FOI Request - Recreational Drone Use

Request101003943568

We seek information regarding your authority’s regulations on the recreational use of drones from land under your jurisdiction.

1. Do you have any byelaws that are used to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the recreational use of drones from land under your jurisdiction? If yes, please provide:
a) The dates of each byelaw.
b) A digital copy of the byelaws or a direct link to the specific document or webpage where the information can be accessed.

2. Do you have any Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) that are used to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the recreational use of drones from land under your jurisdiction? If yes, please provide:
a) The dates of each PSPO.
b) The locations and areas these PSPOs cover.
c) A digital copy of the PSPOs or a direct link to the specific document or webpage where the information can be accessed.

3. Do you have any policies that are used to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the recreational use of drones from land under your jurisdiction? If yes, please provide:
a) The dates of each policy.
b) A digital copy of the policies or a direct link to the specific document or webpage where the information can be accessed.

Response 16-03-2026

1.a) 

• 1994: Rules for the Management of Public Parks: The rules for management of parks provide at paragraph 7(d)(iv) state that that no person shall "fly any model aeroplane or similar device"...
There are no areas designated for such flying.
• 1991: Harbour Byelaws 1990: The harbour byelaw provides at section 41 that "No person shall in a harbour area use any radio-controlled equipment or models without the permission in writing of the harbourmaster, and then only on such conditions as he may impose."

b) The information requested can be found published and available on the Moray Council Register of Byelaws and therefore exempt under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002- Information Otherwise Accessible. For ease of reference please see here:  Register of Byelaws of The Moray Council - Moray Council http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_86769.html

2. Not applicable. Public space protection orders are a legal measure in England & Wales.

3. a) 2023: Moray Council Guidance – Use of a Park or Open Space: “The flying of drones at the Park is permitted only in the event that Police Scotland approval has been obtained, in which event the flying of drones must be conducted in compliance with Police Scotland’s approval. The flying of drones must be conducted in compliance with the Civilian Aviation Authority Air Navigation Order 2016.”

b) The information requested can be found published and available on the Moray Council website and is therefore exempt under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002- Information Otherwise Accessible. For ease of reference please see here: http://www.moray.gov.uk/downloads/file144129.pdf