Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum - June 2019

This document contains the minutes of the National Access Forum (NAF) meeting held on 29 May 2019. The forum discussed a review of the 'Improving Public Access' (IPA) scheme, a path mapping project by Ramblers Scotland, and the value of outdoor access to Scottish tourism, which is worth £11.3 billion. Additionally, the NAF members discussed improving Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) messages for specific groups, work on mediation, and the NAF/LAF joint meeting in 2019, as well as Scottish Forestry and Forest and Land Scotland. The forum also welcomed new Local Access Forum (LAF) representatives and scheduled future meetings for 20 September 2019 and 29 January 2020.

This document contains an update from the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum from June 2019. It covers several projects and initiatives within the Cairngorms National Park, including efforts to improve access in Aviemore and Badenoch & Strathspey, the upcoming Wee Walks Week in September 2019 to encourage physical activity, and the Speyside Way Extension project. The document also discusses access rights casework, mountain path improvements and the Tomintoul/Glenlivet Landscape Partnership Project. Finally, it mentions the Cairngorms Capercaillie Heritage Lottery Fund project and the Cairngorms Trust, which is fundraising for projects delivering public benefits in the National Park.

This document contains an update on the multi-use path design for the A9 dualling project, specifically the Dalraddy to Slochd section. The Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum is seeking advice on whether their position is clear and well-communicated to communities and interest groups. The A9 dualling project aims to upgrade the road between Perth and Inverness to improve safety, reduce journey times, and enhance links for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. While the current designs include an off-road multi-use path from Kingussie to Aviemore, there isn't one to Carrbridge. Concerns have been raised by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority), Highland Council, and several community councils regarding the lack of adequate provision for non-motorised users. A feasibility study is underway to explore options for a tarmac off-road multi-use path between Aviemore and Carrbridge, but there's no clear commitment yet to build and maintain it.

This document contains an update for members of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum on work to develop active travel in Aviemore. David Clyne, Recreation and Access Manager, prepared the paper. The document outlines the Active Travel Study in Aviemore, split into three phases: the first being a desk top review, the second focusing on concept design to detailed design, and the third focused on Grampian Road segregated cycle paths. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is working with partners to encourage residents and visitors to be more physically active outdoors. Sustrans Scotland provided £40,000 funding in 2018 to deliver an Active Travel Study for Aviemore. The CNPA has also applied for £50,000 funding for detailed design for a new junction on Grampian Road and a shared cycle route on Dalfaber Drive. The CNPA is also working with other communities in Badenoch and Strathspey to develop similar active travel plans.

This document contains an update for members of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum on access casework carried out in 2018. Prepared by Douglas Stewart, the Outdoor Access Officer, the update relates to Section 13 of the Land Reform Act (LRA). The document includes a log of outdoor access casework, detailing the number of cases handled by different officers for various issues such as access rights, land ownership, path maintenance, planning, and obstructions. Cases are categorized as either closed or live, with a grand total of 173 cases handled.

This document contains an update for members of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) on work to promote responsible access in the Cairngorms National Park, focusing on the "Tread Lightly" campaign. The Park Authority seeks the LOAF's views on a draft "tread lightly" leaflet and input on a new dog-friendly campaign, including the target audience and key messages. The document highlights the importance of reinforcing access rights with responsibilities and tailoring messaging to be welcoming and engaging. It outlines ongoing and planned activities, such as social media campaigns, partnerships, and training, to raise awareness and promote responsible behaviour in the park.

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum meeting on 20 June 2019. The meeting will cover several topics, including welcoming attendees, reviewing minutes from the last meeting, updates on "Tread Lightly in the Park", updates on the Land Reform Act (LRA) Section 13 Duty, updates on the "Active Aviemore" project, discussion on the A9 Dualling and Active Travel, an update from the National Access Forum, and a discussion on a proposed access management seminar in October 2019. The agenda also includes "any other competent business" (AOCB) and a discussion of the date for the next meeting. The meeting will begin with refreshments at 5.30pm.