Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 16 October 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the current Scottish Outdoor Access Code guidance for outdoor event organisers, and if so, how it will ensure that any such updated guidance reflects the practical realities of responsible outdoor access, while protecting Scotland’s natural environment.
NatureScot have a statutory duty to promote, publicise and keep the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) under review. In discharging this duty NatureScot work with access authorities and the National Access Forum. Currently the Outdoor events in Scotland and Commercial access to the outdoors guidance is being reviewed and updated by NatureScot and the National Access Forum. This work is being led by a group which has been established with representatives of access managers, land managers and event organisers.