Scotland marks 20 years of world-leading access to the outdoors

After two decades, the Code remains at the beating heart of the public’s everyday enjoyment of Scotland's great outdoors, empowering a generation who have grown up with the freedom to enjoy the land and inland water across Scotland. The latest Scotland's People and Nature Survey (SPANS) found that most people in Scotland now visit the outdoors at least once a week.

The advice the Code gives both the public and land managers allows Scots throughout the country to enjoy the outdoors in a way that balances freedom of access and responsibility to look after the land. However, more can always be done to ensure that the benefits are spread evenly across society and to increase understanding and use of these rights among all communities.

These rights have become a cornerstone of Scotland's identity, promoting access to the outdoors and nature while encouraging respect for those living and working on the land and caring for the environment. Having such open access to the outdoors connects us to the significant benefits it can bring to our health and well-being, as well as to the rural economy.

NatureScot will celebrate the Code anniversary throughout 2025 by sharing stories of people's enjoyment of access rights, and of managing land for access, as well as by encouraging everyone to remember the importance of enjoying the outdoors with care and respect.

NatureScot Chair, Professor Colin Galbraith said:

"For two decades, Scotland's rights of responsible access have given people unparalleled opportunities to get outside and enjoy exploring our breathtaking landscapes, nature and local greenspaces. Whether you are on a paddle board, wild swimming, walking, riding a horse or bike, or in a kayak, there are activities for everyone to experience. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has guided the introduction and use of these rights, informing both the public and land managers of their responsibilities based on mutual respect, care and understanding.

“At NatureScot we are committed to working with partners, landowners and communities to ensure access rights continue to thrive, and that their use helps tackle the climate emergency by promoting a deeper connection to nature while encouraging everyone to care for Scotland's extraordinary outdoors.”

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon said:

“Scotland has world-class scenery, and we are blessed to have access to it. There is an abundance of research which points to the beneficial health effects of time spent in nature.

“Nearly 80% of Scottish adults report that they like to access the countryside each week because of its benefits to their health, or because it helps them to relax. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has helped people get more enjoyment from our beautiful countryside, and guided us all how to benefit from it while showing the proper respect and ensuring we do no harm.”

Ramblers Scotland director, Brendan Paddy said:

“Today’s anniversary is a perfect moment to celebrate the huge success of Scotland’s world-class access legislation, and to reflect on how even more people can benefit from it in future.

“In the years ahead, all of us who love Scotland’s outdoors must keep breaking down the physical and societal barriers that sadly can still stop some people from walking. That requires an increased focus on education, investment and support for on-the-ground staff, such as access officers and rangers. By doing that, we’ll ensure that our amazing access laws become an access reality for everyone, within all communities across Scotland.”