The discussion about access to the countryside in England and Wales would benefit from a more accurate use of language (‘Gates left open and crops destroyed’: the risks and benefits of right to roam, 26 December).
We in Scotland do not have a “right to roam”. What we have is a “right of responsible access” to the countryside. Exceptions, and the rights and responsibilities of both landowners and access takers, are defined within the Land Reform (Scotland) Act and the associated outdoor access code.
Of course there are still problems with people who either don’t know of or don’t care about their responsibilities, but at least the act makes it clear that there is no blanket right to go anywhere without any consideration for others.
I write not as a landowner but rather as someone who enjoys the access that is available to me under this legislation.
Fiona Zeiner
Musselburgh, East Lothian
