What the Code says

Whether you're a land manager or a recreation manager you can download the full Scottish Outdoor Access Code  or our A-Z Practical Guide   which offers you practical advice on what to do in situations you may encounter.

Land Managers

If you're a landowner, farmer, forester or other land manager your main responsibilities are to:

• respect access rights in managing land and water
• act reasonably when asking people to avoid land management operations
• work with the local authority and other bodies to help integrate access and land management.

When you're managing land and water where access rights do not apply, eg. a farmyard, you must take into account neighbouring land and water where access rights do apply.

You can ask people to avoid routes while work is going on and avoid doing particular things if the work creates serious or less obvious hazards.

Recreation Managers

If you're a countryside ranger or access officer your main responsibilities are to help land managers to: 

• Avoid obstructing or discouraging public access
• Act reasonably if they need to limit public access during land management operations
• Help people enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

and recreation users to: 

• Take responsibility for their actions
• Respect people's privacy and peace of mind
• Help land managers and others to work safely and effectively
• Care for their environment
• Keep their dogs under proper control
• Take extra care if they're organising a group or event.