Access Officer Contact List
Since the implementation of the Land Reform Act in February 2005, all Scottish local authorities have dedicated Access officers whose remit includes addressing and resolving access disputes and issues in their areas. Map-based access officer contact information is available here.
If you encounter difficulties over access such as locked gates, inappropriate signage etc you should in the first instance, as described in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, contact the local authority / national park Access Officer for the area involved and give them as much information as you can, photos might help. We would also appreciate it if you would alert the MCofS by copying us into correspondence. While the Access Officer should take up the problem with the land manager, the MCofS will add our support to members' concerns if necessary. We are finding that many of these difficulties, especially those of a long-standing nature are not being resolved quickly, and some persistence is required. In some areas the access officers seem to be under pressure; hillgoers may identify issues on the ground that need to be tackled, but it appears that the majority of impediments to access are being encountered in lowland areas. Patient negotiation also takes time, essential if good relations are to be fostered and satisfactory outcomes achieved.
