Stevenson Hosts Parliamentary Event To Celebrate Right To Roam Legislation

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has hosted an event in parliament to celebrate the second anniversary of the 'right to roam' access legislation as part of Scottish Environment Week. The access legislation within the Land Reform (Scotland) Act was hailed as a major achievement of the first term of the Scottish Parliament by Mr. Stevenson and speakers from the Ramblers' Association Scotland, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs and Cairngorms National Parks.

In his welcome speech Mr. Stevenson said;

"I am delighted to see that good levels of cooperation between farmers and other land managers and those enjoying the countryside are making this legislation work. With representatives of the Ramblers' Association Scotland and the two National Park Authorities this seminar brings together different stakeholders to celebrate the first two years of the Act."

"As a member of the Justice 2 committee which steered the legislation through Parliament I was heavily involved in the process and am extremely pleased that the legislation has proven to be one of the greatest successes of the new Scottish Parliament.

"Outdoor recreation is not only an enjoyable, healthy and affordable activity but also a major contribution to the Scottish economy, particularly in rural areas. Scotland's magnificent hills, parks and lakes generate considerable tourism which is a major boost to our rural economies. Scottish visitors alone spend £3.6 billion a year on outdoor recreation trips.

"The rights enshrined in the Land Reform Act have greatly increased ramblers' access to lands while at the same time bestowing upon them a responsibility to respect the land and its proprietor. Scotland's natural attributes can now be enjoyed by all yet not at the expense of the landownder. This is clearly an Act well worth celebrating."