Annual Report 2020

The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Directors’ report VIRTUAL GOVERNING DOCUMENT change. The Directors all have an interest The Society is a company limited by in the outdoors and in rights of access guarantee and is a charity registered with and bring a balanced mix of skills and ANNUAL GENERAL the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. knowledge about access matters. It is governed by its Articles of Association. Day to day running of the Society is the MEETING 2020 Each member of the society has undertaken responsibility of the Chief Operating Officer, to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 Richard Barron, and National Secretary, Alison towards any deficit arising in the event of Riddell, supported by staff and volunteers. the Society being wound up. The Directors present their report and the OBJECTS The Society’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 21 November 2020 at accounts for the year ended 30 June 2020. The charitable objective of the Society is 11am. In the light of the restrictions resulting from the pandemic, Directors have decided “the preservation, defence, restoration and PREPARATION acquisition, for the public benefit, of public to hold the AGM as a virtual meeting by Zoom. This will require access to a computer or OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS rights of access in Scotland, including public mobile device with access to the internet via a web browser, but there is no requirement The financial statements have been prepared rights of way, and related amenity.” to download any software to take part. If you would like to attend, you must first register in accordance with the Society’s governing The Society is the independent charity using this link: http://bit.ly/ScotWaysAGM2020. Details for joining and participating in document, current statutory requirements which upholds public access in Scotland. the AGM will be sent to you along with guidance notes nearer the time. Other groups have and the Statement of Recommended Founded in 1845, it combines three main found that their attendance at such meetings has increased as the travel and weather are Practice: Accounting and Reporting by roles: expert authority and adviser on the no longer a deterrent, so we are hoping the same applies here. Charities (SORP FRS 102) (second edition – law of access; custodian and manager of the October 2019, effective 1 January 2019). national resource of information about access The formal notice and agenda appears on page 11. The AGM papers are available on our routes and rights; and practical guardian and website: https://www.scotways.com/news/654-scotways-agm-2020. To obtain a printed STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE advocate of public access on the ground, in copy, please email [email protected] or leave a message on the office answering machine AND MANAGEMENT town and country, across Scotland. with your details and when a member of staff is next in the office, they can print and send BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT it to you. Directors of the Society are also charity ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS trustees for the purposes of charity law The year was important for three events: and are listed on page 23. The Articles of the Covid-19 pandemic – which dominated Association provide that any director who has all activity from March onwards – our 175th At 10.30am, prior to the formal business, John Home Robertson held office for a period of three years since anniversary and the installation of a new will speak on “Rev A E Robertson, 1870-1958; the first Munro their last appointment shall retire from office computer system. ‘Compleater’; a director of the Scottish Rights of Way Society and may seek re-appointment. Directors may Members who were personally affected by from 1923; and the man who “knew too much” about Highland not seek re-appointment if they have held the pandemic are in our thoughts as we hope rights of way. office for a continuous period of nine years. for a resolution to this dreadful disease. The Directors are appointed by the We celebrated our 175th anniversary on John Home Robertson was educated at Ampleforth College members at the annual general meeting and 3rd April 2020. Naturally, celebrations were and West of Scotland Agricultural College. A Berwickshire farmer, the Chair is appointed by the Directors from muted and held on-line. In June, Richard he was Labour MP and MSP for East Lothian until he retired among their number. Muriel Robertson was Barron gave an excellent talk on Zoom in 2007. He is now an active volunteer for Edinburgh Direct Aid, most recently with Syrian Chair until December when she retired from for the National Library of Scotland on refugees in Lebanon, and also an amateur archaeologist and his researches into family the post after three years. The Directors, the history of the Society which attracted history brought to light his connection with the Rev A E Robertson, who was his father’s who appointed John Elliot as her successor, 380 viewers (several times the number uncle. are very grateful for Muriel’s wise leadership who could have attended it in person). which guided the Society through significant Unfortunately, our Anniversary Walks

2 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 3 be reprinted to meet demand before a new seek his advice: we fully intend to do so. Directors’ report (continued) version is produced. Routes will require surveys and the guide may be reformatted OUTDOOR PROJECTS programme was cancelled, but in July, we website. As lockdown gradually eases, we are as well as published in electronic form. It is SMALL GRANTS launched our “virtual challenge” which updating our website to amplify the message expected to be ready (at the earliest) in 2022. This scheme, for which a designated amount asked participants to replicate, in their about access rights and responsibilities. The task of verifying data for this publication of £10,000 was set aside in 2018, has made own way, the 126 miles of the historic walk ACCESS QUERIES DURING LOCKDOWN feeds into a further initiative of the Society in 4 grants to a total of £4,091. The Society installing the first signposts along rights In common with reports from access officers, checking path data more widely. welcomes applications for relevant projects. of way in the Cairngorms in July 1885. access queries from the general public MEDIATION BRIDGES Throughout the year historical facts about increased during lockdown – some related ScotWays has continued to investigate the The Carnach bridge, Knoydart, was completed the Society, outdoor access in Scotland and specifically to Covid-19 restrictions, but by no use of mediation to resolve access disputes. and opened in August 2019. If the pandemic the personalities involved have appeared on means all. Our responses pointed to specific As part of the National Access Forum’s and conditions permit, we hope to see works social and traditional media. guidance, provided contact details for the working group, ScotWays has helped produce on the Eidart bridge on the Glen Feshie drove Other activities continued as usual but to access authorities and noted the usefulness a Guidance Note to promote its use. road and Bedford Memorial Bridge over the a restricted extent after the office closure of reporting issues in relation to our work. TRAINING river Tarff, in Glen Tilt, start in 2021. in March due to the pandemic. The Society ScotWays worked with Ramblers Scotland VERIFYING RIGHTS OF WAY is consulted by a wide range of individuals IT SYSTEMS AND MODERNISATION in hosting an access workshop for Local AND OTHER ROUTES and organisations about public access. IT SYSTEMS Access Forum representatives in September The Society provides support to local groups This includes legal searches checking the The Society moved the Catalogue of Rights 2019. This successful event was attended to protect paths they believe to be rights existence of rights of way but such enquiries of Way onto a new software platform by more than 50 people. A signpost training of way. It does so in consultation with the dropped off sharply after lockdown. From through the last months of 2019 and early day in April 2020, in conjunction with Paths relevant Council and it assists these groups March onwards, however, enquiries from 2020 at a cost of £55,000. This huge for All, had to be postponed. in information gathering. For example, we members of the public almost doubled as project, ably led by Richard Barron, has OTHER POLICY AND assisted an investigation of potential right the value of outdoor access came to be proved vital during the pandemic. It allows AWARENESS EVENTS of way status by Dirleton Village Association more widely appreciated. on-line access to both maps and text The Society is represented on the National in relation to a popular circular walk from One positive result of this activity is records, enabling staff to work from home. Access Forum and is a keen participant in the village which also linked with the John the increasing numbers of people joining Substantial work is still being undertaken to the Scottish Outdoor Recreation Alliance Muir Way. In another case, we supported as members. Increased membership is create a fully accessible portal and to verify and the Scottish Outdoor Access Network. local and Council efforts to investigate the important to the Society’s future, increasing all the data transferred to the new system. ScotWays believes in co-operation with other right of way along the 12km Acharacle Drove our heft in upholding access as well as DIGITISATION bodies with similar concerns in order to Road in Ardnamurchan, as part of efforts to fortifying our finances. We shall invest in Scanning of all paper records was delayed promote responsible public access. uphold public access rights generally. increasing membership in the year 2020/21. by the office closure and is now planned for PLANNING completion by 30 June 2021. The Society is consulted in relation to FINANCIAL REVIEW COVID-19 ISSUES proposed on-shore wind farm and other The Society’s deficit for the year is £128,883 UPHOLDING PUBLIC SHARING KNOWLEDGE planning applications. During the year, (2019: £94,149 surplus). The deficit on ACCESS DURING LOCKDOWN LAW GUIDE planning permission was refused for the unrestricted reserves is £118,653 (2019: Working alongside other organisations, The Law Guide continues to sell well and we proposed golf course development at Coul £112,639 surplus) and the deficit on restricted ScotWays brought Covid-19 related issues to intend to review its content in 2021/22. The Links. John Mackay appeared at the enquiry reserves is £10,230 (2019: £18,490 surplus). the attention of the Scottish Government. We Short Guide, published in October 2019, was on behalf of ScotWays, expressing our provided input for the Ministerial statement widely distributed to members, Councils and concerns about public access and enjoyment. RESERVES POLICY released at Easter and associated guidance other bodies and to members of the public. This success was a last hurrah for John’s The unrestricted funds represent the free issued by Scottish Natural Heritage. We work on our behalf in connection with planning reserves of the Society. Unrestricted funds also raised concerns about the agricultural- GUIDES enquiries and he is due all our thanks for his not tied up in fixed assets amounted centric focus of the advice. Malcolm Combe, The Society has commissioned a new edition dedicated and expert work over many years. to £136,267. The Board considers it author of our Law Guide, blogged about such of the popular Scottish Hill Tracks guide. The He remains however an Honorary Adviser and appropriate to hold the equivalent of 12 access restrictions and wrote a paper for our existing edition, published in 2011, may has indicated he is willing for us to continue to months’ core expenditure, around £125,000,

4 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 5 Directors’ report (continued) Independent Examiner’s Statement to and £175,844 to finance its rolling 3 year stronger position to campaign and attract the Trustees of The Scottish Rights of Way plan. More details on the designated funds members. and Access Society are set out in Note 2 on page 10. CONTRIBUTION OF STAFF, RISK MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEERS AND DIRECTORS I HAVE examined the summarised accounts charity’s Trustees as a body and for no other Throughout the year risk remains under This has been a very difficult year for all of The Scottish Rights of Way and Access purpose. I do not, in giving this opinion, formal and informal review by the Board, sub- at ScotWays. With limited office access Society set out on pages 8 to 10. accept or assume responsibility for any other committees and staff. Business continuity during the pandemic, staff have had to work This report is made to the directors, as purpose or to any other person to whom this planning for a disaster or major disruption entirely at home. They have been resilient a body, in accordance with the terms of my statement is shown or into whose hands it has aided the excellent work undertaken by and inventive in doing that and we owe them engagement. My work has been undertaken may come save where expressly agreed by the staff in coping with the pandemic. our thanks for working productively and to enable me to report my opinion as set my prior consent in writing. cheerfully in unique circumstances. A return out below and for no other purpose. To INVESTMENT POLICY to the office will be kept under review. the fullest extent permitted by law I do not BASIS OF OPINION Investec Wealth and Investment Limited Sadly, it has not been possible to have our accept or assume responsibility to anyone My examination involved agreeing the advises the Society on an investment valued volunteers in the office and we are other than the charity and the directors, as balances disclosed in the summary financial portfolio. The agreed investment objective is considering how to enable their important a body, for my work or for this report. information to the full annual financial to maintain the real value of the portfolio over work to continue. We do hope to restart statements. My Independent Examiners time as well as provide an income. At 30 June outdoor volunteers checking routes soon. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES report on the Society’s full annual financial 2020, the portfolio’s value had increased by I want to thank all directors for their OF THE TRUSTEES AND THE statements describes the basis of my 3.2% since inception and the annual income contribution to the Society and in particular to INDEPENDENT EXAMINER opinion on those financial statements. was £9,000. In addition, the Society has salute the work of David Dixon and Douglas The Trustees are responsible for preparing an investment in M&G Charifund units. The Wright, who retire this year by rotation. the summarised accounts in accordance OPINION investment powers of the Society are general They have brought their own expertise and with applicable United Kingdom law and the In my opinion the summarised financial ones conferred by its Articles of Association. character to our work and deliberations. recommendations of the charities SORP. statements are consistent with the full David has tirelessly promoted the cause of My responsibility is to report to you my financial statements of The Scottish Rights PLANS FOR THE FUTURE bridge repairs and renovations and Douglas opinion on the consistency of the summarised of Way and Access Society for the year The Society will continue to act in pursuit of has been our representative on the National financial statements within the Annual Report ended 30 June 2020. its Objects in the coming year, as described Access Forum. We shall miss them both on with the full annual financial statements. above. In addition, a rolling 3-year plan is in the board but hope to continue to benefit from This statement, including the opinion, James Davidson CA four parts with significant costs earmarked their knowledge and skills as volunteers. has been prepared for and only for the 12 September 2020 through the designated funds: SMALL COMPANY • to challenge work practices, to enhance SPECIAL PROVISIONS Summary Financial Statements its information management and to re- The report of the Directors has been The summarised accounts set out on can be obtained from the Registered Office: configure its office; prepared in accordance with the special pages 8 to 10 are not the statutory 24 Annandale Street, Edinburgh EH7 4AN • to make the Society’s expertise and provisions of the Companies Act 2006 accounts, but comprise an extract of the or from our website, www.scotways.com. informed views available through the relating to small companies. information in the full accounts. The full The full accounts will be submitted publication and review of law guides and accounts were approved by the Board on to the Office of the Scottish Charities other material; This report was approved by the Board 10 September 2020, and the Independent Regulator in the near future. • to maintain access to land either through on 10 September 2020. Examiner’s report on the full accounts the work of its volunteers, including training, raised no concerns. R J Elliot, Chair or by making a financial contribution and R John Elliot Copies of the full report and accounts 10 September 2020 • to raise the Society’s profile to put it in a Chair

6 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 7 Abstract of accounts for the year ended 30 June 2020 Balance sheet as at 30 June 2020 Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) for the year ended 30 June 2020 2020 2020 2019 2019 £ £ £ £ Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Fixed assets Funds Funds 2020 2019 Tangible assets 104,081 104,441 £ £ £ £ Notes Investments at valuation Notes 347,863 362,941 Income from: ______Donations and legacies 1 38,282 15,000 53,282 171,864 451,944 467,382 Charitable activities 92,369 - 92,369 117,537 Current assets Investments 9,205 - 9,205 6,898 Stock 1,003 1,325 ______Debtors 19,470 17,976 Total 139,856 15,000 154,856 296,299 Cash in bank and at hand 151,248 272,885 ______Expenditure on: 171,721 292,186 Raising funds (3,164) - (3,164) (2,507) Creditors: amounts falling Charitable activities (240,421) (25,230) (265,651) (210,103) due within one year (23,235) (30,255) ______Total Expenditure (243,585) (25,230) (268,815) (212,610) Net current assets

148,486 261,931 Unrealised (losses)/gains ______on investments (2,466) - (2,466) 10,460 Realised (losses)/gains Total assets less current liabilities 600,430 729,313 on investments (12,458) - (12,458) - ______Reserves Net income/(expenditure) (118,653) (10,230) (128,883) 94,149 Unrestricted funds – General 326,314 386,518 Transfers between funds - - - - – Revaluation 11,844 26,768 ______– Designated 2 250,053 293,578 Net movement in funds (118,653) (10,230) (128,883) 94,149 ______588,211 706,864 Funds brought forward Restricted funds 12,219 22,449 at 1 July 2019 706,864 22,449 729,313 635,164 ______600,430 729,313 Funds carried forward at 30 June 2020 588,211 12,219 600,430 729,313 These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 10 September 2020. Terry Holmes, Director

8 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 9 Notes ANNUAL GENERAL 1. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES MEETING 2020 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2020 2019 £ £ £ £ AGENDA

Annual subscriptions 14,739 - 14,739 14,969 Life subscriptions 2,300 - 2,300 400 Corporate subscriptions 2,882 - 2,882 2,037 Local authority subscriptions 5,750 - 5,750 6,750 Donations 7,441 15,000 22,441 11,500 The Society’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 21 November Bequests and legacies 500 - 500 131,504 2020 at 11am by Zoom. Gift aid 4,670 - 4,670 4,704 ______At 10.30am, prior to the formal business, John Home Robertson will speak on 38,282 15,000 53,282 171,864 “Rev A E Robertson, 1870-1958; the first Munro ‘Compleater’; a director of the ______Scottish Rights of Way Society from 1923; and the man who ‘knew too much’ In 2019 income from donations and legacies was split £169,679 unrestricted and £2,185 about Highland rights of way.” restricted FORMAL BUSINESS 2. DESIGNATED FUNDS 1 Apologies Balance at Incoming Resources Transfer Balance at 2 To approve the minutes of the previous AGM 1 July 2019 resources expended between 30 June 3 To receive the Report of the Directors funds 2020 4 To receive the accounts. £ £ £ 5 To elect the Directors l David Dixon and Douglas Wright have completed their three year terms of office Office & information systems 117,614 - (84,990) 60,748 93,372 as a director and are not eligible for re-election, both having served three terms. Intellectual property 31,690 - (1,313) - 30,377 l Muriel Robertson and Katharine Taylor have each completed a three year term of office Outdoor projects 34,862 - (6,845) - 28,017 as director but are eligible and willing to stand for re-election, having served fewer than Profile raising 36,445 - (14,924) 2,557 24,078 three terms. Life members 6,182 2,300 - (1,058) 7,424 6 In addition to those standing for re-election, the Directors recommend the election of Property 66,785 - - - 66,785 Stephan Hennig, Helene Mauchlen and Tim Simons. 7 To appoint the Independent Examiner of the Accounts 293,578 2,300 (108,072) 62,247 250,053 8 Our 175th anniversary activities 9 ScotWays in action – what we’ve been doing, what we plan to do and how you can get involved 10 AOCB

Members are reminded that they may appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf if they are The draft minutes of last year’s AGM and the full accounts are available on the ScotWays unable to attend the meeting. The proxy form is available on our website, or on request from website. If you would like a paper copy, please get in touch with the office. the office.

10 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 11 Support three new directors Volunteer for us! If you have some time on your hands, we would appreciate your help started walking in Scotland as a member of Edinburgh University Mountaineering FOR the first nine months of our financial With the imposition of lockdown in March, Club. As a civil engineer, he has spent year, our volunteers were very active, both all our formal volunteering activity had most of his career with the Scottish Office/ the regulars in the office and a good number to come to a halt both within the office Executive/Government including a three- undertaking path and signpost surveys. and out of doors. No 175th Anniversary year secondment to the EU in Brussels. New signs were installed by volunteers in walks, path or signpost surveying or even He completed his first round of Munros in West Lothian, Fife and in various parts of envelope stuffing. As lockdown has eased, 1984 and the second in 2019, and has the Highlands. A survey found that City of we have been assessing the Scottish enjoyed walking along many Scottish hill Edinburgh Council contractors had removed Government advice and watching what other tracks and rights of way over 43 years. a ScotWays sign near Ratho during some organisations have been doing. At the time Shortly after retiring in 2017, he started construction work and had not reinstalled it. of writing, we have produced guidance for volunteering with ScotWays, Sustrans and After some discussion the Council agreed keeping everyone safe in restarting our the Edinburgh Bike Station. His wife is also to pay for and reinstall the sign. We also outdoor surveying activities which you can HELENE MAUCHLEN a double Munroist and cyclist and his three persuaded Scottish Forestry to improve find on the Downloads page of our website HELENE has been employed by the British grown-up children are also keen walkers access on a right of way near Knockhill, www.scotways.com/downloads and by the Horse Society since 1999 and is currently and cyclists. Fife, as part of which they installed a sign time you read this our signpost and path their National Manager for the British Horse for us. We were planning to run a signpost surveying activities should have restarted. Society in Scotland. She has undertaken their STEPHAN installation training day in the spring, which Sadly, we can’t say the same for our office national access role since 2013, representing HENNIG of course had to be cancelled. As there is volunteers. Working from home makes us horse riders on the National Access Forum STEPHAN is a no likelihood of this taking place for the all the more aware of everything they do to (NMU); defending off-road riding and educating civil servant foreseeable future, we are instead planning, help, since we are now having to do it all equestrians in responsible access. She works working for the along with Paths for All, a virtual training ourselves! As staff have yet to return to the hard at producing shared use resources with UK government session on signpost installation which we office it looks unlikely that volunteers will be other recreational bodies and champions and he deals hope will take place in January. back before 2021. There will be an update all-abilities access – as the horse is a high with maritime in our spring newsletter. spec user, if horses can get through so can emergency most NMUs. response; when a ship is involved TIM SIMONS in an accident TIM has anywhere at sea around the UK, he is in volunteered in the charge of dealing with any risk to safety office for several or risk of pollution. After completing his years and is degree in Germany, he moved to Scotland currently leading in 2004. For 15 years, Stephan worked the group working in Shetland and Aberdeenshire before on the new edition moving to Dollar last year with his partner of Scottish Hill and their two young sons. He enjoys Tracks. An active exploring the local area on walking, cycling mountaineer and and rafting trips with his family and tells cyclist since 1976 us that he can often be found pushing both in the UK and his mountain bike up one steep Ochil hill further afield, he or another.

12 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society 13 175 years recognised Christmas cards This year we have two new designs of Christmas cards, ‘Cairn Lochan’ We were delighted to hear from Andy understands that it is the oldest outdoor Wightman MSP in late July that he had recreation body in the UK; acknowledges by Bob Aitken and ‘Towards Beinn A’Ghlo’ by Richard Barron lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament that the first signposts erected by the to mark our anniversary. It read:- Association were in the Cairngorms in 1885, which led to conflict and the famous Motion S5M-22300: Andy Wightman, House of Lords case concerning Jock’s Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: Road in Glen Doll; welcomes the long 21/07/2020 history of legal action by the Association ScotWays’ 175th Anniversary to defend public rights of way, and wishes Message reads: Season’s Greetings the organisation well in its anniversary That the Parliament congratulates year and for the future. ScotWays on its 175th anniversary; welcomes its tireless work to uphold Twenty-eight MSPs put their names to public rights of access over this period; the motion in support of it, which was an notes that the organisation was founded excellent response. We’re very grateful as the Association for the Protection of to Andy and his MSP colleagues for their Public Rights of Roadway in Scotland; recognition of our auspicious anniversary. Notecards Notecards are Arklet Water, Inversnaid, by Arthur Shepherd and Union Canal at Slateford aquaduct, Edinburgh by Tom Watson

Blank for your own message LAF REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING Last Autumn, ScotWays, in conjunction with Ramblers Scotland, ran a very successful workshop to provide training and support for our representatives on local access forums (LAFs). Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, local authorities were to establish such bodies to advise them on and to help with disputes relating to the exercise of access rights, the existence and delineation of rights of way or core paths. Generally speaking, the access officer on each local authority runs/chairs the forum and ScotWays All packs contain 10 cards of a single tries if possible to have a representative on each one. The training session was attended design, size approx 15cm x 10cm, by about 50 people and it covered the role of LAFs, what was happening around the with envelopes. See the enclosed country, dealing with access issues and how different user groups felt about access. order form for more details. It was intended to repeat it this year, such was the demand, but of course the lockdown They cost £6 per pack. UK post and has put a stop. We plan to run it again when circumstances permit. packing is £2.10. PHOTOGRAPH: RICHARD BARRON

14 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 15 Mapping Scotland

DURING the year, two ongoing projects will The second project, the Slow Ways Project, be of interest to members. Firstly, Ramblers aims to map routes that connect settlements Scotland set up the project Mapping throughout Great Britain. Backed by Ordnance Scotland’s Paths which aims to fill the Survey, the project initially had volunteers paths blanks on the Ordnance Survey (OS) gathering to check routes but a new approach mapping by creating a digital map layer that was needed after lockdown. Using OS shows all the paths in Scotland. We are on Maps, Google Docs, Skype and Zoom, 700 the steering group for the pilot project which volunteers have been poring over maps 40 years of the focused on west central Scotland. to create a network of 7,000 routes that Using path information from a variety of stretches for 100,000km (62,137 miles). sources, including ourselves, local authorities Originally, the project results were to be West Highland Way and others, the group has mapped a path a digital overlay made freely available by A celebration of ScotWays supporters who made the Way a reality network of over 2,500km (1,553 miles). In the OS. Now there is a wish to see routes the West Dunbartonshire area alone more highlighted both on OS Outdoor Leisure THE sixth of October marked with his wife Margaret, who even been at least three than double the number of paths recorded on maps with a unique Slow Ways symbol the 40th anniversary of the is happily still very much novels with the Way as a the OS Outdoor Leisure maps were found. and on the ground. We wish them more opening of the West Highland with us. Tom conceived the central theme, including In the next stage, the project will expand success than ScotWays has had in having Way, in its time an entirely idea and surveyed the route one in French: and notably to cover more of Scotland and a small test our signposts shown, or Scotland as a new (and, strange to say of the Way, but rarely gets one from the indefatigable project will trial an on-the-ground auditing whole in getting core paths highlighted! now, controversial) form of the credit he deserves. Alex pen of Hamish Brown, a process. If successful, there may be another access provision in Scotland. Sutherland, who as Project ScotWays director from job for our path surveying volunteers! Richard Barron Probably none of those Officer with Highland Council 1975-83. present at the launch of the did much of the arduous WHW in a torrential rain at groundwork in negotiating SCOTTISH HILL TRACKS UPDATES Balmaha in 1980 anticipated and establishing the The northern section THE book Scottish Hill Tracks (SHT), first published in 1947, has seen five editions with that 40 years later the northern half of the route, of the West Highland the last update in 2011. It includes 344 routes covering some 4,591 miles (7,375km) of Way would have become a went on to give sterling Way runs along historic tracks across Scotland from Galloway to Caithness. Some routes are short, on the urban Scottish outdoors icon, an service to ScotWays as a rights of way where you edges and reasonably straightforward, but others are very long, crossing the whole internationally celebrated Board member from 1987 will find some of our country and in remote countryside, so there is something to suit all tastes and abilities. ‘must-do’ long distance to 2003. Bob Aitken (Hon oldest signs. Between Work started in 2019 to check if the existing SHT text is correct, but that was halted by route, enjoyed by thousands Vice-President & Director Bridge of Orchy and Fort Covid. A Steering Group has now been set up to oversee this work and we are looking for as of walkers each year. since 1997) wrote the William are four of our many volunteers as possible to survey the routes and report any essential changes required. This notable anniversary original ‘official’ guidebook, oldest cast metal signs. People may know particular routes well because they live locally, but volunteers may also gives us an opportunity now in its 11th edition; Three fingerposts and consider helping if they are going on holiday to a different part of Scotland or to pay tribute to several and the late Donald Bennet one plate, they date are passionate about the tracks in a favourite area of the country. people associated with (Board member, Chair & Hon from around 1920. If you or anyone you know might like to help with this project, please ScotWays who made notable President between 1989 Watch out too for the email [email protected] outlining the tracks or area you contributions to the creation and 2013) contributed the handpainted black and would like to survey. If volunteers don’t have the book then we can let you and evolution of the Way. photographs to the first white sign as you head have a digital or print version of the text of the relevant routes. Foremost among these is edition of that guide. down to Kinlochleven. We look forward to hearing from you! the late Tom Hunter, a long- Besides the plethora of Very easy to miss as it Tim Simons time member and active Way guidebooks and maps points towards Glencoe!

PHOTOGRAPH: BOB AITKEN supporter of the Society now available, there have

16 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 17 IMPLEMENTING ATLAS COMMENTS WELCOME! WORK to update the CROW software and bring We’re online! OUR Senior Access Officer Eleisha our disparate digital data sources together Fahy continues to represent has continued during the year, but in March Our website is doing very well, with Twitter and Facebook figures healthy too ScotWays in its work as part of took on much more significance than had been the Scottish Outdoor Recreation anticipated. The migration of information from our Alliance, an informal affiliation of old systems to the new one took place between outdoor recreation bodies working December 2019 and January 2020 and the new together towards their common system became partially operational in early interests. Together SORA has February 2020. developed a draft Manifesto for the The plan was to introduce the new system Outdoors ahead of the Holyrood slowly, build up experience and modify our elections in 2021. This draft processes as necessary. Then lockdown 4,010 1,576 45k manifesto has been circulated to happened, and everything changed. The the policy teams of the various Atlas Project proved crucial as lockdown was Twitter followers followers views per year political parties with an invitation imposed and it was brought into full operation to get in touch if they would for all enquiries. Processes were assessed and (up 7.8%) (up 24%) to the ScotWays like to discuss any of the issues developed and digital mapping brought into website mentioned. Some meetings have operation. Within three weeks the Atlas Project already taken place and we hope was being successfully used to manage the entire this will positively influence the ScotWays enquiry workload. content of the respective party Whilst the Atlas Project has been the saviour in Just some of the things we’ve manifestos. In due course, the final allowing ScotWays to operate fully from home, we We’ve been busy been involved with in 2019/20 version of the SORA manifesto have not yet taken it as far as we had hoped. Our will be circulated to all MSPs first priority was to ensure the desktop version TALKS EVENTS PRESS COVERAGE PARTICIPATION prior to next year’s election. For used by staff is fully working. those who are interested, SORA’s The next stage is to enable the web interface l Probus group at l National Library l St Andrews in l National Access draft manifesto is available from to allow our volunteers to add their survey results Royal Burgess Golf of Scotland online Focus Forum the Downloads section of the directly to the system without having to email or Club, Edinburgh presentation – May l Scottish Farming l Paths for All ScotWays website – comments are post the information to the office for staff to log. l North Bute l Local Leader welcome and may help inform the Then the plan for checking all the transferred data l Ramblers final version. can be revisited and we can get back on track Literary Society, Access Forum l Land Business Scotland, Mapping http://bit.ly/ScotWays_SORA again. We hope to provide an update on this at Rothesay representative Scotland’s Paths the AGM. l training – Blairgowrie Hill l September 2019 Scottish Outdoor Walking Club Access Network l Dundee Mountain GLENBORRODALE l Perth & Kinross Film Festival – l Scottish Outdoor PUBLIC access to the old drove road between Acharacle and Glenborrodale is currently Paths Group November Recreation Alliance hampered by obstructions like locked deer gates at the Glenborrodale end. ScotWays has training day been been working behind the scenes to support local and Council efforts to resolve the l Transport access issues here. As part of their efforts to uphold access rights, The Highland Council’s Scotland (THC) access team is investigating the route’s right of way status. Information is sought from consultations anyone who has used the route regularly and over a long period of time. If you have used this route in this way, but have not yet been in touch with THC’s Access Officer, Stewart Eastaugh, l COSLA – meeting we’d appreciate you contacting him: [email protected] September 2019 See: www.heritagepaths.co.uk/pathdetails.php?path=72

18 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 19 Corporate members 2020/21

COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEMBERS P: Polmaise Community Council Glenrothes Hillwalkers Club SPOKES B: Balfron Community Council R: Royal Burgh of Cupar Community Council Gorebridge and District Environmental Group St Leonard’s Rambling Club Benholm & Johnshaven Community Council Royal Burgh of Falkland & Newton of H: H F Edinburgh Walking Club St Monica’s Ramblers Bennachie Community Council Falkland Community Council Historical & Covenanters Trail Group Stirling Hillwalking Club Huntly & District Development Trust Stirling Rambling Club Blackford Community Council S: Strathard Community Council K: Kaimhill Strollers Two Strathaven Climbing Club Broughty Ferry Community Council Strathblane Community Council Kyle & Carrick Civic Society Strathearn Ramblers C: Cambuskenneth Community Council Strathmartine Community Council L: LP22 Geriatric Walking Club Strathearn Riders Access Group (StrathRAG) Carlops Community Council Symington Community Council Lumphanan Paths Group T: Tayside Walkers Catrine Community Council T: Tayport Community Council M: Markinch Heritage Group The Long Distance Walkers Association Cove & Altens Community Council W: West Lochfyne Community Council Midweek Walking Group Tryst Walking Group Crossford Community Council Monifieth Hillwalking & Rambling Club U: United Clyde Angling Protective Culross Community Council OTHER SUPPORTER ORGANISATIONS Mountain Bothies Association Association D: Dunpender Community Council A: Aboyne Paths & Tracks Group Muckhart & Glendevon Amenity Society W: Wilson’s Walkers E: Echt & Skene Community Council All Year Ramblers Club Muthill Paths and Walking Group Elderslie Community Council B: B T Hillwalking Club O: Ochils Mountaineering Club LOCAL AUTHORITIES G: Gargunnock Community Council Banffshire Field Club P: Paisley Hillwalking Club A: City of Aberdeen Council Gifford Community Council Biggar & District Community Heritage Paths for All Aberdeenshire Council H: Harthill & Eastfield Community Council Blairgowrie & District Hillwalking Club Peebles Gutterbluids Society North Ayrshire Council Heldon Community Council Border Bothies Association R: Ramblers Scotland South Ayrshire Council I: Inchinnan Community Council C: Cairngorm Club S: Scottish Borders Hill Walking Club B: Scottish Borders Council J: Jackton & Thorntonhall Community Caledonian Hillwalking Club C: Clackmannanshire Council Carnethy Hill Running Club Council D: West Dunbartonshire Council Central Tweeddale Paths K: Killearn Community Council East Dunbartonshire Council Cioch Mountaineering Club Kirkliston Community Council E: City of Edinburgh Council Craigencalt Rural Community Trust F: Falkirk Council Kirriemuir Landward East Community Crieff & Strathearn Drovers Tryst Fife Council Council D: Dunblane Development Trust G: City of Glasgow Council Kirriemuir Landward West Community Dunblane Rambling Club H: Highland Council Council Duncanrig Rambling Club L: East Lothian Council L: Ladybank & District Community Council Dunfermline Rambling Club West Lothian Council Letham & District Community Council E: East Kilbride Mountaineering Club M: Midlothian Council Lilliesleaf, Ashkirk & Midlem Community Easter Ross Rights of Way Association Moray Council Council Edinburgh & Forth C H A Club O: Orkney Council Low Valleyfield Community Council F: Ferranti Mountaineering Club P: Perth & Kinross M: Monkland Glen Community Council Fife Mountaineering Club S: Shetland Islands Coucil Muirtown Community Council Fife Walking Club Stirling Council Musselburgh & Inveresk Community Council Forfar & District Hill Walking Club N: Newburgh Community Council Friends of the Pentlands NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITIES Newport, Wormit & Forgan Community Friends of the River Almond Walkway Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Council G: Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust Cairngorms National Park North Berwick Environment Trust Glasgow Glenmore Club Forestry & Land Scotland North Kincardine Rural Community Council Glasgow Health Culture Rambling Club Scottish Forestry Glenboig and Moodiesburn Ramblers North Queensferry Community Council PHOTOGRAPH: RICHARD BARRON

20 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 21 Subscription increase Subscriptions SCOTTISH RIGHTS OF WAY THE new rates shown below took effect by Direct Debit AND ACCESS SOCIETY (SCOTWAYS) from the subscription year starting on HAVE you thought about paying your HON. VICE PRESIDENTS Bob Aitken, George Menzies 1 July 2020. subscription by direct debit? It’s a great DIRECTORS Old rate New rate way to do so and it saves you having to Bob Aitken (Edinburgh) David Dixon (East Lothian) from 1 July remember to change the amount you pay if John Elliot (Chair) (Edinburgh) Stephan Hennig (Clackmannanshire) 2020 our subscription rates change. We’ll always Terry Holmes (Edinburgh) David Langworth (Borders) Ordinary £25 £30 notify you before collecting any payments so Helene Mauchlen (Perthshire) Muriel Robertson (Edinburgh) Joint/family £36 £40 you will always be able to let us know of any Tim Simons (Edinburgh) Katharine Taylor (Edinburgh) changes and all payments are backed by the Concession £18 £20 Peter Wood (Edinburgh) Douglas Wright (Borders) Direct Debit Guarantee. Joint concession £24 £30 Interested? You can find a direct debit STAFF Life £400 Unchanged mandate on the Downloads page of our National Secretary and Treasurer Alison Riddell Joint life £500 Unchanged website, or contact the office and we’ll send Chief Operating Officer Richard Barron We are grateful to all members paying by standing you one. Senior Access Officer Eleisha Fahy order who have increased it to reflect new rates. To Access Assistants Lynda Grant those who have yet to do so, you need to contact Ashley Napier (until February 2020) your bank to amend the standing order: ScotWays Jane Gibson (from February 2020) cannot change it for you. For all categories of Shenja Erismann (from March 2020) membership, it is helpful if you confirm to us what Field Officer Karen Inkster category of membership you are paying. We are very grateful for your continuing support HONORARY ADVISERS John Mackay, John Pope for ScotWays and its activities, both financially and by giving your time to help us – thank you! Our volunteers Volunteers are essential in every area of our work. We have missed them SCOTWAYS WALKS PROGRAMME all during lockdown but hope to have them involved again in some way AT THIS stage of the year, we would before long. In the field, volunteers survey routes, help with signposting normally be keen to tell you about all and path clearance, and check on problems. Board and Committee our plans for next year’s members’ walks members are all volunteers, and we have volunteer representatives on programme so that you can keep your most local access forums. In the office, volunteers help with research, diary free for any that are of interest. You recording enquiries, our website and IT systems. will not be surprised to hear, we expect, that we have decided to delay confirming WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO THEM ALL detailed plans until the Spring. Much water will have flowed under many bridges by A company limited by guarantee. Company registration number SC024243 then and it is impossible to predict at Charity registration number: SC015460 the time of writing whether the official Registered Office: 24 Annandale Street Edinburgh EH7 4AN guidance will enable us to run our normal Telephone: 0131 558 1222 programme or what changes we may need to make. Email: [email protected] www.scotways.com Further details will appear in our Spring OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY newsletter in early March. The preservation, defence, restoration and acquisition, for the public benefit, of public rights of access in Scotland including public rights of way, and related amenity.

22 The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society Annual Report 2020 23 Cover photograph: rainbow over Dumgoyne from the West Highland Way near Arlehaven. By Richard Barron