Commencement of Act
Part 1 of the Act and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code came into force on February 9 2005.
The Scottish Executive has published Guidance for Local Authorities and National Park Authorities on their duties and powers under the Act. This Guidance was issued in February 2005, following a consultation process.
In February 2005 a modification Order under section 8 of the Act to amend section 7(10) of the Act was approved by the Scottish Parliament after consultation in order to clarify that access rights apply to forests and woodlands.
Under section 30 of the Act access authorities had to have reviewed any byelaws relating to public access and ensured they are consistent with the Act by February 2007.
In March 2007 Path Orders Regulations were approved by the Scottish Parliament, setting out the form of Path Orders which access authorities use to delineate paths under Section 22 and Schedule 1 of the Act. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (Path Orders) Regulations 2007 are now available.
Access authorities must draw up a draft core paths plan by February 2008 under section 17 of the Act.