Roam with respect plea to countryside visitors

Scottish Land and Estates (SLE) launched a campaign at the Royal Highland Show encouraging “respectful access in rural Scotland”.

The Care for the Countryside campaign focuses on responsible dog ownership, fly-tipping and responsible mountain-biking.

It has been launched with support from a range of organisations including Scottish Natural Heritage, Police Scotland, Zero Waste Scotland, Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland and the Scottish Government.

SLE chairman David Johnstone said the campaign was backed by a logo and publicity materials.

“Care for the Countryside is a new campaign designed to increase the public’s awareness of the persistent issues that crop up again and again,” added Mr Johnstone.

“Often these incidents can occur as a result of thoughtlessness rather than malice, but we hope by promoting respectful access to our countryside that visitors and residents can help us to reduce the number of problems we see in these areas each year.

“We want to encourage more people to not only visit our rural land and water but also to value it and recognise where problems can occur if we fail to cherish it.”

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham and Scottish Natural Heritage chairman Mike Cantlay backed the campaign.

Ms Cunningham said: “This new campaign complements the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and we hope it will further encourage everyone to play their part in caring for Scotland’s land and water.”

Mr Cantlay added: “We know taking advantage of the outdoors benefits our health and well-being, and here in Scotland we have outstanding nature which is also easily accessible.

“If we act in a courteous manner and show consideration for others, it makes it all the more enjoyable for everyone.”

David Johnstone is the chairman of Scottish Land and Estates.