Charities call for tighter controls over vehicle tracks on hills

A coalition of 10 conservation charities is calling on the Scottish Parliament to introduce stronger controls over vehicle tracks scarring hills and mountains.

The Scottish Parliament is set to vote tomorrow on Planning Bill amendments by Scottish Green Party MSP Andy Wightman, designed to close loopholes that allow landowners to build many of the controversial tracks without planning permission.

Research by Scottish Environment LINK Hilltracks group has found that the tracks continue to creep further into wilder landscapes, and that planning loopholes can lead to them being badly sited and designed.

Some tracks have even been built over the top of narrow, low-impact trails and historical routes, with little chance for the public to comment in advance.

Helen Todd, co-convener of LINK Hilltracks group and Ramblers Scotland’s campaigns and policy manager, said: “There is a compelling case for stronger controls over vehicle roads in our hills – to boost local democracy, improve construction standards and protect precious environments.

“For too long, landowners have been able to expand tracks further and further into wild landscapes with little oversight from authorities or the public.”

Lovers of Scotland’s outdoors are being encouraged to make their voices heard, by writing to MSPs using a simple online form at ramblers.org.uk/ hilltracks.

Beryl Leatherland, coconvener of the group and also convenor of Scottish Wild Land Group said: “We urge all hillgoers to email their MSPs to raise their concerns using our quick online form.”