Shetland Outdoors

Shetland has a wealth of core paths, access routes and places to visit in our fantastic countryside. With spring finally here, we hope that more people will be heading out to explore them and this often involves taking a dog along.

The outdoors is essential for dogs and their owners. In Shetland, like the rest of Scotland, you can walk your dog on most land as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and keep your dog under proper control. Poorly controlled dogs are a serious concern for crofters and farmers, as well as other land managers and visitors to the countryside.

The main points to remember when you are out with a dog are:

• Don't take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals.

• Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals. If you go into a field of farm animals, keep your dog(s) on a short lead or close at heel and keep as far as possible from the animals.

• If you enter a field with cattle in and they react aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field.

• Do not let your dog approach people uninvited.

• Don't take your dog into fields of vegetables or fruit unless there is a clear path, such as a core path or right of way, and keep your dog to the path.

• During the breeding season (usually April-July) keep your dog on a short lead or close at heel in areas such as moorland, forests, grasslands, loch shores and the sea shore to avoid disturbing birds that nest on or near the ground.

• Avoid causing concern to others by keeping your dog close at heel or on a short lead in recreational areas or public places.

• Pick up and remove your dog's waste and dispose of properly.

More information on Shetlands core paths can be found at Outdoor Access and Core Paths – Shetland Islands Council Outdoor Access and Core Paths – Shetland Islands Council

More information on the Scottish outdoor access code can be found at NatureScot (outdooraccess-scotland.scot)