For those of us who enjoy the outdoors in Scotland our access rights have become very precious to us. In contrast to folk South of the border we are able to enjoy enormous freedom in the outdoors that we love.
But how many of us really know what that access legislation means and what we can and cannot do when we’re out in the hills. Recently came across a sign that boldly stated no camping. I posted that sign on Facebook and Twitter wondering if it contravened our access legislation. A lot of folk responded to my postings on social media many with very different views. I think it’s important that we all know what are rights and perhaps just as importantly what our responsibilities are in the outdoors.
In this podcast I’ll be talking to Davey black, access officer for Mountaineering Scotland. I want to ask him just what our rights are and how things are changing in the outdoors so that we can get some definitive answers as to where we all stand.
Anyone who goes regularly goes into Scotland’s hills will know that things are changing. Even in the winter I notice that there are camper vans parked in remote spots and the rise of the NC500 has meant that in certain areas some places are inundated with visitors in the summer. Just how do we manage the inevitable conflict these changes bring?
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First time listening to your podcast John, very enjoyable. I was gobsmacked when you said you didn’t know about the SOAC website! Everyone who uses the outdoors in Scotland SHOULD know about it – the fact that someone as experienced as you doesn’t is worrying; you are experienced and immersed in the culture of going outdoors. If people like you are unaware of it, then what hope have we for the next generation of hillwalkers? The Scottish Government and all the local authorities really need to commit time and resources to making sure that this legislation becomes common knowledge. Sadly that isn’t the case.
I am the chair of the North Lanarkshire Outdoor Access Forum, which is a statutory body set up under the Land Reform Act to act as a meeting place between Land Managers and Land Users, so I have a particular interest in this area. I regularly walk local hills and paths and report back on obstructions and “dodgy” signage. The one question which brought me to the podcast – and which wasn’t answered was – did you report the sign to the Local Authority Access Officer? That is the first stage in getting action taken, and without that then nothing happens. The sign stays in place and no one is any the wiser. I’d be very interested to see the outcome of this particular case, for the sign is clearly not in line with the legislation.
Sometimes this is done with a deliberate attempt to limit or deter access, in some cases it is done from a position of ignorance. Only by the Access Officers investigating can we find out which case is which.
Do keep us informed. Thanks again.
Hi James.
You are right, I should know about the code website and I didn’t, perhaps it needs to be more widely advertised? I did report the sign to the local access officer. He plans to take action. I’ll email you direct.