Local Outdoor Access Forum - meeting notes 050325

This document contains the minutes from the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) meeting on 5 March 2025, where members approved previous minutes and discussed several important access issues. Key discussions focused on developing clearer messaging for responsible behaviour, particularly for dog owners, to protect wildlife, with a preference for 'dogs on lead' over 'under close control' on signage. The group also reviewed access obstruction cases, noting a slight decrease from 33 to 24 reported cases this year, and addressed a specific instance of an unreasonably locked gate at Deshar Woods. Updates were provided on ongoing projects, including new directional signage on the Speyside Way, various path improvements, and the upcoming submission of a draft fire bylaw to the Scottish Government. Finally, they discussed a rogue capercaillie near Ryvoan, which prompted a bird conservation charity to adjust visitor signage.