sagart said:
Most possibilities are marked "no overnight parking"
sagart, are these council signs or the estates? if the estates how do they enforce it? does it contravene "the right to roam " act.
Council signs are non-enforceable in this specific area "Skye & Lochalsh
"List of Car Parks at 30.09.06 in the Skye & Lochalsh Area that we believe are the responsibility of TEC Services: Armadale, Bayfield - Portree, Broadford, Dunvegan, Dornie, Elgol, Kyle, Kyleakin, Plockton, Portree - Somerled Square and The Green, Raasay, Sconser, Uig.
Not public car parks: Lealt, Kilt Rock.
In terms of camper vans and parking we do not have height restriction barriers on entrances to any of our car parks but we also do not encourage overnight parking. Some car parks do have 'No Overnight Parking' signs erected but there is no actual enforcement of this carried out so the signs are there more as a deterrent.
There are no specific spaces designated for camper vans in any of our car parks. There are public toilets either sited in or adjacent to many of our car parks. However, there are no (toilet) waste disposal facilities in any of our car parks."
"Right to Roam" does not give "right to park" on private land, and I assume we are talking solely about the use of motorhomes (of whatever type)
1. I have heard that there is ‘freedom to roam’ in Scotland. What does this mean?
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (which came into force in 2005) gives everyone rights of access over land and inland water throughout Scotland, subject to specific exclusions set out in the Act and as long as they behave responsibly. These rights are sometimes referred to as ‘freedom to roam’.
2. What does behaving responsibly mean?
Behaving responsibly means acting lawfully and reasonably and not causing unreasonable interference with the rights and interests of others. A new Scottish Outdoor Access Code is the reference point for guidance on responsibility, both for land managers and for those exercising the rights.
The Access Code is wide-ranging in its content and gives detailed advice about different situations, but it will not cover all circumstances. Three basic principles underpin all the advice in the Code: respect the interests of other people, care for the environment, and take responsibility for your own actions.
3. Where can I get a copy of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003?
You can obtain a copy from The Stationery Office, or you can download it from:
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
4. Where can I get a copy of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code?
You can obtain a free copy from Scottish Natural Heritage’s Publications Section. Telephone: 01738 444177.
Or you can download it from:
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
5. What activities are covered by rights of access?
You can exercise access rights for crossing land and water, for recreational purposes, for educational purposes, and for some commercial purposes. There is no definition of ‘recreational purposes’, but the Access Code suggests a range of countryside activities that would be appropriate, including cycling, horse riding and wild camping. ‘Education’ is for the understanding of the natural or cultural heritage. Access rights apply above and below the land, and can be exercised in groups. The Access Code gives special advice on groups and events. You can exercise access rights at any time but you should take special care not to disturb local residents when close to property after dark.
6. What activities are not covered by rights of access?
Under the Land Reform Act, certain activities are excluded from the exercise of access rights: the use of a motorised vehicle or vessel (except special vehicles for disabled people); field sports; or when with a dog or other animal which is not under proper control. There is a right to cross a golf course, but not of recreation on it.
The legislation defines the right to camp as to tents
