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CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM

To: Cairngorms Outdoor Access Forum.

Re: Core Paths at Ballochbuie and Glen Muick

I have seen the report of the Reporter arguing that the two 
paths referred to above are valuable elements in the Core Path 
Network. However he also indicates that the Scottish Government 
has decided that for security reasons the two paths should not be 
included in the Network. The reason for his recommendation for 
the inclusion of the paths appears to be that they provide 
important links between communities/locations where users might 
wish to go.

• How will the CLOAForum ensure that NMUsers are able to pass 
between the communities/locations in a safe manner, and how 
will NMUs know about the opportunities and restrictions that 
may apply?
• In considering the Core Paths Implementation Plan, will the
CLOAF establish alternative routes to those proposed by the 
Reporter but refused by the Scottish Government?
• Will the CLOAF seek to ensure that the procedures set out 
in the SOACode at Sn4.14 and the LRAct at Sn11 apply? ie Local
Authority approval of orders 'to exclude the land from access
rights for the duration of the event', in order that the public 
is aware of the restrictions.

Mark Hagger
CTC Right-to-Ride Aberdeenshire

Extract from Reporter's letter:

CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY (CNPA) CORE PATHS PLAN.

I refer to the CNPA Draft Core Paths Plan, and all documentation 
relevant to the outstanding objections, which were forwarded to 
Scottish Government Inquiry Reporters. I am now writing, on behalf 
of Scottish Ministers, to direct the CNPA to adopt the plan subject 
to the following modification: the deletion of path LBS145 (road 
between Nethy Bridge and Braes of Abernethy junction).A copy or 
Mr Mahony’s Report is attached for your information. You will 
note that Mr Mahoney recommended also that paths at Ballochbuie 
and Glen Muick be included in the plan unless Scottish Minister 
considered that they should be excluded in the interests of 
security raised by the Balmoral Estate. Scottish Ministers have 
sought advice from Home Office Ministers who have confirmed that 
the interests of national security do apply in these cases. 
Scottish Ministers have decided that these paths should not be 
included. I am now writing to ask the CNPA to adopt the Core Path 
Plan subject to the modification outlined above.