Land owners are becoming increasingly wary about public access to their land and estates in Scotland because new legislation means that they can be prosecuted  for the actions of people despite being absent. Land owners are also much more aware of wildlife crime these days making them suspicious of strangers wandering across their land.

 

Having said this most land owners are happy to allow access with reasonable consideration. These considerations can include limited access during lambing season, stalking season and increased ghillie checks during the fishing season.

 

Unfortunately lobby groups and the ill informed general public towards country sports are a concern and while their intentions may be well meaning can cause issues when matters are taken in hand by a minority. The Scottish Game Keepers Association has undertaken a lot of work to dispel many of the myths associated with country sports and information can be found on their web site.

 

Prior to venturing out it is often a good idea to contact a land owner or touch base with their game keeper to check whether shooting is taking place and to discuss any proposals to ensure it does not interfere with a working estate.

 

Land access in Scotland is governed by the Land Reform Act of 2003 which allows access and the right of passage for recreational activites. Rules governing access are generally common sense but revolve around the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which states:

 

"Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water providing they act responsibly. Our access rights and responsibilities are explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Whether you’re in the outdoors or managing the outdoors, the key things are :

 

• Take responsibility for your own actions
• Respect the interests of other people
• Care for the environment"

 

Amateur prospecting generally involves walking along river banks and estates to examine exposed bedrock, river gravels and boulders. Occasionally it can involve getting into a river to pan river concentrates and evaluating what is left in the pan which is particularly the case with gold and heavy minerals.