Ad campaign urges responsible access

People taking to the outdoors are being urged to do so responsibly in an advertising campaign to promote the new Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which came into force in February.

The ads have been placed by Scottish Natural Heritage, which co-ordinated the development of the Code following the introduction of the new access legislation. The new law gives everyone greater rights of access to enjoy the outdoors and applies to everyone from dog walkers to mountain bikers to hillwalkers, canoeists and horse riders. It also applies to those that manage land or who work in the outdoors. The Code is a 133 page A5 handbook setting out what the rights and responsibilities are.

SNH carried out its largest ever public consultation to seek views on the Code and is now responsible for a major education programme to promote it.

John Markland, SNH Chairman said: “There have been many long years of patient discussion, negotiation and extensive consultation. This combined effort has helped us to refine and balance the needs of the land manager, the access taker and the environment thereby making access a shared responsibility.”

TV and radio advertisements were shown throughout Scotland in March along with a series of press adverts. A Scotland wide Spring Access Festival was held between 18-28 March with an extensive range of activities celebrating the new right with a whole host of organisations and local authorities getting involved.

Full copies of the Code, or the short leaflet can be obtained by e-mailing pubs@snh.gov.uk or phoning 01738 458545 or you can find them on the website www.outdooraccess-scotland.com.

The leaflet is being distributed through outlets including SNH offices, Tourist Information Centres, libraries, vet’s surgeries, public offices, ranger services, youth hostels, farriers and outdoor shops. The leaflet is also available from some outlets in Gaelic and a Gaelic version of the full Code will follow shortly.

Know the Code before you go…
Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors — responsibly!

Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water providing they act responsibly. Your access rights and responsibilities are explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Whether you’re in the outdoors or managing the outdoors, the key things are to :take responsibility for your own actions;respect the interests of other people;care for the environment.

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