Shetland Outdoors

Exploring Shetland Responsibly: Embrace the Freedom of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003

Thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, Shetland residents and visitors alike can enjoy responsible access to most of Shetland's land. This Act empowers everyone to experience the outdoors, provided they act responsibly and adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Understanding the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is built on three fundamental principles:

• Respect the interests of others: Be considerate of the people living and working in the area, as well as other visitors.
• Care for the environment: Protect and preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of Shetland.
• Take responsibility for your own actions: Ensure your activities do not harm others or the environment.

Where Can You Exercise Your Access Rights?

Scottish access rights extend to a variety of landscapes, including:

• Hills and moors
• Woodland
• Beaches and the coast
• Rivers/burns and lochs
• Parks and some types of farmland

These access rights cover a wide range of activities such as walking, cycling, climbing, horse-riding, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife watching.

Areas Where Access Rights Do Not Apply

While the Land Reform Act provides extensive access rights, there are sensible exceptions to ensure privacy and safety. Access rights do not apply to:

• Houses and gardens: Respect the privacy of residents.
• Other buildings and their yards or compounds: Avoid disrupting businesses and workplaces.
• School grounds: Ensure the safety and security of students.
• Activities such as shooting, fishing, or access with motor vehicles: These require specific permissions.

Enjoying the Outdoors Responsibly

When exploring Shetland, it's crucial to behave responsibly and follow the guidance set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This ensures that everyone can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of Shetland for generations to come.

For more information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and how to make the most of your access rights, visit NatureScot (outdooraccess-scotland.scot).

Springtime is the bird nesting season in Shetland and there are many ground-nesting birds inland and around our coastline.  Please take steps to avoid disturbing wildlife, avoiding any obvious nesting areas and keeping dogs under close control. 

If you have any queries or encounter any access issues while out exploring Shetland please do not hesitate to contact the Shetland Islands Council’s outdoor access officer via: outdooraccess@shetland.gov.uk or telephone 01595 744 169.