Renfrewshire Council

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 provides for a legal right of responsible access to most land and inland water in Scotland. There are some exceptions, such as private gardens, where access rights do not apply.

Access can be taken by any means, as long as it not motorised. An exception to this is that someone may use a vehicle which has been adapted for people with disabilities.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Guidance on access rights and responsible behaviour is set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.  This can be read by using the link named Outdoor Access Scotland under Related Links.

The code establishes three key principles for responsible access which apply equally to the public and land managers:-

• Respect the interests of other people. People exercising their access rights should respect the privacy, safety and livelihoods of those living and working in the countryside and the needs of other people enjoying the outdoors. Land managers should respect people's use of the outdoors and their need of a safe and enjoyable visit.
• Care for the environment. People exercising their access rights should look after the places they visit and leave the land as they found it. Land managers should maintain the natural and cultural features which make the outdoors attractive to visit and enjoy.
• Take responsibility for your own actions. People exercising their access rights must understand that the outdoors cannot be made risk free. They should act with care at all times for their own safety and that of others. Land managers should act with care at all times for people's safety.

Access Rights

Access rights do not apply in all circumstances and exceptions include:-

• The curtilage of properties, including farmyards
• Gardens and formal grounds around buildings
• Private gardens in common ownership
• School grounds and sports fields
• Golf tees and greens
•  Land where crops have been sown or are growing

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides further detail on where access rights do not apply.

Temporary Exemption of Access Rights

Local Authorities may exempt land from access rights on a temporary basis, where for example this may be required for an event such as an Agricultural Show. Please contact us for further information using the details below.

Access Strategy and Core Path Plan

The Council has prepared an Access Strategy and Core Path Plan which provide for an integrated network of routes for walking, cycling, horse riding and water based activities across Renfrewshire. Further information can be found in the related links section.

ACCESS RIGHTS DURING COVID-19

The Scottish Government have published a statement on exercising rights of access responsibly during the COVID-19 emergency. This can be found using the link Access during Covid-19 under Related Links.

This statement is supported by further, more detailed guidance and signage, produced by Scottish Natural Heritage, which is available on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website under Related Links.