Walking isn't being prioritised by local authorities

Ramblers Scotland is calling on walkers to urgently email local councillors to ensure upcoming budgets safeguard investment in walking, paths and outdoor access. 

The charity says that most Scottish councils have squeezed the money they spend on walking throughout the past decade.

Long-term budget cuts have led to fewer staff to support access, complaints about blocked paths increasingly going unanswered, and insufficient funds to maintain popular trails.  

A new webpage has been launched to help walkers find and email their local councillors. 

Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: “Right now, councils across Scotland are setting their 2025/26 budgets. It’s vital that walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts stand up for access, following a decade of budgets being squeezed. 

“That is frustrating because making it easy for people to enjoy local walks has major benefits for our communities’ health and wellbeing and saves money for other services.” 

“So, I hope walkers will email their councillors within the next fortnight, urging them to properly invest in walking, so that everyone can make the most of Scotland’s amazing outdoors and world-class access rights.” 

An official NatureScot list currently suggests that five local authorities - East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire - lack a dedicated access officer. It is their job to uphold access rights and address any issues raised by landowners or the public. 

Other councils are failing to hold regular local access forums, which is a statutory requirement in Scottish access law.  

Across the board, Ramblers Scotland’s local groups have reported that councils are struggling to keep up with queries about access issues.