Outdoor Access Code Whether strolling through a forest, kayaking down roaring rapids, or wild camping in the middle of nowhere, you have a right to explore much of the Scottish countryside. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides information and guidance for recreational users, and land managers about responsible access to Scotland outdoor spaces. For more information about where you can go and what you can do, see Part 2 of the Code. Grass being grown for hay or silage and which is at such a late stage of growth that it is likely to be damaged by you exercising access rights is a crop (see paragraph 3.37). Scotland is open to everyone, be they walkers, cyclists, canoeists, hunters, fishers, adventure seekers or wild food collectors, but there are guidelines and advice on how to … Scottish Outdoor Access Code, 2005 12 (such as strawberries and raspberries). Follow your water from source to tap, and learn about your pipework responsibilities, or how to connect to our network. The Access Code says: Access rights extend to swimming (subject to any local byelaws). Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors responsibly. Scottish Water recognises the public value of its land and water assets. We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Access rights include things like walking, cycling, climbing, horse-riding, kayaking, swimming and watching wildlife, but do not include things like shooting, fishing or access with motor vehicles. Enjoy Scotland and the countryside responsibly. But access to land and water must be managed to protect our core duties to provide high quality drinking water and provide a safe environment for our operators and the general public. Scottish Outdoor Access Code, 2005. Scotland’s local authorities and National Park authorities are the access authorities in their areas, with a number of specific duties and powers under the Act. The creation of Three Lochs Way has taken many years of (sometimes delicate) negotiations with landowners who have entirely understandable fears about the potential problems which might arise because of increased numbers of people taking access to their land. The Code also provides guidance for camping, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding and various water sports. NatureScot has a duty to keep the Access Code under review. There is a specific leaflet aimed at dog owners which contain key messages from the Code which can be found here. Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It offers limited safety risk to Scottish Water or the general public. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code Main article: Scottish Outdoor Access Code In Scotland, where there is a more general right of access, Scottish Natural Heritage developed The Scottish Outdoor Access Code , which was approved in draft form by the Scottish Parliament in July 2003 following the passing of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act of the same year, and was accepted in February 2005. It's not complicated - basically, campers should follow a policy of 'leave-no-trace'. Also offering a Countryside Ranger Service & a Business Venture. Keeping it under review. Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Read The Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Scottish Water recognises the public value of its land and water assets. The act also applies to other outdoor pursuits like cycling, horses riding, water pursuits and more extreme sports. 21st November 2014. All access rights are detailed in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) which is published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Under Scots laweveryone has the right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and going from place to place providing they act responsibly. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code for young people. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives us the right to access most, ... but not all, countryside areas in Scotland. With our access rights also come responsibilities. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives detailed guidance on the responsibilities when exercising access rights and on those who manage land and inland water. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives guidance on how to access the countryside responsibly, whether walking on your own, in a group or taking your dog. Outdoor Access Code. Scottish Outdoor Access Code Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It is compatible with our duty to provide high quality drinking water. Be a responsible camper - follow the Access Code tips on: access, ... Organised events based on outdoor recreation such as walking, running or mountain biking Outdoor learning. Part 1 of the Act sets out a right of responsible non-motorised access for recreational and other purposes, to land and inland water throughout Scotland, with a few exceptions. Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The introduction of this Code means everyone has a right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and for going from place to place providing they act responsibly. Home; News . Access rights in Scotland apply to most land and inland water. These access rights and responsibilities are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) came in to effect in February 2005. All rights reserved. The right of access only applies if it is exercised responsibly, and the Code sets out what counts as responsible beh… Some key terms 1.7 Throughout the Code, references are made to seven general terms for convenience: not swimming close to water intakes, abstraction points or spillways, not disturbing anglers and other water users. Take time to read the outdoor access code before you go into the countryside. being aware that in prolonged dry spells fish might be distressed due to low water levels. Find out more about this campaign, in partnership with Nature Scot. Find out more about our waste water services such as; septic tanks, sewage pollution and sewer flooding. 3 1.6 Advice on where to get help and information is provided in Part 6 of the Code. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides detailed guidance on the exercise of the ancient tradition of universal access to land in Scotland, which was formally codified by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Help to minimise problems for other users by: Indicating where people can best take access to a river or loch can help to minimise any problems. The basis of access rights in Scotland is one of shared responsibilities, in that those exercising such rights have to act responsibly, whilst landowners a… Scottish Outdoor Access Code - for visitors and land managers The Code provides a practical guide to help everyone make informed decisions about exploring Scotland’s great outdoors in a safe and responsible way. All public access rights to most land and inland water are set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Scotland’s local authorities and National Park authorities are the access authorities in their areas, with a number of specific duties and powers under the Act. Find out more about everyone’s access rights and responsibilities in Scotland’s outdoors. Scottish Outdoor Access Code. It also describes where access rights don’t apply, such as fields of crops or the gardens of houses. All access rights are detailed in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) which is published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been produced to supplement the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 by defining what is meant by responsible access. For enquiries regarding access to our land and reservoirs: © Copyright 2021 Scottish Water. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is all about your rights and responsibilities when you're making the most of Scotland's great outdoors. Access rights in Scotland apply to most land and inland water. The Code gives advice and guidance to users and land managers on what their respective responsibilities are in different settings and situations. Publication, Guidance, Gaelic News. The Scottish Outdoor Access code in full and in parts 1 - 6. Access rights extend to swimming (subject to any local byelaws). The Scottish Outdoor Access Code says: Hillwalking during the stag stalking season. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out where access rights apply and what can be done within access rights. 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. All public access rights to most land and inland water are set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. For more on public access rights check out the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Scottish Outdoor Access Code for walkers Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland waters in Scotland for recreation, education and for going from place to place although some specific areas are excluded such as residential gardens, farm yards, airfields and … Lease private land by the day, week, or season for outdoor recreation. It offers no security risk to Scottish water for reasons of national or public interest. Whatever your walking interest, whether it’s straight from your front door to walk locally, or further afield in the fantastic Scottish countryside, hills or mountains, there are some easy to follow guidelines to help you on your way. Remember that swimming in open water can be dangerous, particularly for children, and that the water might be used for public water supply. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 provides a right of responsible access over much of Scotland's land and inland water. These duties are our highest priority. We've worked with Young Scot to produce 12 animations to help young people find out more about the code and make the most of Scotland's great outdoors. We're making a big contribution to the public's enjoyment of the great outdoors. Be a responsible camper - follow the Access Code tips on: access, using stoves instead of lighting open fires and what to do when you need the loo! The Scottish Water Public Access to Land and Water policy supports responsible access (singular, event or commercial use) to our land and water assets where: For detailed guidance on specific activities on land and water, events and commercial activities view the full Scottish Water Access to Land and Water policy via our Document Hub. Continue browsing if you consent to this, or view our Cookie Policy. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is all about your rights and responsibilities when you're making the most of Scotland's great outdoors. ... Canoeing, rafting, sailing and swimming Back to top Scottish Outdoor Access Code Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003: This legislation should assist and make access to the outdoors for activities like walking more straightforward and easy. A specific leaflet aimed at dog owners scottish outdoor access code swimming contain key messages from the.... 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