Working with landowners

In most cases it's unlikely that you will personally own all (or any) of the land where your path goes.  Before any work can be undertaken to create, maintain or improve a path, you need to agree with land managers about the proposed work.

Although the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives the public a right of responsible access across land and inland water, it does not mean that you have the right to build a path on someone’s land. You will need to involve the land manager (who might be a farmer or crofter, forester or estate owner) at an early stage to discuss your proposals and get agreement for any work to take place. It's best to speak to the land manager before investing time and money getting your path designed, particularly as they may have useful ideas and background information.

You may be able to reach an informal agreement by exchanging letters, or you might want to set up a more formal arrangement.  Either way, you should get some expert advice from your local access officer.  The National Farmers Union Scotland and Scottish Land and Estates may also have helpful information.

Make sure that before you start work on any site you have the agreement of the land manager and that you have adequate public liability insurance for the work you're planning to undertake.