National Access Forum - 11 June 2025

National Access Forum – 66th meeting on Wednesday 11th June 2025, 10:30 – 13:55

Hybrid meeting – In-person at Battleby and Virtual via MS Teams

1. Welcome, introductions and apologies – Richard Barron – 10:30 - 10:45
    
2. Minutes of previous meetings, action points and matters arising – Richard Barron – 10:45 – 10:55

AP 63/2: NatureScot reps to discuss format options with NatureScot CEO/Chair for input and agreement – discharged

AP 65/1: NAFSec to send summary of comms activity for SOAC anniversary out to NAF members when available – discharged, item 5

AP 65/2: Bridget to bring paper to next meeting, on signage/access management, to inform actions after that – discharged, item 9

AP 65/3: Bridget to contact Scottish Wildfires Forum to ensure fit with NAF/VMS guidance - discharged

AP 65/4: NatureScot to resume talks with Network Rail – discharged

AP 65/5: Richard Barron and Sue Hilder to draft letter to Fiona Hislop separately then send to sub-group – deferred

3. NatureScot Chair – Colin Galbraith – 10:55 – 11:15
    
4. Operating Principles – Ali Tait – 11:15 – 11:35
    
5. SOAC – 20 Years of Access Rights in 2025 – Rhiannon Law – 11:35 – 11:55

Comfort break – 11:55 – 12:05

6. SOAC Supporting Guidance Review Programme – Caroline Fyfe – 12:05 – 12:35
    
7. Orienteering and Wildlife Disturbance – Nikki Howard – 12:35 – 12:55
    
8. Irresponsible Behaviour – Richard Barron – 12:55 – 13:10
    
9. Resources for Access Update – Richard Barron – 13:10 – 13:20
    
10. Signage Paper – Bridget Jones – 13:20 – 13:35
     
11. Forthcoming Meetings and Agenda Items – 13:35 – 13:45

• NAF meeting - 17th September 2025 - Battleby
   

12. A.O.B. – 13:45 – 13:55

• NAF/LAF meeting 2025 – Ali Tait
• FMD – Bridget Jones
• SOAN – Bridget Jones
  • 20 years of access conference
  • Online access training
     

Close 13:55

Purpose

This paper considers the need for a review of the operating procedures of the NAF and suggests a number of key areas that may require review and updating. It asks the Forum for their views and advice on the next steps.

NAF Operating Principles - current version

Background

The Access Forum was originally established by NatureScot (SNH at the time) to advise the government and NatureScot on access rights as they were being debated and then legislated for in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Following the Acts Royal Assent in 2003 the Forum’s purpose and structure was reviewed. A consultation exercise was undertaken and report prepared for consideration by the previous Forum. This resulted in agreement on the “new” National Access Forum’s general operating principles, membership and convenor election prior to the first meeting in 2004. 

The key focus for the “new” Forum was on the development of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (approved in 2005) and its subsequent implementation through promotion and development of supporting guidance. In addition, it also developed a new role in advising on nationally significant matters arising from the implementation of the new rights and responsibilities in practice.

From the outset, the membership of the forum has comprised representatives of national membership-based organisations and relevant public bodies. The requirement for a balanced membership was seen as essential, representing interests from both the access/recreation and land management sectors. The membership always strived to reach consensus on key issues, but the Forum’s structure was devised in a way that would enable a vote to be taken if necessary.

In 2007 the operating principles were updated to introduce:

• the process for reviewing the membership  
• a 2-year term for the Convenor with review and option to extend for 2 more years

Since then, the Forum has regularly taken stock of its role, purpose and composition over the years, with the last review in 2014. Membership reviews have also taken place on a 4-year cycle alongside the Convener appointment process.

Areas of change

The membership has further evolved in subsequent years with agreement for new roles established for a National Park Authorities representative, a local authorities representative (previous role was a COSLA rep), Local Access Forums representative, PoliceScotland and a Paths for All representative. At the same time, other organisations have stepped back from direct engagement such as SportScotland, Scottish Water and VisitScotland.

Since the last review levels and patterns of recreational use have changed, including growth in new recreational activities and development in others. Similarly, there have been changes, challenges and new opportunities relevant to access rights affecting agriculture, forestry, tourism, transport, health and energy sectors. From stand-up paddle boards and e-bikes to tackling diseases and impacts of a changing climate, the range of issues with links to access, recreation and the public’s use of the outdoors for multiple benefits has steadily increased in breadth and complexity. 

The public sector has also seen changes in organisational arrangements and policies and the urgent need to address the climate and nature crises. 

Local Access Forums and the 34 Access Authorities have been established in their statutory roles and 34 Core Path Plans are in place. However, during the last decade the number of Access officers has decreased in number. The number of active Local Access Forums does not cover all of Scotland.  

Communications have changed with the use of on-line meeting platforms, web-based information hubs, smart phones and database systems and applications all providing a variety of ways to communicate, meet and share information.

The issues arising for the Forum to consider has been very varied over the years, with some still unresolved and some topics re-surfacing. The Forum still has plenty to advise on and an important role to play as national advisors on outdoor access.

Key areas for a review and update to focus on

Purpose of the Forum

To reflect on the Forum’s status, role and aims and its contribution to NatureScot’s role as advisor to Scottish Government.

Forum Membership 

To consider the need for changes to member groupings/sectors, selection processes, representation, roles, appointment processes, terms, attendance, corresponding member roles, training/support etc.

Wider interests  

To consider how the Forum best stays informed and engages with and facilitates communication with others interested in its work, including the corresponding members list and others such as:

• Local Access Forums
• Local authorities
• Individuals
• Community groups
• SOAN/SCRA/SORA/LINK
• Other organisations/interest groups

Operation of the Forum

To consider changes to governance and administrative arrangements:

• Convenor nomination process
• Forum meetings: face-to-face, hybrid on-line meetings provision, frequency, location
• Agenda items – how to raise items and agreement process for items/papers
• NAF approval process for SOAC supporting guidance/materials
• Communications – new methods, audiences etc
• NAF’s role in representation/ campaigning
• NatureScot’s secretariat role

Recommendation

NatureScot is recommending that the Operating Principles are reviewed and updated during 2025 and to assist this has highlighted the key areas that we consider require consideration for updating or improvement.

The Forum is asked to consider:

1. Are the current Operating Principles fit for purpose?
2. What key areas or aspects should any review and update focus on?
3. Are they areas or aspects that can be omitted from review?
4. How would the Forum like to be involved in helping NatureScot update the Operating Principles?

NatureScot
June 2025
 

Purpose

This paper updates the Forum on NatureScot’s review of guidance on the Outdoor Access Scotland website.

Action

The Forum is asked to approve the updated guidance or provide further comments on:

• Local Access Forum – a guide to good practice
• Deer stalking and public access – guidance on stalking communication
• Commercial access to the outdoors in Scotland – guidance on local management
• Open Fires and BBQs in the Outdoors – advice for people managing the public
• A Brief Guide to Laws relevant to Outdoor Access in Scotland

The Forum is asked to approve the new guidance or provide further comments on:

• Foraging in Scotland

The Forum is asked to respond to the questions in

• Scoping paper – guidance on third party promotion of outdoor access in Scotland

The Forum is asked to note progress with updating other guidance.

Background

NatureScot provided a paper for the NAF meeting on 18 September 2024 outlining plans for reviewing and updating guidance on the Outdoor Access Scotland website. We committed to liaise with the organisations involved in producing each guidance document, and seek input and endorsement from the Forum on the National Access Forum guidance documents and any others of relevance.

We produced a paper for the 5 February 2025 meeting informing the Forum of progress with updating guidance and seeking their approval of 4 documents. Due to the limited time that Forum members had to review the updated guidance more time was requested to read and comment on them.

The Forum agreed to review guidance documents after 3 years, unless circumstances required an earlier review.

The review of outdoor access guidance will be a standing agenda item at NAF meetings.

NatureScot’s has designed a ‘NAF approval stamp’ to be added to guidance approved by the Forum.

Guidance review – progress

The table below provides a summary of progress since the last NAF meeting.

NatureScot
June 2025

Proposed new guidance 

Other guidance

Orienteering is an outdoor adventure sport that exercises mind and body. The aim is to navigate between checkpoints or controls marked on a special orienteering map. There is no set route so the skill and fun come from trying to find the best way to go! In competitive orienteering, the challenge is to complete the course in the quickest time but our sport encourages all levels of fitness and experience.

Orienteering can take place anywhere from the streets of Central London to the wilds of the Scottish Highlands and everywhere in between including forests, parks, moorland, town centres, school playgrounds, and university campuses. 

Unlike a road race, there is no mass start. All competitors have their own start time and you can go individually or in a very small group. The checkpoints must be visited in numerical order and each competitor chooses their own route between controls. 

Orienteering is an “off-track” activity though this has to be qualified with the statement that the least technical courses (primarily aimed at juniors and beginners) are mainly along tracks. For other competitors the presence of tracks in an area may offer the best route choice option (faster movement over the ground). The exception to the off track statement is mountain bike orienteering which has been adopted by a small section of our membership and this is a solely on track activity with participants visiting controls but only via marked tracks. 

Whilst orienteering can take place in any environment the challenge comes from areas which provide sufficient navigational challenges and terrain diversity. 

Planners of courses work with environmental restrictions to plan courses which avoid sensitive areas and guidance has been prepared for planners on working with landowners so they are fully aware of wildlife and environmental issues. Planners use techniques such as location of controls to encourage avoidance of sensitive areas, dispersal of competitors in space, time and low competitor density to reduce environmental impact. The Scottish Orienteering Association (SOA) has published guidance for planners. 

The UK Sport Governing Body, British Orienteering Federation, commissioned an habitat impact assessment in the Lake District in 2023 in connection with an foot orienteering event at High Dam, Windermere involving over 2000 competitors taking part on land which encompassed Yewbarrow Woods Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Evidence of ground disturbance from the Orienteering Event was assessed as not significant and there was No evidence of desire lines or ground trampling was recorded within Yewbarrow Wood SAC and SSSI. Previous reports have investigated the impact of the sport on ground nesting birds and indicated that the sport itself did not impact on the successful breeding (eg. Parker, B.H., 2009. The effect of an Orienteering Event on Breeding Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe at Titterstone Clee, Shropshire, UK. Scientific Journal of Orienteering, 17(1).) 

Our clubs work with local landowners, wildlife groups and others to ensure habitats are protected such as the lichen beds found in Culbin and around Findhorn. 

However, recently our access officer was contacted by one of our clubs in relation to an event taking place in the Trossachs on Forestry Land Scotland ground where they had received a blanket no to orienteering within ground nesting bird season due to impact on breeding birds and mammals. It was acknowledged by the club that this included a SSSI area but it is a SSSI listed for its oak woodland with no linkage to wildlife. The event was anticipating approximately 300 people attending. 

The perception within the orienteering community is one that landowners are using bird or wildlife concerns as a reason to refuse reasonable requests for access. Discussions about use of areas historically used for orienteering which include a SAC or SSSI have seen clubs indicating that they believed that any SAC or SSSI would by most landowners be seen as a reason to exclude any access no matter what the reason for designation. This was experienced when discussing orienteering events around Rannoch - the perception within FLS was that if the site had a designation of any kind then no permission would ever be granted. 

As a result we canvassed our clubs for their experiences when requesting permissions for events. We received responses from clubs across the range of the country which provided the following:- 

In the Pentlands landowners have been refusing permissions for events quoting “loss of wildlife, biodiversity and ecology as well as ground nesting birds”. 

One club reported that at Drumnadrochit they were not permitted to use an area due to Birds of Prey in an area used by the public and where controls could have been located away from any indicated areas. 

Another club reported that they have had refusals due to badgers being located in a woodland and huge exclusion zones for juniper trees located in areas where farm animals are grazing. 

Another club around Edinburgh reported that the Local Council has a blanket policy of anything off path during ground nesting bird season in any location but much to the consternation of the local club - golf clubs are still permitted to operate in the areas where access is restricted.

Such an approach was also reported by a club based around Aberdeen where they were unable to leave paths at Forvie initially this was restricted to ground nesting bird season but now this has been extended to all year. These areas are used widely by the public but they are hopeful that connecting with the local personnel may allow this to be reviewed back to just ground nesting bird season. 

One of clubs in the South West of Scotland indicated that they had been experiencing refusal of permission due to ground nesting birds but these refusals were extending to the potential use of an area by pine martens in the future. 

The sport has worked with Cairngorm National Park, Scottish Capercaillie Group and FLS to educate orienteers and ensure clubs support and observe capercaillie breeding season restrictions but local clubs report that outwith these restrictions they have seen even small events which take place only using paths which are open to the public refused (this related to mountain bike orienteering). 

We are aware that there is work to be done in terms of educating landowners about the low impact of our sport and helping clubs to communicate this information. We are working with clubs who report back the pressure landowners are feeling due to the increased access pressure developed post covid has not helped and we are aware of the increased commercial pressure being felt by landowners. 

As a sport we operate on an almost solely volunteer basis with a staff team of 6 with any money raised by clubs and the SOA being put directly into developing the sport and encouraging increased participation. Our events are not run under the outdoor access code but rather permissions are sought and landowners engaged with as they require equipment to be placed on the ground. Clubs are encouraged to ask permission even for training events where no equipment is being placed on the ground to ensure there are no conflicts with other land use. The restriction on permissions for some clubs means they are struggling to have sufficient areas to sustain the sport and developing participants to travel and extend their experience beyond simple park areas is more challenging within ground nesting bird season. 

The commissioning of further environmental impact assessments are being considered but maintaining knowledge of the sport can be hard with the staff turnover/ reduction in public bodies meaning that any established knowledge of the sport is often lost. 

The query raised is whether other access bodies are experiencing restrictions on access to areas due to wildlife/ environmental concerns.

Scottish Orienteering
 

Author: Rhiannon Law, Communications Officer, NatureScot

NatureScot continues to mark the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and access rights in 2025 through activities and content produced in-house and by our partners.

Media coverage

Our anniversary news release in February reached nearly 50,000 people through coverage in The National, Inverness Courier, Forres Gazette, Rossshire Journal, and Strathspey Herald. NatureScot staff were interviewed on STV news, Moray Firth Radio, BBC Out of Doors, and BBC Radio Scotland's Sunday Show.

Spring campaign highlights

• Radio advertising reached over a third of Scottish adults.
• Social media ads exceeded expectations with double the predicted click-through rate.
• Strongest influencer performance to date: 65.6% increase in views, 115% increase in likes, and 66% increase in reach compared to summer 2024.

Our platform mix successfully reached diverse audiences from teens to over-65s. Popular influencers like Sean the Sheepman significantly boosted engagement, with comments up 59% from last summer.

Funded projects

NatureScot ran a small project fund of £20,000 which supported nine organisations to produce a range of resources to celebrate the anniversary, raise awareness, and improve understanding of access rights and responsibilities.

Young Scot, British Horse Society Scotland, DMBinS, and Clackmannanshire Council all made videos of varying lengths for different channels that highlighted the principles of SOAC in relation to specific activities. Aberdeenshire Council and West Lothian Council used their funding to buy materials to engage young people using SOAC-themed interactive games, while RSPB Abernethy focused on promoting responsible dog walking via their Paws on the Plateau initiative. Aberdeen City Council produced signage for shared use paths, while ScotWays updated and distributed their "Public Access in Scotland: know your rights" leaflet.

A brand tool-kit has been developed for use by projects and other partners, including anniversary branding.

Planned activities

We will continue to use content from influencers and advertising on social media and radio to highlight the anniversary, alongside our summer seasonal messages.

We are working to refresh the SOAC website to highlight the anniversary, provide clear navigation paths for the public and land and access managers, and to ensure that the content reflects the current range of outdoor activities and ways that people access the outdoors, while emphasising the continuing relevance of the principles and retaining the essential information from the Code.

Following on from the launch of the brand toolkit, we will also provide redesigned graphics in formats suitable for sharing on social media and for on-site posters and editable sign templates for land managers, access managers and rangers; focusing on key Code related topics.

Other planned activities include more anniversary-themed episodes of the Make Space for Nature podcast, case studies of access success stories published on the website and some pop-up banners for use at events and National Nature Reserves.

NatureScot
June 2025

Hybrid meeting: 11th June 2025

Present:

Apologies: Stuart MacQuarrie (NatureScot), Richard Hunter (CONFOR), Gavin Corbett (Ramblers Scotland), Jim Densham (Cycling UK), Richard Armstrong (Paths for All now WalkingScotland)

Item 1. Welcome, introductions and apologies

1. Richard Barron opened the meeting and welcomed members to the 66th meeting of the National Access Forum.
    
2. Richard reported that shortly after the last NAF meeting Mairi Gougeon MSP was in touch requesting information about the use of Section 11 orders. To ensure a quick response for the Minister, NatureScot responded via Scottish Government with no further action required by NAF.
    

3. Richard represented NAF at the Scottish Forest Strategy Meeting - 50-year Visions on 4th June 2025. Outdoor access was mentioned by most speakers at the meeting, though there are still opportunities to improve access such as connecting forest tracks to form circular routes, but access is very much being considered.

   A key issue identified in the afternoon working groups was a gap in public awareness of what forestry is about. The public love trees but don’t understand forestry. A comparable point was raised in respect to farming and other forms of land-management and use.

4. Richard thanked NatureScot Alan Macpherson and Eileen Stuart, who are retiring, for their valuable contributions to NAF on a variety of access topics over the years.

Item 2. Minutes of previous meeting, action points and matters arising

5. The minutes of the 65th meeting were confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting (with minor corrections identified).

AP 63/2: NatureScot reps to discuss format options with NatureScot CEO/Chair for input and agreement – discharged

AP 65/1: NAFSec to send summary of comms activity for SOAC anniversary out to NAF members when available – discharged, item 5

AP 65/2: Bridget to bring paper to next meeting, on signage/access management, to inform actions after that – discharged, item 9

AP 65/3: Bridget to contact Scottish Wildfires Forum to ensure fit with NAF/VMS guidance – discharged

AP 65/4: NatureScot to resume talks with Network Rail – discharged

AP 65/5: Richard Barron and Sue Hilder to draft letter to Fiona Hyslop separately then send to sub-group – deferred

6. With regards to APs 65/4 and 65/5, Sue Hilder (Private Level Crossings (PLCs) and Core Paths (CPs) sub-group Chair) and Richard Barron have prepared a letter to send to Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop, but following an update from Gavin Corbett, the letter has been put on hold.
    
7. The PLCs and CPs sub-group was put on hold at the end of 2024 as Network Rail reviewed their position. Further correspondence between The Highland Council and Network Rail has now addressed the issue, and clarified that active local case specific matters, such as Dalwhinnie, will not be brought into sub-group discussions.
    
8. The sub-group aims to resume its work shortly and build on the progress made to date. It is hoped that work can resume swiftly on the draft protocol and that this can be completed over the next two meetings.
    
9. Simon Ovenden reported that he attended several productive meetings at Dalwhinnie last year, working towards a potential practical solution. Phil, Eleisha, Adam and Simon to have separate discussion regarding Dalwhinnie after NAF meeting.

Item 3. NatureScot Chair

10. Colin Galbraith (NatureScot Chair) thanked the forum for inviting him to the meeting. Colin congratulated Richard as the new Convenor and the forum for how well it works together. The Forum has a key role in access and how NatureScot does its work.
     
11. Colin is keen to celebrate the access legislation we have in Scotland. He worked for Scottish Natural Heritage when the legislation came in. Prior to that he was involved in the preparation of the Comeback Code following Foot and Mouth disease.
     
12. Colin highlighted the important role of access and how it helps the public connect with nature in Scotland. Access and ensuring a public connection that leads to caring, value and respect for nature remains important to NatureScot. A key area of focus for all is ensuring access to nature and the outdoors is possible for everyone and developing those opportunities.
     
13. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and the Natural Environment Bill were highlighted. The NatureScot Board is at a critical time, developing the new Corporate Plan leading up to 2030. The next 5 years will be key for nature, climate and access. What big issues are coming up in access over the next five years? How can NatureScot take these on board? The role played by the Scottish Government and NatureScot is key. How do we justify and secure the resources needed? A recent NatureScot Board visit to Mull highlighted the potential for private funding sources to help.
     
14. Colin recently met with Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd who is supportive of the benefits of having good access to the outdoors. Broadly, there is government/parliament support for access. Recognising the links between access and the economy, tourism and the wellbeing agenda. NatureScot remains committed to providing leadership and direction. The discussion was then opened up to members of the forum for questions and comment.
     
15. Fiona Murray confirmed that FLS are looking at external funding sources and suggested that it would be helpful if there was shared information between the public agencies about what funding options are being explored. Colin agreed there is enormous potential for joined up government agency working and a common understanding of what everyone is trying to achieve would be beneficial. Building resilience is an important part of the solutions and an essential argument, particularly in light of climate change and all the associated challenges.
     
16. Adam Streeter-Smith – the economic value and well-being benefits of access were recognised during foot and mouth disease and Covid-19. There has been a significant step-change in how people enjoy the outdoors and in recreational activities. It is important to improve the evidence base used to inform future solutions aimed at addressing impacts of recreational activities such as those on nature and nature recovery, leading to nature and people thriving together.
     
17. Colin highlighted examples of local communities stepping up to protect local species e.g. white-tailed eagles. Recognising that conflict exists, but people and nature can co-exist. Wants NatureScot to focus on building understanding going forward. As we are facing twin crises, we need to be willing to change and take some risks.
     
18. Phil Waite asked about funding that would have been allocated to the proposed Galloway National Park (which SG has decided not to move forward with) being allocated to access in other areas of Scotland. Some areas e.g. Lochaber/Skye are very busy with visitors but have few resources to manage the pressure. Brian noted that the budget for a new national park would have come through parliamentary process.
     

19. Stuart Younie pleased to hear that access is still at the core of NatureScot work. Resources continue to be a major issue – how can the forum members most effectively engage with ministers? Colin advised an approach that showed consensus –and recommended thinking big geographically. Also to present the case in the context of helping with the twin crises and resilience and to consider private funding potential. With regard to rangers, their importance and key role was acknowledged, but Colin acknowledged the difficulty of resourcing. There continue to be big asks made of NatureScot across a broad range of work.

    Nick Cole highlighted the role of local authorities and local access forums. Over the last few years, Local Access Forums (LAFs) have been stretched in terms of resources – financial, but also in terms of support from access authorities. LAFs are in the centre of many access issues, but support for and between Local Authorities (LAs) and LAFs is inconsistent. They also face difficulty when recruiting, especially landowners. There is no national over-seeing authority above LAFs and many LAF volunteers are tired of providing advice that is not heeded. How can NatureScot, potentially through NAF, help? Colin noted the resources issue being highlighted again and also the value that LAFs provide with many relying on volunteers and there is an opportunity to give this greater recognition.

20. Simon reported that there is frustration amongst landowners in respect to managing access rights and in particular the public’s knowledge of the SOAC. NatureScot has a key responsibility in educating visitors and the wider public. Simon receives around 12-15 e-mails to do with irresponsible access per week. LAs often aren’t able to provide help, with Access Officer numbers reducing across the access authorities. SLE would like to see more education, engagement and additional “teeth” for those unwilling to behave responsibly. Colin can follow up with Dee Ward of SLE. Simon also suggested that some of the visitor levy schemes revenue should be used to help resource access.

Item 4. Operating Principles Update

21. Ali Tait presented a paper considering the need for a review of the operating procedures of the forum and suggesting a number of key areas that may require review and updating. The forum was asked for their views and advice on the next key steps. Since its creation, the forum has regularly taken stock of its role, purpose and composition.
     
22. The membership has evolved over the years with agreement for new roles established for a National Park Authorities representative, a Local Authorities representative (previous role was a COSLA rep), Local Access Forums representative, PoliceScotland and a Paths for All representative. In addition, other organisations have stepped back including SportScotland, Scottish Water and VisitScotland.
     
23. Key areas for a review and update to focus on:

• purpose of the forum
• forum membership
• wider interests
• operation of the forum
   

24. NatureScot is recommending that the operating principles are reviewed and updated during 2025 and to assist this has highlighted the key areas for the forum to consider:

• are the current operating principles fit for purpose?
• what key areas or aspects should any review and update focus on?
• are there areas or aspects that can be omitted from review?
• how would the forum like to be involved in helping NatureScot update the operating principles?
   

25. It was agreed to set up a small working group to consider the paper further and provide advice to NatureScot.

AP 66/1: NAFSec to set up working group to provide advice for NatureScot on updating forum operating principles.

Item 5. SOAC – 20 Years of Access Rights in 2025

26. Rhiannon Law (NatureScot Communications Officer) updated the forum on the SOAC at twenty years comms work done by NatureScot since the Feb 2025 forum meeting. The aim is to celebrate SOAC throughout 2025.
     
27. The 20 years of access rights and SOAC press release in Feb 2025 reached nearly 50,000 people. NatureScot staff were interviewed by various media outlets. The Make Space for Nature podcast series had an episode with Brendan Paddy (Ramblers Scotland Director). The SOAC20 brand toolkit has been launched for partners and external organisations with anniversary-themed resources that can be downloaded from the SOAC website and incorporated into digital content as well as designed assets and templates for posters and leaflets.
     
28. Spring campaign highlights – a mix of radio, social media platforms and popular Scottish influencers were used to spread the word about responsible outdoor access. Radio adverts reached over 1.5 million Scottish adults (36% of the adult population). Each person on average heard the message about 5-6 times.
     
29. On social media, NatureScot used both Meta (Facebook/Instagram) and Snapchat to reach different age groups. Meta worked well for connecting with older audiences (55% of engagement came from over-65s), while Snapchat helped NatureScot reach the under-35s.
     
30. The influencer part of the campaign saw Sean the Sheepman creating engaging content about keeping dogs on leads near livestock. Caroline McQuistin from Skye and outdoor enthusiast Josh from Black Scottish Adventurers, helping reach diverse audiences.
     
31. The mix of platforms was successful in reaching different audiences, from teens to over-65s. Using popular influencers like Sean really boosted engagement - comments on the videos were overwhelmingly positive and up 59% from last time. For summer there will be a more targeted approach aimed at reaching key audiences more precisely through the digital activity.
     

32. NatureScot ran a small project fund of £20,000 which supported nine organisations to produce a range of resources to celebrate the anniversary, raise awareness, and improve understanding of access rights and responsibilities. 

    Young Scot, British Horse Society Scotland, DMBinS, and Clackmannanshire Council all made videos of varying lengths for different channels that highlighted the principles of SOAC in relation to specific activities.

    Aberdeenshire Council and West Lothian Council used their funding to buy materials to engage young people using SOAC-themed interactive games.

33. RSPB Abernethy focused on promoting responsible dog walking via their Paws on the Plateau initiative.

    Aberdeen City Council produced signage for shared use paths

    ScotWays updated and distributed their "Public Access in Scotland: know your rights" leaflet.

34. NatureScot will continue to use content from influencers and advertising on social media and radio to highlight the anniversary, alongside our summer seasonal messages.
     
35. NatureScot is also working to refresh the SOAC website to provide clearer navigation paths for the public and land and access managers. This is to ensure that the content is accessible and easy to find and reflects the current range of outdoor activities and ways that people access information and the outdoors. A key aim is to make the range of NAF and others supporting guidance easier to find particularly for those involved in managing access on land.
     
36. Following on from the launch of the brand toolkit, there will also be redesigned graphics in formats suitable for sharing on social media and for on-site posters and editable sign templates for land managers, access managers and rangers; focusing on key code related topics.
     
37. Other planned activities include more anniversary-themed episodes of the Make Space for Nature podcast; case studies of access success stories published on the website and some pop-up banners for use at events and National Nature Reserves.
     

38. Fiona highlighted that more weight needs to be given to responsibilities, especially around working sites, referencing Managing public safety on harvesting sites guidance by Forest Industry Safety Accord. The guidance could fit well on the SOAC website, with more emphasis on land manager rights and responsibilities. Phil asked that Access Officers be given the opportunity to input into the new version of the guidance.

    Nick reported that Angus and P&K LAFs are jointly working on an information leaflet with Scottish Forestry.

Item 6. SOAC Supporting Guidance Review Programme

39. Caroline gave an update on progress with updating SOAC related guidance.
     
40. Four guidance documents were brought back to the forum for approval, following the Feb 2025 forum meeting: Local Access Forum – Guide to Good Practice; Deer Stalking and Public Access – Guidance on Stalking Communication; Commercial Access to the Outdoors in Scotland – Local Management; and Foraging in Scotland.
     
41. The forum was also asked to approve: Open Fires and BBQs in the Outdoors – Advice for Managing the Public; and A Brief Guide to Laws Relevant to Outdoor Access in Scotland.
     
42. The forum was also asked to respond to the questions in a scoping paper - Guidance on Third Party Promotion of Outdoor Access in Scotland. Adam noted ongoing issues around drones and the lack of clarity in context of access rights.
     
43. The forum approved: Local Access Forum – Guide to Good Practice; Deer Stalking and Public Access – Guidance on Stalking Communication; Open Fires and BBQs in the Outdoors – Advice for Managing the Public; and Foraging in Scotland.
     
44. The forum requested further consideration of Commercial Access to the Outdoors in Scotland – Local Management; and sought additions to the Brief Guide to Laws Relevant to Outdoor Access in Scotland.
     
45. With regards to the Commercial Access guidance, Phil requested a stronger statement in the guidance to ensure companies put something back by way of a financial contribution. Fiona also asked for some more clarity on definitions e.g. charity vs company. It was also noted that it’s difficult to measure scales of commercial events, at what size does it become an event etc?
     
46. It was agreed that a sub-group would be put together to look at the Commercial Access guidance and to also consider how it relates to the outdoor events guidance.

AP 66/2: NAFSec to set up first meeting of commercial access guidance and outdoor events guidance sub-group.

47. The delay to approving the Commercial Access guidance will allow time for the updating of the events guidance, and alignment between the two can be achieved through the sub-group.
     
48. There was further discussion about other commercial activities and whether to include commercial facilities or services e.g. ski areas/mountain-bike parks. Sub-group to decide scope of work at first meeting.
     
49. All NAF approved supporting guidance will be reviewed every 3 years, with any factual technical updates, addition of case studies as required. The fires guidance will be revisited at the end of summer 2026 as this is an involving area and then put onto three-year review cycle.
     
50. With regards to the Brief Guide to the Law, Adam would like to see mention of the Animals Scotland Act 1987 and more detail on management rules for the benefit of land managers and access staff etc.
     
51. Caroline invited comments on the inland water guidance which can be submitted directly to Caroline or via [email protected].
     
52. NatureScot presented a new “Approved by the National Access Forum” graphic which is to be used as the “stamp” of approval for guidance. It was approved for use by the forum.

Item 7. Orienteering and Wildlife Disturbance

53. Nikki Howard (Scottish Orienteering Association) presented a paper covering an issue that has been reported by an increasing number of clubs – refusal of permission to run events, with landowners citing wildlife disturbance and/or damage to habitats.
     
54. Orienteering events generally do not operate under access rights and SOAC as it requires some small pieces of temporary infrastructure and therefore permission. Participants don’t generally follow paths and can come into contact with wildlife; it is generally a low impact sport. Local groups work with landowners to plan courses that avoid sensitive sites. Habitat regulation assessments are undertaken if required. There have been some reports of automatic refusals for events with no opportunity for further discussion.
     
55. The asks placed on clubs in respect to permissions can increase administration by a significant amount.
     
56. Steve noted his experience with Natural England; what is disturbance pathway and what needs to be restricted? Have to highlight people and nature, not people vs. nature. Is there detail held by NatureScot about designated sites and its protected characteristics etc? Bridget confirmed that there is.
     
57. Phil noted his experience with The Highland Council – specific consultation events conducted when looking at asking people to limit/change their activity.
     
58. Nikki reports that private landowners generally better to work with; understands that public organisations are short on time. Fiona noted that FLS doesn’t have a consistent approach and are having conversations to improve this internally.
     
59. Points from discussion to be taken into commercial access guidance and outdoor events guidance sub-group discussions.

Item 8. Irresponsible behaviour

60. PC John Cowan updated the forum on an issue of livestock worrying/attacks by dogs at Conic Hill in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. A meeting to discuss this issue with local organisations was held on 29th May. Lower lambing percentages have been recorded; local police have received 20 reports over last five years. Conic Hill receives approx. 250,000 visitors per year and there is an ongoing issue around dogs not being under close control or on leads with some visitors refusing to put dogs on leads. Police Scotland have put together a working group and wanted to highlight the case to the forum.
     
61. Steve Jenkinson had attended the working group meeting about Conic Hill and highlighted the wider context around dog control, visitor behaviour and access rights. Also, the need to consider site-specific sensitivities and factors alongside how people use or want to use the area, trying to make it easier for people to be responsible. Byelaws are not a universal solution, and full consideration is required on the best mechanisms to address the issues in a proportionate way.
     
62. Phil linked the discussion to the signage paper (Item 9). Sometimes a grazing area is not recognisable as a field for livestock to the general public. Need better signage. He reports higher tolerance of stricter signage (dogs on leads as opposed to under close control) during lambing.

AP 66/3: NAFSec to send out meeting note from Conic Hill working group meeting to forum members for info.

63. Nick raised the long running problem of irresponsible camping at Loch Clunie in Perth and Kinross Council area and how it can be very difficult to take action against irresponsible campers who are having a negative impact on local communities and other visitors as well as wildlife.
     
64. On camping, Phil reported that numbers seem to be decreasing post-covid e.g. at Ceannabeinne. The site is more controlled now after making it look more managed and local consultation to restrict some areas.

Item 9. Resources for Access

65. Richard provided an update on behalf of Gavin who chairs the sub-group. The subgroup met on 2 June 2025.
     
66. Funding for path improvement work - the group is aware that the Improving Public Access scheme ran from 2015-22 and provided £12m of funding through the agriculture payments scheme for improvements to path and related infrastructure. The funding scheme has been suspended since 2022. The subgroup is increasingly concerned that the new and emerging tier 3 funding scheme has no confirmation of provision for access related investment and, as we understand it, this would leave Scotland in a weaker position than England and Wales. The sub-group is recommending that the NAF convenor write to the Cabinet Secretary seeking assurances that Improving Public Access or an equivalent access support scheme will be provided as part of Scotland’s agriculture and rural development programme plans. The sub-group would prepare a draft for the convenor – this was approved by the NAF.

AP 66/4: Convenor to send letter highlighting lack of funding with Agri Reform Programme to CabSec.

67. Follow up to meeting with Cab Sec earlier in the year to discuss access resourcing - the former NAF convenor wrote to the Cabinet Secretary on 28th October 2024 to highlight the consequences of under-funding and under-capacity in the institutional machinery which oversee the operation of Scotland’s access system. This resulted in a meeting with the Cab Sec and a number of members of NAF at the start of the 9th January 2025. One of the key actions from that was a shared interest in getting an up-to-date profile of current capacity and funding in access authorities. An ad hoc group has been set up engaging members of the Scottish Outdoor Access Network (SOAN) to develop a proportionate monitoring system with a view to making recommendations to the Scottish Government and engaging COSLA and NatureScot.
     
68. A further area which was discussed with the CabSec and is supported by NAF, is the opportunity to use this 20th anniversary year of SOAC to increase public messaging on access rights and responsibilities.

Item 10. Signage Paper

69. Bridget presented a signage paper as requested by the forum at the February meeting. Noting that Paths for All (now WalkingScotland) was not in attendance and that they have recently update national guidance on signage it was suggested that this could be deferred to the September meeting. Bridget also noted the already considerable workload of the forum. The connection between this topic and the PLCs and CPs sub-group was highlighted. The forum decided to move further discussion to next meeting.

Item 11. Forthcoming Meetings and Agenda Items

• NAF meeting – 17th September 2025 – Battleby/hybrid
• Agenda item
  • signage
  • operating principles
  • SOAC comms update
  • SOAC guidance review update
  • NAF/LAF

Item 12. AOB

70. Ali gave update on NAF/LAF preparations. Aiming for late October on-line meeting, date TBC. Ali and Nick to organise, any volunteers welcome. Nick has produced survey for LAF Chairs, which Ali has sent out. The feedback from this will shape the agenda of the meeting. Also, may be valuable to get any feedback on the updating of the NAF operating principles.
     
71. Foot and mouth disease – Following discussion on the SOAN knowledge hub, Bridget contacted SG and has a meeting coming up to discuss access accommodations in existing plans.
     
72. SOAN Conference – 13th November, Battleby. 20 years of access. SOAN LR(S)A 2003 training has gone live on Knowledge Hub for initial testing but SOAN members, due to launch later in year.
     
73. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust - recruiting for a Senior Access Officer here at FCCT (deadline 29th June).
     
74. On the day of the NAF meeting a parliamentary question was being asked by Ariane Burgess the Scottish Green party MSP for Highlands and Islands (Question reference: S6O-04776) "To ask the Scottish Government what funding allocations it has made, and plans to make, to enable local authorities to fulfil their statutory duties to uphold the statutory right of access to outdoor spaces, commonly known as the right to roam.”

AP 66/1: NAFSec to set up working group to provide advice for NatureScot on updating forum operating principles.

AP 66/2: NAFSec to set up first meeting of commercial access guidance and outdoor events guidance sub-group.

AP 66/3: NAFSec to send out meeting note from Conic Hill working group meeting to forum members for info.

AP 66/4: Convenor to send letter highlighting lack of funding with Agri Reform Programme to CabSec.