Access Legislation
- Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003
- Guidance for Local Authorities and National Park Authorities
- Other Access Related Legislation
Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003
See also full details of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
The access legislation in Part One of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 aims to make it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors and to be clear about what they can and cannot do. The access laws include a package of related measures:
- A clearer legal basis for access
- Responsibility as the key principle for using access rights and managing land
- Safeguards for privacy, land management and conservation
- New duties and powers for access authorities and other public bodies
- Adequate resources to make the proposals work well
Guidance for Local Authorities and National Park Authorities
Within the duties identified for access authorities (the 32 local authorities and 2 National Parks) are a number of specific tasks. They must:
- Develop a Core Paths Plan
- Establish a Local Access Forum
- Uphold access rights
For detailed guidance and a copy of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code visit Outdoor Access Scotland
Other Access Related Legislation
There are a number of pieces of legislation which can impact on the planning, delivery and management of access.
- Countryside (Scotland) Act, 1967
- Disability Discrimination Act, 1995
- Natura Regulations, 1994
- Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act, 2004
- Roads (Scotland) Act, 1984
- Civic Government (Scotland) Act, 1982
- Local Government (Development & Finance) (Scotland), Act, 1964
- Town & Country Planning (Scotland) Act, 1997
- Animals (Scotland) Act, 1987
More information on the relevant sections that may apply can be found within the PFAP Factsheets and at Outdoor Access Scotland
