9 January 2025

Ramblers Scotland needs your help to persuade Scottish councils to invest in walking, paths and outdoor access. 

Sadly, during the past decade we’ve witnessed most Scottish councils squeeze the money they spend on walking.  

These cuts have led to fewer staff to support access, complaints about blocked paths going unanswered and insufficient funds to maintain popular trails.  

Right now, councils across Scotland are setting their 2025/26 budgets. 

Before the end of January, please email your local councillors asking them to properly invest in walking. That means having a clear pot of money identified to support outdoor access, which is no less than the previous year. 
 
In your own words, you may wish to urge local politicians to: 
 

• Employ dedicated access staff, to ensure they meet their legal duties 

• Support their Local Access Forum, so problems can be resolved 

• Invest in infrastructure like paths, signage and routes 

• Fund on-the-ground staff, such as rangers 

 

Councillors should be reminded that they have a legal responsibility for access to the countryside and green spaces in your area. Making it easy for people to walk for recreation in your local area has major benefits for communities’ health and wellbeing, at a very modest cost. 

We need your help to make these arguments, so please find your local councillors and spare just a few minutes to email them today! 
 
Always be concise, polite and clear about what you are asking councillors to do. It’s worth mentioning any local walking issues that affect you personally - and asking for feedback on what they are doing to boost walking in your area.  

Don’t forget to email your local councillors before the end of January! Thanks for your support. 

If you've any questions, or want to share any responses you receive from your councillors, please do email us at scotland@ramblers.org.uk.