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Access Code

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) has been consulted on and produced by SNH and has been approved by Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. If a problem arises, the SOAC is expected to be a reference point for deciding whether a person has acted responsibly. However, the SOAC is not an authoritative statement of the law – only the courts can decide this.

The SOAC provides a summary of access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. It explains how people can exercise access rights responsibly and how land managers can manage their land and water responsibly in relation to access rights. It also provides a practical guide to help people decide what is best to do in everyday situations including canoeing, cycling, deer stalking, farmyards, fields, fishing, forests, golf courses, horseriding, sports events and wild camping.

For a copy of the SOAC leaflet or booklet please contact the Countryside Service.