THE SCOTTISH public have been welcomed back to the great outdoors after many months in quarantine – but are being reminded to visit responsibly by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Early analysis of a survey conducted by Scottish Natural Heritage this May revealed that 95% of respondents reported to be abiding by lockdown measures and had only visited their local area.

As travel restrictions are lifted, many people will be looking to take advantage of Scotland’s outdoors once again, with parks, nature reserves and trails becoming more widely accessible.

However, this new-found freedom must be met with a certain degree of caution, in order to protect public health and the local environment.

Unfortunately, since restrictions began to ease within the last month, there have been increasing reports of antisocial behaviour caused by a small number of people at Scotland’s nature reserves and National Parks, with ugly images of the mess some have left appearing across social media, which SNH and others have been quick to condemn.

SNH chief executive, Francesca Osowska, commented: “We very much want this love affair with Scotland’s great outdoors and nature to continue. But let’s not spoil it for others. We need be kind to nature and respectful to each other by clearing up after ourselves and taking all of our litter home with us. The scenes of abandoned campsites, burned out trees, human waste, as well as litter, are totally unacceptable and a blight on Scotland’s reputation.”

Around half of the people surveyed said that they expect to take more visits to the outdoors after lockdown than before the crisis. It is also expected that many will replace cancelled trips abroad with holidays in Scotland this year, so you may arrive somewhere to find it busier than expected. The advice from Scottish Government is to have a back-up plan, and if this happens to you, move on and find somewhere quieter and safer.

Ms Osowska concluded: “If we all follow Scottish Government advice and the Scottish Outdoor Access code, we will be doing our bit to ensure that Scotland’s outdoors remains beautiful and that Covid-19 restrictions can continue to be relaxed.”

The new Scottish Outdoor Access Code advice includes reminders to:

• Plan ahead, avoid busy places;

• Follow physical distancing and remember that people might be shielding;

• Be kind to nature and each other and respectful of local communities;

• Keep your dog under control, especially on farmland – release your dog if threatened by cattle;

• Don’t let your cigarette or BBQ start a wild fire – take extra care when it’s warm and dry;

• Take all of your litter away with you.

All of the latest Covid-19 guidance can be found on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website. The website includes information about our rights and responsibilities when outdoors, as well as specific guides for a range of activities, from air and water sports, to hillwalking and wild camping. Visit the website here - https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/