The public rights of access on and over land, enshrined in the
Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, have now been around for almost 14
years. They allow all members of the public a responsible right of
access on and across land and inland water throughout the country,
often informally referred to as the right to roam.
Certain parts of land may be excluded from the rights of access
under the Act: restrictions may be allowed, for example, due to
planned forestry operations. Further, some areas, such as schools,
or land where crops are growing, are never suitable for access.
Where access rights are exercisable, they may be taken for
recreational, educational, or sometimes certain commercial
purposes. Landowners and managers are obliged to act responsibly
but cannot unduly deter the public from accessing their land. Local
authorities must uphold access rights if they are being obstructed.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code serves as a guide for responsible
ownership, and
