Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003

Statutory Public Access Rights

Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 establishes statutory public access rights to land (including inland waters and foreshore) for recreational and other purposes, this right to be exercised responsibly. This will apply to most of the countryside in Scotland.

Local Authorities have been given powers under the Act to uphold the statutory public access rights. 

Local authorities are responsible for:

• setting up one or more Local Access Forums
• drawing up a Core Paths Plan
• upholding public access rights
• publicising with SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage) the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC)

Land uses in our countryside include farming, forestry, field sports and conservation - providing a rich and fascinating mix of natural and cultural landscapes to explore. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code was established under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act and gives practical guidance to landowners and access users as to how to manage and take access in a responsible manner. Click here to view the Code