Public toilets - A phased reopening of public toilets will begin on Monday 20 July 2020. Scottish Outdoor Access Code - Part 4 Managing land and water responsibly for access pdf, 525.24kB Scottish Outdoor Access Code - Part 5 Practical guide to access rights and responsibilities Take extra care around natural hazards and ALWAYS clean up after yourself. 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. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is all about your rights and responsibilities when you're making the most of Scotland's great outdoors. Mugdock Country Park in Glasgow, Scotland is a Tourist Attraction & Country Park in Scotland maintaining Scottish Natural Heritage. The Code sets out the simple steps you must take to look after the environment and respect the needs of others working the land or enjoying the outdoors. Mountain biking trails - Most formal mountain biking trails are now open. Expert local knowledge, gifts and inspiration. It's based on three key things: Respecting the interests of others; Caring for the … Act reasonably when asking people to avoid land management operations. 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 … Generally, such land will normally be closely connected, physically and in terms of purpose, to the building and forming one enclosure with it. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out where access rights apply and what can be done within access rights. Avoid touching surfaces like gates as much as possible – try to plan a route that does not require you to open gates. The code provides further guidance with examples under each point. In 1846 the 6th Duke of Atholl attempted to prevent a group of botany students from the University of Edinburgh from entering Glen Tilt, however the resulting court case confirmed that access could not be prevented. Respect the privacy, safety and livelihoods of those living and working in the outdoors, and the needs of other people enjoying the outdoors. Define Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It also describes where access rights don’t apply, such as fields of crops or the gardens of houses. Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Publication, Guidance, Gaelic News. There are also some areas of land where public access can be prohibited, excluded or restricted under other legislation. If you come across others and the walking path is narrow, be patient and allow others to pass safely. Outdoor Access Code. [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. 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. 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. The key things are: 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 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 Care for the environment. 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. Also offering a Countryside Ranger Service & a Business Venture. the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (the Code). All rights reserved. If you are a land manager, act with care at all times for people’s safety. Scottish Charity number SC015460. 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. Camping in this manner is permissible wherever access rights apply, but campers are advised not to camp in enclosed fields, and to keep well away from buildings, roads and historic structures. [5], There has been a longstanding tradition of access to land in Scotland. 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 by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Access rights in Scotland apply to most land and inland water. Further information on the Land Reform Act and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code can be found on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website. Paddlers’ Access Code The Land Reform (Scotland) Act provides a statutory right of access to most land and inland water. [25], Access rights apply to most urban parks, country parks and other managed open spaces, but an exception is made for visitor attractions (e.g. [16], Access rights must be undertaken in lawful manner, and thus by definition criminal acts are excluded. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 established a statutory framework of public access rights to most land and inland water. 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. [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 is now operating a 5-level Covid-19 system on a local basis. Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 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. Our coasts and waters are great places to visit for all the family, but make sure you plan ahead where appropriate. The Scottish Rights of Way & Access Society. Find out more about everyone’s access rights and responsibilities in Scotland’s outdoors. Stay safe: don't light bonfires and take care when lighting barbeques as these can easily get out of control. means the code prepared under section 10 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003(c) Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris & Stornoway, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Big open spaces, the smell of fresh-cut grass and leafy green trees, and the sun on your face. Check if the business is open or whether you need to pre-book in advance and look out for businesses who are part of the 'Good to Go' scheme, and are working hard to ensure your safety and welcome. 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]. These access rights and responsibilities are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. walking (provided the dog is under close control), picnics, playing, sledging, paddling and kite flying are also listed as examples of permitted recreational purposes. Whether you're exploring the streets and paths around your house or travelling further when restrictions are lifted and it's safe to do so, there are some key things to remember. Access rights extend to wild camping. Remember that the outdoors isn't risk-free and act with care at all times for your own safety and that of others. Think of it as your reward for putting the recycling out every week! The act stated that "a person has access rights only if they are exercised responsibly", and tasked Scottish Natural Heritage with producing the Code so as to provide guidance to both access users and land managers on what behavior would be considered "responsible".[11]. Understanding the Scottish Outdoor Access Code: In Scotland, you can go on to most land to enjoy the outdoors – as long as you behave responsibly. Shore access rights do not extend to driving or parking any vehicles needed to enable watersports. Water areas - it is always important to be mindful when around bodies of water. [24], Access rights also do not extend to the curtilage of any other building (such as a factory, office or hotel). Walk Fife. The code is based on three key principles which apply equally to the public and to land managers: Responsibilities are separated into those that apply to access users, and those that apply to land managers. Access rights. 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