BHS Scotland Access Department holds successful training
day
The BHS Scotland Access Department held its first access
training day on 3 April.
It gave members of the BHS Access Committee, and affiliated
riders access groups, the chance to further their knowledge
on the new right of responsible access under Part 1 - Access
of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which started on 9
February this year.
Speakers from Paths for All, Highland Council and the Scottish
Rural Property and Business Association gave diverse presentations
which encouraged everyone to offer their views, and the question
and answer sessions were lively.
The aims of the day were to:
· Give additional background to the legislation, and
how to connect with other recreationalists and work with them,
both on Local Access Fora and in the field to attain responsible
access for all,
· Provide an insight into the position of the Local
Council and how the Access Officers on the Council can help
and how we can be of assistance to them, and also how to help
with access disputes and advice,
· Gain further understanding of the land managers’
views and their difficulties, and how we can work with them
to educate other riders.
Pat Somerville, BHS Access Officer for Scotland said "Our
access committee and other members involved are giving advice
to horse riders, carriage drivers, land managers and others
across the access spectrum, and, although they have between
them a wealth of knowledge, gained over the recent months
and years, the course gave them some different ideas. The
BHS Scotland has some fantastic volunteers and the staff really
appreciate their dedication."
Alex Sutherland, Senior Access Officer for Highland Council,
said: "It was a joy to speak to people who were committed
and who appreciate their new rights and the challenges which
will arise from living and working with an access system which
is at last fit for the 21st century and beyond."
Linda Howson, Chairman of the BHS Scotland Access Committee,
said: "The feedback from those present has been very
encouraging and I would like to thank everyone who took part
in the training day, speakers, attendees, and most of all
Pat Somerville, BHS Scotland Access Officer, who organised
the event, and who both entertained and informed everyone
with the BHS Scotland “Are You Riding Responsibly”
presentation. The day has been a huge success with many requests
for more training days in the future to take the subject forward."
The delegates came from the length and breadth of Scotland,
and most Local Authority and the National Park Authority areas
were represented showing that equestrian access is represented
across the country by BHS volunteers and staff.
The British Horse Society encourages all Scottish horse riders
to read and understand the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before
they experience their new freedom
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