I would like to take this opportunity to remind you about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Walkers, dog walkers and cyclists alike are all welcome to use the estate to enjoy the great outdoors and we accommodate the public by providing a car park and waymarked trails so you can get right into the heart of the glens without disturbing the running of the estate. All we ask in return is that you please remember that this is a working estate and that you are responsible and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This means acknowledging and following signs if it means you are redirected from where you want to go for your own safety and keeping the place clean by not leaving litter lying around.
Please be aware that your access rights do not apply when there are either clear signs indicating you should not be there, the area is clearly maintained like a garden or is enclosed by a wall such as in the castle grounds and when you have been asked to go a different way by a member of staff for yours and their safety. We had an incident on Sunday when a cyclist refused to take an alternative route when he was asked to because sheep were being moved up Glen Tilt after being clipped. The path itself was very narrow with steep drops on either side, one leading to a river. Because the gentleman was in too much a hurry he ploughed on into the sheep scattering them everywhere and separating lambs from ewes because they panicked. In turn he created a very dangerous situation. By ignoring all requests for him to take an alternative route he broke the access code. In the end it took three hours for the shepherd and the dogs to calm the sheep back down and get them to their new location.
By following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code it means that everyone has the right to use and enjoy the great outdoors and also estates and businesses can function with minimal disturbance. Please don’t be irresponsible; signs and advice are there for a reason to keep you and everyone else safe. We are incredibly lucky to be able to have access into wild areas as not many countries have the same rights so if we all respect each other we can continue to use and enjoy the great outdoors and see the wonders that wildlife has in store for us.
More information can be found at http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/
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