MINISTERS must force public bodies to ditch land access restrictions and fees as high as £700, which have set “a precedent” for other…
Scotland’s national athletics body called for an urgent review of fees
Scotland’s national athletics body called for an urgent review of fees to ensure access rights were protected. Jack McConnell , who was first minister when theact passed, urged landowners to “follow the spirit of the law” and not “exploit” organisers. In a December 2022 email, FLS told organisers to expect a £90 admin charge after a SOAC “permission process” review from woodland bosses. “We don’t believe FLS have the right to charge a fee to those wishing to access the land which they manage,” Beattie argued.
“We see it in lots of different places and there’s a similar trend,” he said. FLS has “set a bit of a precedent with a charging-for-access model” which has “emboldened other landowners to follow that path” and “commercialise their asset”. Ohly cited the Cape Wrath Ultra, for which he was allegedly told to pay a SOAC “licence fee” by Landmarc, which manages MoD land. However, he claimed it backed down when challenged on the legality of charging for access.
For example, taking a paid client hillwalking “falls within access rights because the activity involved – hillwalking – could be done by anyone else exercising access rights”. But it is “good practice” for organisers to “liaise” with land managers. Scottish Athletics said its members were worried about access issues faced by organisers. “These access routes are fundamental to encouraging participation in running and supporting the healthy lifestyle choices of people across the country,” said CEO Colin Hutchison.
“Public bodies should be making it easy for people to get fit and enjoy the outdoors. Provided these events don’t leave a mess, I can’t see why they should be facing charges. Perhaps ministers could have a word and encourage [FLS] and the MoD to take an accommodating view.”
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