Edward Mountain: Time for a fresh look at the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Inside Holyrood by Edward Mountain

With some of the most beautiful scenery and attractions in the country, it should be no surprise that so many domestic tourists are choosing to holiday in the Highlands once again.

‘Staycationers’ contribute a lot to the Highland economy. We need them to come and spend their money in order to sustain our local businesses, many of which are still struggling from the impact of the pandemic.

Tourism is key to our region’s recovery and it is vital our world-renowned reputation for Highland hospitality remains warm and welcoming.

However, we must also acknowledge the growing frustrations with the impact that a minority of visitors are appearing to have through their irresponsible and disrespectful behaviour.

It has been extremely disappointing to see an inconsiderate few emptying their toilets in laybys and leaving piles of rubbish at natural beauty spots. This is unacceptable and unhygienic.

These are not the only problems we have seen though. I welcome wild camping but people must begin to appreciate that parking in front of farm gateways is unhelpful and cutting down trees for their campfires is damaging for our countryside.

I am also concerned by incidents of uncontrolled dogs worrying sheep as well as disturbing ground-nesting bird sites.

We all have a duty to care for the countryside we either visit or live in and I fear that some people are losing sight of this fact. As a farmer I value how the countryside is a place of work and a home to farm animals as well as wildlife.

I strongly believe it is time to educate people once again on how to behave responsibly in the great outdoors. This is why I am calling for a full review and an update to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The current code was developed in 2004 as a result of the Scottish Parliament’s first Land Reform Act and, up until now, I believe it has served the Scottish countryside well.

Indeed, an updated code should continue to be based on the principles of respecting the interest of others, caring for the environment and taking responsibility for our own actions.

However, it is clear that general misunderstandings about the code have arisen since its implementation and the growth in domestic tourism, especially camping and caravanning, means that the code must reflect these changes.

I understand that rural groups, such as the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, have called for the Outdoor Access Code to be included as part of the Scottish education curriculum. I am supportive of this measure, as educating our young people today will help the countryside in the future.

We also need more immediate measures too. A full review of the code should consider stricter punishments for fly-tipping or tent-dumping and, potentially, the creation of on-the-spot fines.

It is time to think again on how we can promote and make access rights sustainable. No-one wants to limit Scotland’s world-leading access rights, but we must ensure the code is effectively promoting responsibility and good practice so our countryside can be enjoyed by all.

My intention is to press the Scottish Government on this matter in this new session of parliament and I am aiming to secure a Members’ Debate as soon as possible.

The Scottish Parliament will also be entering recess next week, so if you would like my help then please look out for details of my virtual summer surgeries which are being advertised on my website and on my social media.

• Edward Mountain is a Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands.

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