The Mountaineering Council of Scotland welcomes the revised arrangements for carrying out risk assessment announced by Rhona Brankin, Scottish Executive Minister on 15 May. The key elements are: -

• It will be regarded as the norm for all paths and land north of the Clyde- Forth lines (the Provisionally Free Area) to be freely accessible for recreational use.
• Any landowner, farmer, or crofter who considers that his land should be closed to access must complete a simplified risk assessment and seek the agreement of the local council and the District Veterinary Manager. If they agree the matter has to be referred to the Scottish Executive before an official closure order is granted. The arrangements for access in Central and Southern Scotland (The At Risk and Infected Areas) remain unchanged with an expectation that restrictions will be eased as the outbreak diminishes.

John Donohoe, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland President said,

"Landowners and managers are urged to remove all unofficial closure signs and replace them where necessary with advisory signs, pointing out preferred routes or calling attention to the Comeback Code". We hope that this process will happen quickly to remove much of the uncertainty for visitors to Scotland's countryside and prevent any tensions between them and land managers".

"While no walkers have ever carried or spread foot and mouth, visitors are urged to continue to follow the guidance in the Comeback Code".

"The Council congratulates the Scottish Executive, local authorities, landowners, farmers, crofters, foresters, environmental and tourism agencies, for the hard work and co-operation which has helped to minimise conflict during this difficult period".

He continued,

"Above all we wish to congratulate hillwalkers and climbers whose forbearance while voluntarily suspending their rights of access has been a testimony to their responsible attitude and concern for the livelihood of other land users."

National Officer, Kevin Howett said,

"We hope that this major step in restoring normal access to much of rural Scotland will help the tourism and service providers who have been so hard hit by this crisis. We urge all walkers and climbers to remain vigilant and continue to follow the Comeback Code."

John Donohoe

Notes for Editors: The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is the representative body for walkers, climbers, mountaineers and cross-country skiers in Scotland. It is a membership organisation with over 8,000 members, 135 clubs and various Associate organisations and companies. It is run by an elected Executive Committee of over 25 volunteers and employs a National Officer, Access and Conservation Officer and a Mountain Safety Advisor.

The MCofS is a member of Scottish Wildlife Link, an umbrella organisation of recreation and conservation organisations; a founding member of the Scottish Mountain Forum, and The Cairngorm Campaign.

The MCofS administers the Scottish Mountain Safety Forum which brings together over 20 different organisations concerned with aspects of safety in the Scottish Hills (including government, Police, STB, Scottish Natural Heritage and outdoor organisations of various sports); it is also a member of the Access Forum, the body set up by SNH to look into access issues (and currently legislation).

Contact:
Kevin Howett, National Officer,The Old Granary, West Mill Street, Perth PH1 5QP
Tel. 01738 638 228
Or
Mike Dales, Access & Conservation Officer, Tel. 01738 638 229