• The Finalised Version
• Why have Core Paths and what is a Core Path?
• How were the Core Paths Chosen?
• Strategic Environmental Assessment
• What Happens Now?
• Contact Details

The Finalised Version

This Plan known as the Finalised Version has been produced from an extensive exercise started in 2007. It contains thirty-nine maps plus insets and three overview maps showing the proposed Moray Core Paths Network. The preceding text sections includes objectives and policies focusing on improving the Core Paths development, management and promotion.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 requires the Council to draw up a plan for a system of paths (Core Paths) that provides ‘a basic framework of routes sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area.’

The Act required the Council to have the Plan subjected to public consultation prior to adoption. The finalised version of the plan has resulted from a 2 stage public consultation process and is what the Council intends to submit to the Scottish Government as a 'sufficient plan'.

This is the first time such a plan has been produced for the Moray Council area. It covers the area within the Council boundary, but does not include that part of Moray within the Cairngorms National Park, which will have its own Core Paths Plan.

This concept is nothing new for the Council which has been working in partnership with local community access groups and other agencies to plan for, develop and manage Local Paths Networks since year 2000.

This plan is not just about Core Paths. The maps show other paths which when put together with Core Paths provide for a comprehensive paths network across Moray. We are interested in looking at the total outdoor access scene rather than solely Core Paths.

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The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives a right of responsible, non-motorised access to most of the land and inland water of Scotland. It also introduces the term ‘Core Path’. A Core Path can physically be any route – a right of way, farm track, an old drove road, a minor public road or even a river.

Although the Act allows any route to be a Core Path, the Scottish Executive has set out some characteristics of a Core Path including:

• should be signed at key access points
• should be accessible to all users as far as is practical
• can have a variety of path surfaces

Core paths should be considered as part of wider Moray Paths Network and not just paths in isolation. Taking the whole network forward through a plan of action could help realise many benefits for Moray including better health, reduction in car usage, improvements in public safety, and more visitors to the area. An integrated Paths network will provide a valuable, freely available community facility for everybody to use.

The Moray Core Paths Plan once adopted will provide for this ‘Plan of Action’ and is the best way to focus resources to improve things on the ground.

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How were the Core Paths Chosen?

The Core Paths shown on maps within this Finalised Version of the Planwere derived from an extensive public consultation exercise started in 2007 on the initial Consultative Draft Plan and a later Final Draft Plan in 2008 . As a result of many comments received this Finalised Version has been produced which now has a greater number of Core Paths, more information on the physical nature of each route and a better overall integrated Core Paths network. There has been comprehensive input at all stages in the Plan making process from the Moray Local Outdoor Access Forum particularly in devising core Path criteria and selection of routes. The Moray L.O.A.F which is representative of all access stakeholders has worked towards a consensus approach.

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Strategic Environmental Assessment

Please also note that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (S.E.A) has been carried out and an Environmental Report  has been prepared, which has informed the production of the Finalised Version of the Plan.

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What happens now?

The Finalised Version of the Plan and the 16 outstanding objections from the public that could not be resolved are intended to be submitted in Spring 2010 to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government Reporters Unit will thereafter give direction to the Moray Council as to whether or not to adopt the Core Paths Plan and whether a Local Inquiry will be necessary to consider the unresolved objections.

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Contact Details

For further information and advice contact:

Ian M Douglas
Moray Access Manager
The Moray Council
Environmental Services
Ashgrove Depot
Ashgrove Road
Elgin
IV30 1UU

Telephone: 01343 557049

Email: ian.douglas@moray.gov.uk or morayaccess@moray.gov.uk

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