Local Access Forum resources
Information for Local Access Forums including links to access legislation, relevant contacts, and topic-specific guidance.
Access legislation
Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003
Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967 – provisions on Long-Distance Routes and Rights of Way
Further information
- Land Reform Act: Summary, Who has duties & powers and Legislation history
- A Brief Guide to Laws relevant to Outdoor Access in Scotland (NatureScot, 2026)
- Public Access in Scotland - Know Your Rights (a brief guide) (ScotWays, 2025)
- The ScotWays Guide to The Law of Access to land in Scotland (ScotWays, 2018)
- Brief guide to occupiers' legal liabilities in Scotland in relation to public outdoor access (NatureScot, 2016)
- Existing criminal offences created by statute (Annex 1 of SOAC)
- ScotWays - Ask Ken – About Access Rights, Court Cases, etc.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Scottish Outdoor Access Code - in full and in parts 1-6
Key information on the Outdoor Access Scotland website
- Practical guide for all
- Managing access on your land – further guidance relating to camping, dogs, golf courses, horse ridging, inland water, protected areas, signs, visitor planning
Resources to promote access rights & responsibilities
- Access Code branding – downloadable branding materials and set texts
- Resources to promote responsible access – downloadable graphics for social media
- Education resources – activity guides and resources for teachers and group leaders
- YoungScot - Know the Code - 12 videos to help young people find out more about the SOAC
- Exploring the outdoors with Calum Maclean – videos on Leave no trace, Wild camping tips and Respect wildlife
- Cycling – Scotland, Yours to Ride Responsibly video and Do the Ride Thing resource
- Dog training and resources
Scottish Government publications
Part 1 Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003: guidance for local authorities and national park authorities (February 2005)
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (Modification) Order 2013: guidance for local authorities and national park authorities (Scottish Government, January 2014)
Overview of Evidence on Land Reform in Scotland - Access Rights (July 2012)
Monitoring implementation of Part 1 of the Land Reform Act (March 2017)
National Access Forum
National Access Forum role – with links to
Contacts
- Access contacts – access authorities, FLS District Access Leads, NFUS Regional Access Leads, recreation organisations, other organisations with access interests
- LAF contacts
- National Access Forum secretary [email protected]
- NatureScot general access queries [email protected]
Paths and other access infrastructure
Core path plans – with link to Core Paths in Scotland interactive map (also available on Scottish Environment website and via Recreation page)
Rights of way - Catalogue of Rights of Way
Topic-specific guidance
British Horse Society Scotland
Scottish Forestry
- Managing Woodland Access and Forest Operations in Scotland (Practice Note 104, 2013)
- Managing woodland access
- Three videos provide advice to guide decision makers in situations where forestry operations may impact on public access:
- An overview of best practice for safely managing woodland access during forest operations.
- Scenarios: guidance related to a number of typical woodland access scenarios.
- Interviews: views from various perspectives on the importance of well-managed woodland access.
NatureScot
- Access and Recreation Management technical advice – paths, accessibility, monitoring access, sharing best practice
- Ranger Services in Scotland – policy statement, achievements, Ranger Development Partnership
Walking Scotland (formerly Paths for All)
VisitScotland
Learning opportunities
Training – with links to Scottish Outdoor Access Network
