Access to the Great Outdoors

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 introduced by the Scottish Parliament in February 2005 requires the Highland Council to draw up a core path plan to "provide the basic framework of routes sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area."

Recently, a question sheet and comments form were posted out to a wide range of community, recreation and land management groups in Sutherland.  This is the start of a wider consultation exercise to assess the community and land management considerations needed to draw up a plan.  Over the summer the question sheet and form will be promoted throughout the county and you can help by filling it in yourself or passing it on to anyone you feel has an interest in access, recreation or land management in Sutherland.

The online question form is available at:

http://www.highland.gov.uk/leisure/countryside/countrysideaccess/corepathplans.htm

It is for completion by anyone who uses the outdoors, for leisure or travel or work.  There is a separate and more detailed form for comments on specific routes and this can be obtained from Matt Dent, HC Access Officer for Sutherland, on matt.dent@highland.gov.uk

Further information about meeting dates throughout Sutherland will be posted on the above website, advertised locally and invites sent/emailed out, when details are known.

Photo: Brora Beach at Dawn - Iain Sarjeant