Far North MSP seeks stronger enforcement of the Outdoor Access Code

MSP David Green has called for stronger enforcement of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code after asking the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee to keep open a petition brought by his constituent, Robin Pettigrew.

The petition asks the Holyrood to make the provisions of the Outdoor Access Code legally enforceable and to restrict vehicle camping to designated areas. Mr Pettigrew, a Lochcarron resident, gathered more than 1,400 signatures.

Speaking in committee, Mr Green recommended that the petition be kept open, pointing to the pressure the issue places on communities along the North Coast 500 route, where farmers, landowners and local businesses are frequently left clearing up after visitors. 

He told members there is a considerable "onus on individuals" and called for "further parliamentary scrutiny" in the hope of "stronger enforcement measures".

The Committee agreed to keep the petition open and to refer it to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee. Members also noted Mr Green's recommendation that the Committee write to North Coast 500 Ltd.

To illustrate the scale of the problem, Mr Green cited figures uncovered by Scottish Liberal Democrats showing that 3,464 abandoned vehicles and 946 fly-tipping incidents were reported to Highland Council between 2020 and 2025, with only a fraction of cases resulting in a fine or prosecution. Reports of abandoned vehicles rose sharply over the period, from 327 in 2020/21 to 1,291 in 2024/25.

Speaking after the session, Mr Green said:

"I was glad to speak on behalf of my constituent on this issue”

“While tourism in the Highlands is important to our local economy, it is simply not acceptable that farmers and residents are left clearing up and paying for other people's waste."

He added:

"I welcome the decision to keep this petition open and I urge the Rural Affairs Committee to examine a framework which will hold offenders accountable."

Andrew Baxter, MSP, for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch added; 

“My Lib Dem colleague, David Green, is right to press for stronger enforcement. Tourism is vital to the Highlands, but farmers, landowners and local communities should not be left to clear up after visitors who ignore their responsibilities. I’m pleased the petition will receive further scrutiny.” 

ENDS.