Access
You can obtain a free copy of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code from Scottish Natural Heritage in our publications department. We have also produced a summary leaflet, as well as reading the full code on-line on this page or visit outdooraccess-scotland.com to find out more..
Your rights and resposibilities
CONTENTS
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides guidance on responsible behaviour for recreational users, and on responsible land management in relation to the statutory right of responsible access. The following files present the Code as approved by Parliament on 1 July 2004.
- INTRODUCTION
This part provides an introduction to statutory access rights and responsibilities, sets out three key principles to underpin the definition of responsible behaviour within the Code, and briefly explains the purpose and status of the Code.
- ACCESS RIGHTS
This part describes where, when and for what activities you can exercise access rights, where these rights do not apply and which activities fall outside their scope.
- EXERCISING ACCESS
RIGHTS RESPONSIBLY
This part explains how people can exercise access rights responsibly. The main responsibilities are then described:
- take responsibility for your own actions;
- respect people’s privacy and peace of mind;
- help land managers and others to work safely and effectively;
- care for your environment;
- keep your dog under proper control; and
- take extra care if you are organising a group, an event or running a business.
- MANAGING LAND AND
WATER RESPONSIBLY FOR ACCESS
This part explains how land managers can manage their land and water responsibly in relation to access rights. The main responsibilities are then described:
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respect access rights in managing your land or water;
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act reasonably when asking people to avoid land management operations;
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work with your local authority and other bodies to help integrate access and land management; and
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take account of access rights if you manage contiguous land or water.
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This part provides a practical guide to help people decide what best to do in everyday situations, including canoeing, cycling, deer stalking, farmyards, fields, fishing, forests and woods, golf courses, grouse shooting, horse riding, sporting events and wild camping.
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This part summarises where you can get more advice and information, how access and recreation can be managed, and what you should do if you encounter someone behaving irresponsibly.