Paths and the Community Aberdeenshire Council – Roles, Responsibilities and Community Support

Access Authorities - Paths and Outdoor Access Access Authorities have legal responsibilities through: Land Reform (Scotland) Act (LRSA) 2003 Upholding access rights Preparing a Core Path Plan (Aberdeenshire’s adopted in 2013) Publicising and promoting the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) Dealing with Section 11 Exemption Orders To establish a Local Outdoor Access Forum Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967 Protection of Rights of Way Access provision is also delivered through a number of other policies and strategies delivered by local authorities including Active Travel, Open Space and Recreation and Sport

Council Services involved in access provision Planning and Building Standards(P&BS) (Environment Team and Rangers) lead on the delivery of the LRSA and ROW duties and path management and development for recreational purposes. Landscape Services undertake maintenance of paths and manage the Council’s open space and Country Parks Transportation Strategy Team lead on the delivery of active travel (cycling, walking and safer streets) Structures Section (Bridges) support P&BS to manage the network of non-motorised bridges including the F&B Way and various suspension bridges over the River Dee ALL are part of the Infrastructure Services Directorate

Staff Resources - Key Areas of Work Environment Team/Ranger Services 2 part time Outdoor Access Officers covering the whole of Aberdeenshire responsible for LRSA duties. 3 Environment Planners who as part of their role are involved in the long distance routes (Deeside Way, Formartine and Buchan Way, Gordon Way and Coastal Path) and other access management/development projects. 6 Rangers (one per Area) involved with schools, promoting SOAC and running events. Looking to develop volunteering. Other sections of the Service are involved with access development

Also Equestrian use

Aberdeenshire Path Network The Aberdeenshire Path Network consists of: Long distance routes (Deeside Way, Formartine and Buchan Way, Gordon Way and Coastal Path (North Aberdeenshire) Strategic Links – e.g. Aboyne to Tarland (COAT) Core Paths (including those above) Wider Path Network Adopted pavements and footways Cycle routes (including the National Cycle Network Route 1) The LRSA also provides access rights over most land and water so long as it is taken responsibly.

Aberdeenshire Council Path Management/Development Priorities The Council has just completed a Path Management and Maintenance Review. This Review has focused future Council staff and financial recourses on the paths, bridges and associated infrastructure (picnic sites and car parks) that the Council owns or has agreements to manage. Future focus will be on Deeside Way and Formartine and Buchan Way. Key sections of the Coast Path linking communities. Key strategic links e.g. Inverurie to Oldmeldrum. Upgrading and maintain the Council’s Path assets. Supporting community led paths initiatives

Aberdeenshire Council – Groups Supported Banchory Paths Association Bennachie Community Council Greener Kemnay GRAPE Rothienorman Meldrum Paths Group Oyne Community Association Tarland Development Group Udny Paths Group

Support for Community Path Development The Planning and Building Standards Section through its Access Staff and Rangers can offer the following support to community groups wanting to develop local paths. Funding to cover public liability insurance – key to ensure that groups are protected when undertaking works and ongoing responsibilities. Advice and guidance on how to go about identifying and developing a path project. COAT are also able to assist Groups through COAT consultancy. Limited funds for purchase of hand tools and where paths are linked to Council assets. Guidance and support in seeking funding for path projects.

Local Paths Groups – Your Responsibilities You need to be a constituted group or associated to a constituted group to ensure you have Public Liability Insurance You need to identify and get agreement from relevant land owners (including the Council) to develop promoted paths – the right of responsible access does not extend to promoting or developing paths. You need to consider how you are going to maintain the path once it has been constructed. The Council will be unlikely to take on this responsibility. You need to have an inspection and monitoring programme in place to ensure that you are covered from the potential of any liability claims.

Council Funding Opportunities Area Top Up Grants P&BS Access budget Cycling, walking and safer streets (paths delivered by Council) Community Links Funding (Sustrans) but needs to be Council led.

Information and Advice Scottish Natural Heritage http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/accessguide/ Scottish Outdoor Access Code http://www.Outdooraccess-Scotland.com SCOTWAYS Useful web site for information on access https://www.scotways.com Obviously – Paths for All

Thanks for listening Linda Mathieson linda.mathieson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Marsaili Aspinall marsaili.aspinall@aberdeenshire.gov.uk James Davidson j.davidson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk