SEBG News Archive

Estates Launch New Access Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts

22nd February 2005

Scotland’s leading landowners today (Tuesday February 22) launched an access rights guide for the public and urged outdoor enthusiasts to herald a new era for the Scottish countryside.

The Scottish Estates Business Group, which represents progressive rural estates throughout Scotland, has produced ‘The Access Gateway’ for people who enjoy the outdoors.

The wallet size card, which contains useful contact numbers and information about the new Scottish Outdoor Access Code, has been produced by the Scottish Estates Business Group in association with Scottish Natural Heritage, The Ramblers’ Association Scotland, The Mountaineering Council of Scotland and TGO Magazine.

More than 35,000 cards are being distributed throughout Scotland.

‘The Access Gateway’ is being given away free in the forthcoming edition of TGO magazine. Cards can also be picked up free at a range outdoor activity shops across Scotland and will be available at various estate offices.

Scotland’s leading estates are supporting the ‘Access Gateway Card’ which was launched at estates in Strathspey, Perthshire and the Borders today.

The Duke of Roxburghe launched the card at an estate farm on Roxburghe Estates today with a group of local schoolchildren from Kelso: “Many landowners have always encouraged open access and we are committed to ensuring as many people as possible enjoy the outdoors now that the new access rights have been introduced.

“Scotland offers world class natural heritage and we are delighted to be working with other organisations in bringing in a new era in our countryside.

“Children who visit our estate love the outdoors and we want to see youngsters and adults all over Scotland understanding their access rights and how to use them. We are supporting the Scottish Outdoor Access Code with our Access Gateway card and believe it will prove very handy for those who enjoy the outdoors.”

Dave Morris, Director of Ramblers’ Association Scotland said: “This is an excellent initiative by the SEBG, recognising the link between access rights and a healthy rural economy. We’re pleased to co-operate with SEBG on the Access Gateway Card as a positive way forward in the effective implementation of the new access legislation. The Card will help everyone to understand their rights and responsibilities”

Richard Davison, Head of Awareness & Involvement Unit, Scottish Natural Heritage said: "We welcome this initiative by Scottish Estates Business Group which will help to raise awareness of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and provides some useful information on Hillphones and the Code. People should also contact local and national park authority access officers about local access issues."

Cameron McNeish, Editor of TGO said: "This handy card is a great way to promote the new Code and the places where you can find out about it. TGO is delighted to support SEBG in distributing the Access Gateway Card and I'd urge all TGO readers to use it to familiarise themselves with the Code."

Notes to editors

The Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG) represents progressive rural businesses and its membership includes estates located throughout Scotland. The group is committed to developing links with the wider business community to ensure the rural agenda is reflected in mainstream business activity. SEBG businesses adopt a modern business approach to integrated land management and are committed to best practice in the industry. Members subscribe to a Code of Good Practice and have an established track record of working in partnership with others to help maintain a vibrant rural economy.

The Access Gateway Card will be available in the next edition of TGO on sale on March 3.

The card is also available from the following outdoor activity shops:

Craigdon Mountain Sports	Nevisport	Tiso
Aberdeen	Aberdeen	Aberdeen
Inverurie	Aviemore	Ayr
Perth	Edinburgh	Dundee
	Glasgow	Edinburgh
	Inverness	Glasgow
	Nevis Range	Inverness
		Ratho
		Stirling

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