Public access and private ownership

New rights of access are due to come into force over the next few years both in Scotland and in England and Wales. This paper discusses the new legislation for Scotland and its likely impact and makes some comparisons with the new legislation for England and Wales. It examines the very different history of access both north and south of the border. In relation to Scotland it explodes the myth of freedom to roam and explains why the option of right of way reform and improvements of access to open country were not seen as the way forward. Finally, it considers what issues will be raised by the implementation of the new legislation in Scotland.