The Scottish Countryside Code
We all enjoy pleasant, clean and safe surroundings. The Code will help in preserving the environment and enhance both your own and other visitors' journeys. Please remember that as well as being a place of recreation, the countryside is a working environment, and you should be watchful of the following.
Please respect their privacy and peace of mind, especially late at night, where your sudden and unannounced presence may cause alarm (emergencies aside).
Please close gates behind you - unless you wish to continue your journey with a herd of coos (cows) following you along.
Please look for alternative routes before entering a field with livestock.
Please note that cattle herds have been known to stampede, usually through fright. If such a rare occurrence happens, please try not to panic. Do not attempt to stop the cattle by facing them head-on, waving your hands and shouting. There is an increased chance of being trampled if you do so.
If you feel you cannot move out of the way quick enough, duck down and roll into a tight ball. This offers less body area to the cattle. Run if you feel that you can reach safety. If there is a tree nearby and you have time to climb it to reach safety, do so.
If you are caught in a stampede situation with a dog on its leash, please free the dog and allow it to run to safety. Quickly recall the dog after the stampeding herd has passed.
Farmers in Scotland have the legal right to shoot any free-running dog they believe is disturbing and alarming their livestock. In such instances, the dog owner has no redress through law. Please keep your dog on a leash at all times.
Please do not disturb, injure or destroy wildlife. Scotland is bound by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Please dispose of your litter. If there is no bin, takethe litter home with you and dispose of it there. Wild animals have been known to eat plastic bags. Please
clean up after your dog.
Please do not litter or damage historical sites, buildings or the surrounding environment.
Thank you.
