Getting to grips with new Countryside Access Law
27/04/05

With a right of responsible access to the Scottish countryside now enshrined in Scots law, NFU Scotland is to establish a dedicated access officer post to help its members to grasp the opportunities of the new legislation.

With three-year funding secured from Scottish Natural Heritage, the Edinburgh-based post will play an important role in ensuring farmers and those enjoying access in the countryside are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

Speaking today at the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association annual training conference in Glencoe, NFUS Policy Manager Craig Campbell said:

"NFUS believes that establishing and maintaining paths is the key to the success of the new access law. In lowland areas, particularly on the fringe of towns and cities, some farmers have concerns about the public safety and animal welfare implications of access to the countryside. But virtually all these concerns will be allayed by managing access through a path network. We see this new access post as playing a key role in helping to identify access routes which allow walkers to enjoy the countryside while farmers get on with their day-to-day job.

"The new post, part-funded by SNH, will also provide all sorts of practical guidance relating to the new right of responsible access, from putting up signs to ensuring that nature conservation areas are protected. It will help farmers get to grips with their new rights and responsibilities.

"Farmers manage three quarters of Scotland's land mass and provide the gateway for the public to the countryside. Access to the Scottish countryside has generally worked very well and it relies on a good relationship between farmers and those taking access. This new post with NFUS should strengthen this relationship and ensure that the new right of responsible access benefits everyone."