LOAF Casework Paper 2026 (ink saver)

This document contains an update for the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum on how the Cairngorms National Park Authority is carrying out its legal duties under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. It covers two main areas: promoting responsible behaviour and upholding access rights. The Park Authority actively engages with the public, including 327 people through schools, events, and training, to encourage responsible outdoor conduct and raise awareness of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC). They also produce various publications and signs, and use social media, achieving over 319,000 impressions with messages about dog ownership, wildfire awareness, and wildlife disturbance, often partnering with VisitCairngorms. Regarding access rights, the document notes a decrease in reported obstructions, with 13 cases recorded between April 2025 and February 2026, primarily involving locked gates or barriers. For example, one case involved replacing an obstructed gate with a better alternative, and another highlighted issues with non-compliant 'Dogs on Leads' signs.