'We must revisit the Outdoor Access Code' says Highland MSP

Edward Mountain MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament calling on the Outdoor Access Code which was developed in 2004 following the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to be discussed in Parliament.

He said: “It is clear that the growth of domestic tourism has placed added pressures on the countryside and an increasing amount of visitors are unaware of the importance of the Outdoor Access Code.

"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.

"Tourists are vital to our fragile economy but I am being contacted on a daily by constituents, from across the Highlands and Islands, who are increasingly concerned and upset by the minority of visitors who engage in irresponsible camping and tourism.

"Indeed, I strongly believe now is the time to raise this matter in the Scottish Parliament and begin a national conversation.

"With that in mind, I have lodged a motion for a Members’ debate in Holyrood calling for the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to be reviewed in order to promote access rights and make them more sustainable.

"I do not believe that Scotland’s world-leading access rights should be limited, but we must ensure the code is effectively raising awareness as well as promoting responsibility and good practice so that the countryside can be enjoyed by all."

Mr Mountain added: "I am in contact with stakeholders across Scotland as their expertise and knowledge will be vital going forward and I very much look forward to receiving cross party support and leading the conversation in the Parliament”.

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