Survey reveals collapse in funding for Scottish paths and outdoor access - Ramblers Scotland
Scotland’s world-class outdoor access rights are being pushed to breaking point due to a collapse in investment in staff and paths, a new report has revealed today (29 January 2026).
Since 2003, people in Scotland have enjoyed a legal right to walk, cycle, ride horses and exercise on nearly all land, provided they behave responsibly.
But a new report from Ramblers Scotland shows these rights are being hollowed out by a combination of underfunding and a lack of staff to handle soaring complaints about blocked trails, broken bridges and irresponsible access.
The charity’s survey of frontline staff at 32 councils and two national parks found:
- Seven authorities have no Access Officers to uphold the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
- Most are reluctant to use legal powers to protect the public’s access rights
- An all-time low of just 33 full-time equivalent Access Officers, half the number employed when the ‘Right to Roam' went live 20 years ago
- Several authorities are failing to host Local Access Forums, statutory bodies that enable diverse voices, from landowners to walkers, to work together to find solutions.
Brendan Paddy, director of Ramblers Scotland, said: “Today’s shocking results show that we’ve got world-class outdoor access rights, but third-rate funding. Frontline staff are sounding the alarm that the system is breaking down, as we lack the people to fix access problems and too many paths are now inaccessible, unsafe or simply no longer exist. Years of chronic underfunding mean the need for investment in paths has never been greater, especially in less well-off areas. Relatively small sums will deliver big benefits for people’s health and happiness. Scotland’s international reputation as a pioneer of outdoor access is in danger of becoming a hollow boast, unless politicians act.”