Outdoor access

Local Access Forums in Highland

We have 6 Local Access Forums across Highland. They advise us on countryside access and help resolve disputes about:

  • access rights
  • rights of way
  • core paths plans

Forum membership

Each forum includes:

  • up to 9 members
  • 2 councillors (3 in Inverness and Nairn)
  • a representative from the Local Disability Access Panel

Members are selected to represent:

  • land managers – estate owners, farmers, crofters, foresters
  • access users – walkers, cyclists, horse riders, canoeists
  • community groups – community councils, environmental organisations, local path development groups

Forums can also:

  • set up sub-groups to investigate specific issues
  • invite specialist advisers when needed

How forums operate

Forums follow a set of principles called Standing Orders. These guide how meetings are run and ensure they are open, fair and transparent.

Members must follow a Code of Conduct to support ethical and respectful discussion.

View Local Access Forum documents

Forum areas and meeting minutes

Meetings are open to the public. You can read the minutes for each area:

Page last modified: 30 January 2026