Outdoor Access in Scotland

This section aims to provide you with guidance on recreation and access issues. It is for all recreational users of the countryside and should help you understand your responsibilities under the new Scottish Outdoor Access Code which came into effect on February 9th 2005.

Know the Code before you go ….

Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors! 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. These access rights and responsibilities are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The key things are:

When you’re in the outdoors:

• take personal responsibility for your own actions and act safely;

• respect people’s privacy and peace of mind;

• help land managers and others to work safely and effectively;

• care for your environment and take your litter home;

• keep your dog under proper control;

• take extra care if you’re organising an event or running a business.

If you’re managing the outdoors:

• respect access rights;

• act reasonably when asking people to avoid land management operations;

• work with your local authority and other bodies to help integrate access and land management;

• respect rights of way and customary access.

Find out more by visiting www.outdooraccess-scotland.com or phoning your local Scottish Natural Heritage office.