Local access forums are advisory bodies established under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Every access authority (local authority / National Park authority) has one or more forums for their area.
The functions of the local access forums include:
- Providing the access authority with advice and assistance in the discharge of their duties and functions under the Act
- Offering advice and providing assistance in cases of dispute, for example, concerning the exercise of access rights
Membership of the Forums are determined by the following criteria:
- Members of these local access forums will be appointed by access authorities
- Access authorities are required to ensure that a balance is achieved of land management and recreational interests on each forum
- Membership of each local access forum should reflect local circumstances