Core Path Planning

The Final Draft Core Paths Plan is now available for consultation.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 places a duty on the Council to develop a Core Path Plan within three years of the Act coming into effect. The Plan will be sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout the county and may include existing designated routes such as rights of way and public paths.

It is presumed that in exercising their new right to responsible access, most people will prefer to use clearly defined paths. Identifying a network of Core Paths will not only help the public to enjoy the outdoors, but also assist landowners and farmers in the management of access, particularly over agricultural land.

Final Draft Core Paths Plan Cover The final draft of the Core Paths Plan has been developed through previous consultation with local communities, the Access Forum, Scottish Natural Heritage and other key stakeholders.

The Final Draft Core Paths Plan and associated Strategic Environmental Assessment are currently open for public consultation. Comments on the contents of either document must reach us by the 13th October 2008. The final consultation exercise will again provide everyone with the opportunity to raise any objections they may have to, or to voice their support for, the Plan.

Timetable for Core Paths Plan
21 July 2008	Step 8 - Publish Final Draft Core Paths Plan; Consultation Opens
13 October 2008	Step 9 - Consultation Closes
From Oct 2008	Step 10 - Analyse representations/objections Step 11 - Resolve objections/inquiry Step 12 - Adopt the Plan

Should you wish to review the prrevious version of the core path plan from October 2007 and its associated consultation responses, copies of the documents have been archived on our website.