Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum - March 2026

This document contains the agenda for a Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) Teams meeting scheduled for 4 March 2026, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The agenda includes approving minutes from the previous meeting, discussing the 2025/2026 delivery of statutory duties under sections 10 and 13 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, and reviewing an update and forward look. Attendees will also elect a LOAF Convener and consider any other competent business, including information on a Scottish Access Rights Training Course. The meeting ID and passcode are provided for participants.

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.

This document contains an update from the Cairngorms National Park Authority on their work and future plans. It details the ongoing review of the Core Paths Plan, which includes reviewing consultation comments, drafting a plan, conducting environmental assessments, and preparing for a formal 12-week public consultation from May to July, with the Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) consulting in July. The authority has also created wildlife disturbance signs to promote the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, focusing on species like Capercaillie and waders. Furthermore, work is underway to revise the fire byelaw, including new branding and communication materials, and Variable Messaging Signs are being installed. Finally, the report highlights completed upgrades to the Speyside Way, the development of a toolkit for land managers to create more accessible paths, and updates to path leaflets, starting with Tomintoul and planning for Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten or Grantown-on-Spey.