The outbreak of 2001 is now over. The following is a brief summary of what happened.

The first outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Scotland was confirmed on 1st March, and 187 cases ocurred in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders Region, up to the last detected case on 30th May.

The MCofS issued its first comment and advice soon afterwards, advising climbers and walkers to respect closure signs, but stated that we felt walkers and climbers were being discriminated against by the access bans, compared to other activities.
full release.

Some Estates quickly recognised the futility on blanket ban on access and began to allow managed recreational access. Among the first were Invercauld and Balmoral. Lochaber Mountain Access Group was formed by affected businesses in the Fort William area and they worked to restore access in their area.

As the situation became clearer it was recognised that the blanket ban on access could not be justified and was doing serious harm to many communities which were not affected directly by the disease. Following discussions among interested parties, Scottish Natural Heritage devised 'The Comeback Code', which was launched by the Scottish Executive on 23rd March. Landowners were encouraged to carry out a risk assessment to see if they could allow access. Organisations such as SNH and NTS began to open some of their land.
While we believe the outbreak is over, most of the advice contained in the code is still good and should continue to be followed.

The Comeback Code Large areas of Scotland are free of foot and mouth disease and are open for outdoor pursuits and tourism. This Code outlines sensible precautions for those coming back to enjoy the countryside. While much of Scotland is accessible it is wise to check that your particular destination is open before you travel. The Code Please follow this advice to avoid endangering farm animals and people's livelihoods Do not touch or feed farm animals. Do not enter enclosed fields with farm animals. Avoid farm steadings and yards. Do not leave waste or scraps of food or litter. Do not park your car in areas where farm animals gather. Keep dogs on a lead at all times. Clean your boots and vehicles between visits to the countryside Obey official signs. Respect advisory signs and requests from farmers and other land managers. The Code is based on expert advice from the State Veterinary Service and on guidance previously issued by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department, which is responsible for action to contain and eradicate foot and mouth disease.

In many English areas, the local government passed emergency legislation creating statutory bans on walking on land and footpaths, with the threat of a maximum £5000 fine. None of the Scottish Districts followed suit, and restrictions on acces to land in Scotland continued on a voluntary basis, and were well observed.

On 15th May, the Scottish Executive announced revised guidance on access to land in the Provisionally Free Area (north of the Forth/Clyde line). Their guidance is that unofficial 'closed' signs should now be taken down, and that land managers who believe a risk exists and wish to keep their land closed should carry out a risk assessment to satisfy the local authority and the Divisional Veterinary Manager.
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MCofS welcomes the announcement
During the outbreak, the MCofS had maintained an up to date web page listing the growing number of locations where access was being permitted. (here) This page was no longer updated.

On 24th May, the SERAD minister Ross Finnie announced that this guidance should now be extended to the "At Risk Area", i.e. leaving only the Infected Area in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders restricted.
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On 22nd June, Mr Finnie expressed his displeasure at continuing unnecessary closures and announced a crack-down on unofficial restrictions.
From then, unoffiial restrictions were not be recognised, and the Executive published a weekly list of official restrictions. The last list was published on September 7th.
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The situation continued to improve, and Dumfries and Galloway Council announced that the Galloway Hills would be generally be open from 9th July, although a few restrictions would continue.

The Scottish Executive has published a full review of the outbreak which can be read here.

• The Scottish Executive website still carries information on the outbreak.
• Information on foot and mouth, as it affects the whole of Britain, can be obtained from the DEFRA website.