Latest news with #ScottishOutdoorAccessCode
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
New guide to help visitors 'enjoy Scotland responsibly'
It aims to aid visitors while they are planning their trip and is based on The Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. It comes as TripAdvisor's Summer Travel Beats: Travel trends and consumer sentiment 2025 report shows that on average 57% of travellers book activities in advance of reaching their destination, with cultural tours/historical landmarks (38%) and outdoor activities (34%) topping the list. READ MORE: Jill Walker, Director of Marketing and Digital at VisitScotland, said: 'We know our landscapes are special, and so do our visitors, which is why they continually top the list of reasons to visit Scotland. Research shows most visitors are doing much more of their trip planning and booking in advance of their journey. Our 10 Scottish Outdoor Access Code Tips aim to engage with those visitors and ensure they know how to enjoy our great outdoors responsibly and safely to everyone's benefit.' Bridget Jones, NatureScot Recreation and Paths Manager, said: 'Scotland's rights of responsible access have given people unparalleled opportunities to get outside and enjoy exploring our breathtaking landscapes, nature and local greenspaces for twenty years. Whether you are on a paddle board, wild swimming, walking, riding a horse or bike, or in a kayak, there are activities for everyone to experience. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has guided the introduction and use of these rights, helping the public understand their responsibilities based on mutual respect. 'At NatureScot we are committed to working with partners, landowners and communities to ensure access rights continue to thrive, and that their use helps tackle the climate emergency by promoting a deeper connection to nature while encouraging everyone to care for Scotland's extraordinary outdoors.'
STV News
13-06-2025
- STV News
Warning issued after 'tree cut down and beauty spot trashed'
Highland Council has issued a warning to the public after tree was chopped down and a beauty spot in Skye was trashed. Local mountain guide Adrian Trendall discovered two tents surrounded by 'empty bottles and rubbish everywhere' at the start of the trail to Sgurr na Banachdaich, leading into Coire Banachdaich, on Tuesday. He claims the littering culprits also cut down a silver birch tree in a conservation area which is a site of special scientific interest. 'Can you imagine walking into what is virtually our front garden and finding a trail of litter leading up the path to where these guys had camped?,' Adrian told STV News. Adrian Trendall via Supplied Adrian claimed to come across litter within the conversation area on Tuesday. 'Then to find two tents surrounded by empty drinks bottles and rubbish blowing everywhere. The area is a conservation area, a site of special scientific interest and home to a lot of rare plants, a pretty unique habitat since there are very few trees in the Cuillin. 'They had tried to light a fire with a silver birch tree which they'd cut down but being live wood, it was only blackened and charred a bit. Anyone is welcome to come to this world class landscape but please respect it and leave it as you find it.' Following the incident, Highland Council has urged the public to show a 'level of respect for the countryside' and warned that police and land managers will pursue legal action if laws are being broken. A Highland Council spokesperson said: 'The Highland Council employs a team of 18 access rangers to engage with communities and visitors to encourage responsible behaviour in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 'Where people are found to be acting in a way that shows a clear disregard for the environment, the access rangers will take time to explain the issues and to encourage a great level of respect for the countryside and consideration for other people who enjoy the area. 'In extreme cases they will inform the police and land managers who may pursue legal action if laws are being broken such as damage to property or reckless fire starting. When Access Rangers encounter such incidents and those responsible are no longer present we aim to do what we can to clear the site and repair any damage caused. Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans added: 'We are pleased to be able to provide a seasonal rangers service this year and so far, the team have been welcomed by visitors and locals alike, with a friendly approach to encouraging responsible behaviour. 'The Council recognise the importance of supporting communities to manage the increase in visitors across the area, particularly along the NC500, Skye, Lochaber, Wester Ross and Loch Ness. A key role for the rangers will be engaging with the public and raising awareness of the Outdoor Access Code and communicating to people that as individuals we all play an important role in ensuring that Highland's beautiful outdoor spaces are protected for all to enjoy for future generations.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Daily Record
Patrols of Dumfries and Galloway beauty spot ramped up to tackle irresponsible behaviour
The Loch Ken Trust Ranger Service and Police Scotland will be taking part in joint patrols to ensure everyone can enjoy the area. Patrols of a Stewartry beauty spot are being ramped up in a bid to stop irresponsible behaviour. The Loch Ken Trust Ranger Service team had to put out multiple campfires during the recent dry spell – one of which was so large and out of control the fire brigade had to be called. The rangers worked hard to advise visitors and locals of the risk while a wildfire warning was in place. But on some occasions this was met with hostility, with members of the public not understanding the risks with lighting a fire during the extreme dry weather. Police Scotland has now embarked on joint patrols with the ranger service to advise visitors of their rights and responsibilities and adhere to guidance provided in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Head ranger, Leanne Pumpr, said: 'Our key objective is to educate and promote responsible access and leave no trace to all who visit Loch Ken. 'It is great to be working in partnership with the community police so we can make sure all those enjoying Loch Ken have a positive experience.' Since being formed in 2021, the ranger service has carried out regular patrols and encountered issues such as flytipping, abandoned campsites and litters. With litter bins recently being removed from laybys, people are leaving litter where the bins used to be rather than taking it home. Anyone not acting responsibly not only spoils the enjoyment of the area for other visitors but puts themselves and others at risk and can be prosecuted accordingly. A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'Police officers will be carrying out regular patrols of the Loch Ken area, both independently and with local rangers, as well as other popular tourist sites throughout the summer. 'Should they find persons acting irresponsibly, be under no illusion that appropriate action will be taken against those who are identified as having done so.' With the summer holidays and peak visitor season fast approaching, the joint patrols will continue. It is hoped that this presence will inform the public on responsible access and discourage any irresponsible behaviour.
The National
10-06-2025
- The National
3000 sign NC500 pledge amid Highland concerns over tourism impact
The organisation behind the promotion of the coastal route introduced the visitor pledge in October last year, and asks visitors to: leave no trace by disposing of waste responsibly park only in dedicated parking areas during the day and overnight prioritise shopping in local businesses follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code keep noise levels low adhere to all road signs and speed limits drive carefully and considerately and yield to local traffic, especially on single-track roads The full pledge can be read here. Around 93% of people who signed the pledge have taken part in some sort of "extra mile" task. So far, 13% took part in beach cleans, 12% donated to local foodbanks or local charity boxes, 91% prioritised local businesses and 83% shared responsible travel tips either in person or on social media. The pledge, developed in consultation with residents and businesses along the route, invites visitors to commit to respectful and sustainable tourism during their visit, helping to address the challenges facing local communities as a result of tourism. READ MORE: Local bus operator axes all services after entering 'liquidation' David Richardson, development manager at North Coast 500 Ltd, said: 'It's been really encouraging to see just how many people want to do the right thing. The pledge isn't about rules or restrictions — it's about giving people the opportunity to understand the place they're visiting and how they can help look after it. The early response shows that visitors genuinely care, and that's a really positive foundation to build on. 'We know tourism brings both benefits and challenges, and while there's no single solution, what we're seeing is a willingness from visitors to be part of the answer. A lighthouse by Duncansby Stacks, a collection of sea stacks that jut out of the North Sea (Image: Unsplash) "The pledge helps to start those conversations and encourage more conscious choices, which is a step in the right direction for everyone.' The pledge is supported by a digital platform to provide tourists with educational resources to help them explore the Highlands responsibly. The NC500 was established more than a decade ago, and while it brings many benefits for businesses on the route, a lot of locals in the Highlands are resentful of its promotion given it has led to dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour.
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals
There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol RANGER RESPONSE New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals A SMALL army of council rangers has started patrolling the North Coast 500 road trip route and other areas of the Highlands to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour. Irresponsible camping and a ban on fires in many areas are a top priority this year. Advertisement 3 Council rangers have started patrolling the NC500 route in a bid to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour Credit: Alamy 3 Campers have been leaving piles of human waste, dirty toilet paper, and heaps of rubbish along the route Credit: Facebook 3 And motorhome users have been blasted for causing congestion on narrow roads and dangerous driving Credit: Alamy The weekend saw the first patrols of The Highland Council's new Seasonal Access Ranger team. The new rangers will seek to promote and advise on responsible access to the countryside through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The team is funded directly by The Highland Council. There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol with two more to join in mid-June, focusing on the long-distance routes. Advertisement Five of the rangers are highly experienced, having returned after previous seasons, and can help guide new rangers into their roles. Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "The Council are pleased to be able to provide a seasonal rangers service this year and so far, the team have been welcomed by visitors and locals alike, with a friendly approach to encouraging responsible behaviour. 'The Council recognise the importance of supporting communities to manage the increase in visitors across the area, particularly along the NC500, Skye, Lochaber, Wester Ross and Loch Ness. 'A key role for the rangers will be engaging with the public and raising awareness of the Outdoor Access Code and communicating to people that, as individuals, we all play an important role in ensuring that the Highlands' beautiful outdoor spaces are protected for all to enjoy for future generations.' Advertisement Rangers will also ensure awareness of other relevant legislation, such as parking and environmental health regulations. They will monitor use and report incidents to the relevant council teams or emergency services. The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon The rangers will also carry out duties to keep tidy, maintain and manage council-owned sites, core paths and work with communities and land managers on other sites to protect habitats and encourage respect for the landscape. Where possible, the rangers will work with local volunteers to engage with visitors. Advertisement The council added: 'This year, responsible camping will be a key priority, and, in many locations, this will mean a 'no fires' message. There is a significant fire risk throughout the Highlands in the summer months and lighting campfires on peaty ground, woodland, grassland, or moors is dangerous and contrary to the Code. 'It is irresponsible to light fires close to buildings, historic monuments and within 30m of a public road. Even small fires cause significant damage to our natural environment from scorch marks to tree removal and the use of dead wood - housing insects - for fires. Much of this damage can take years to recover.'
