Right to Roam: In Scotland, Hikers Can Go Anywhere

Yep, supposed property rights here in the US are an emotional thing sometimes. I think as it applies to public lands out in the Western US is especially interesting.

Can you say "Treaty of Tordesillas"?

Rumi

The article is slightly misleading in regards to using rivers and lochs.
You have to have written permission from the landowner or private fishing club in order to fish most places in Scotland.
Since most of the river and loch banks are privately owned, the fishing rights are usually leased to fishing clubs & guide services, who will decline your request for permission, as its their business to sell the rights in a guided fishing package.

For example, when I stayed in Inverness years ago, I didn't want to pay for a guide, but wanted to fly fish one of the small rivers. I had to find the fishing club that had the rights to the area of river I wanted to fish, and I paid them a fee to use "a beat". I was not allowed to fish upstream or downstream of the border of the beat.

Great article about an important issue we are facing though. Thanks for sharing.

I'd like to see a Right to Access Public Land. Some parcels are surrounded by private land, with the owners denying access. This only serves to add onto their property, without any right to it.

In some states, there is a right to access waterways and beaches. I find it odd when I visit any state that doesn't have such.

Generally speaking we here in Nova Scotia have certain rights to go camping, hiking, hunting, fishing etc. on "forested land".
Under our " Protection of Property Act". Under the act there are some "exclusions"
"Section 15(2)states that no person may be
prosecuted for contravening any notice given
pursuant to this Act prohibiting entry or prohibiting
activity on "forest land" as defined in the Act if that
person is hunting as defined in the Wildlife Act,
fishing, picnicking, camping, hiking skiing or
engaged in another recreational activity or
engaged in the study of flora or fauna."

"forest land" means a wooded area, forest stand,
tract covered by underbrush, barren ground, marsh
or bog, but does not include:
(i) an area which is apparently a tree plantation
area or a Christmas tree management area;
(ii) a special forestry study area;
(iii) the immediate area where any activity is
apparently being carried out on woodlands
for the purpose of harvesting a forest
product;
(iv) a commercial berry growing area.

Also specifically under the "Angling Act" we have:
“Section 3 (1) Any resident of the Province shall have
the right to go on foot along the banks of any river,
stream or lake upon and across any uncultivated lands
and Crown lands for the purpose of lawfully fishing with
rod and line in such rivers, streams or lakes.”

There are some areas that have not been "tested" in court, but without causing damage to property we can pretty much go anywhere.

The Scottish highlands are stunning.