Gazza
Well-Known Member
One of my farmers has recently had numerous run ins with local youths accessing his land basically to cause mayhem. Pregnant sheep disturbed, cattle pens opened allowing beasts out, setting fire to straw, tampering with machinery etc. Being an ex cop I am ashamed to say the Police response has been shocking. They seem to be intent on telling my farmer what he can't do rather than what he can and quoting the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 as a right to roam and that the Police are powerless to stop these ferral youths from doing as they please as regards accessing his land.
On behalf of the farmer I have been doing a bit writing to MSPs, Police, local Council, Community Councils. It should be very clear in whatever situation there is no right to roam, there is a right to responsible access. I was not aware that each Council have an appointed employee who "looks after" the running of this legislation and apparently can serve on any person who does not act responsibily in their access a prohibition notice. Worth remembering if you have "problems" with persons who believe that their "right to roam" can unneccesarily infringe on your right to stalk. Dogs in particular must be controlled and in most aspects kept on a leash.
On behalf of the farmer I have been doing a bit writing to MSPs, Police, local Council, Community Councils. It should be very clear in whatever situation there is no right to roam, there is a right to responsible access. I was not aware that each Council have an appointed employee who "looks after" the running of this legislation and apparently can serve on any person who does not act responsibily in their access a prohibition notice. Worth remembering if you have "problems" with persons who believe that their "right to roam" can unneccesarily infringe on your right to stalk. Dogs in particular must be controlled and in most aspects kept on a leash.