The Guardian Proposals to open access to the countryside and give rural communities the right to buy surrounding land were yesterday unveiled by the Scottish executive to a chorus of criticism. The draft bill outlaws Keep Out and No Trespassing signs, and enables communities to register their interest in land important to them. Farmers' leaders claimed it would open land to a rambling free for all, while ramblers said the bill would actually restrict access.
Land reform is an emotive issue.
Scotland has 343 people or bodies owning more than half of private rural land, the highest concentration in the world. There has also been confusion surrounding the law of access. It is proposed to create a right of responsible access to land, including inland waters, for recreation. Access can be limited on grounds of health and safety, security or privacy, and when crops are growing, but landowners will have to take down any permanent signs barring entry and give reasons for any restriction. The bill would also give rural communities a legal right to buy land when it goes on sale.