wild fungi and berries for personal consumption is not prohibited under the code. Access rights also apply to fields in which crops have not been sown or in which there are farm animals grazing; where crops are growing or have been sown access rights are restricted to the margins of those fields.[22]. Access rights in Scotland apply to most land and inland water. Wash your hands or gloves as soon as you get home. Remember that the outdoors isn't risk-free and act with care at all times for your own safety and that of others. With the Act and Code now in place, Scotland Paddlers’ Access Code The Land Reform (Scotland) Act provides a statutory right of access to most land and inland water. Water areas - it is always important to be mindful when around bodies of water. [12][13] Less active pastimes such watching wildlife, sightseeing, painting, photography, visiting historic sites, dog Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives detailed information on these rights and responsibilities, under three main rules: respecting the interests of other people; caring for the environment; taking responsibility for your own actions; Visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website to read the full Code. Don't damage or disturb cultural heritage sites. Scotland's countryside is home to many lochs, rivers, canals, and reservoirs which are a pretty sight to see but please be especially cautious when exploring with young children and people who are unable to swim. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out where access rights apply and what can be done within access rights. Scottish Outdoor Access Code The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been produced to supplement the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 by defining what is meant by responsible access. [2] The code provides detailed guidance on these responsibilities. Keep a safe distance from any land management operations. Under Scots law everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and going from Expert local knowledge, gifts and inspiration. Scottish Outdoor Access Code ebook. [18], Wild camping, defined as lightweight camping by small numbers of people staying no more than two or three nights in any one place, is permitted under the code. [17], Access rights can be exercised at day or night. Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors responsibly. Walk Fife. [6] Until the mid-nineteenth century the ability to access land was little challenged, however this began to change with the rise of deer stalking as a commercial enterprise, and the increase in the number of people visiting the highlands following the coming of the railways. Der Scottish Outdoor Access Code (der Schottische Code zum Zugangsrecht) gilt das ganze Jahr über und hält einige großartige Tipps und Ratschläge für Sie bereit, damit Sie Schottlands Natur sicher genießen können und die Mitarbeiter genug Zeit haben, sich um den Naturraum zu kümmern. You can search for businesses that are open, and Good to Go, where they have a Covid-19 risk assessment. the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (the Code). The code provides further guidance with examples under each point. If you come across others and the walking path is narrow, be patient and allow others to pass safely. Field surveys of natural or cultural heritage are also covered under this definition. Scotland is now operating a 5-level Covid-19 system on a local basis. Find more advice on exploring Scotland during Covid-19 on our dedicated page. means the code prepared under section 10 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003(c) Never intentionally or recklessly disturb or destroy a plant, bird, animal or geological feature. The Code was introduced to aid the sustainability of Scotland’s countryside. What is the Scottish Outdoor Access Code? Access to the countryside was increased by statute with the creation of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 for England and Wales and the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, in Scotland, these rights exist only if they are exercised responsibly, as specified in the Scottish Outdoor Access code. Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives everyone statutory access rights to most land and inland water. 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