Outdoor access
Exemption and Access Orders
Exemption Orders
Where an outdoor event may affect the public taking access in that locality, an exemption order may be required from us to exempt that area of land for the duration of the event and possibly periods immediately before and after the event.
We can exempt areas of land from access rights for short periods of time to enable admission charges for events such as sporting events, Highland games or fetes or for other reasons such as public safety or security.
Not all events require an exemption order. If the event is unlikely to obstruct a known public access route a temporary advisory note or diversion could divert people around the area without causing significant inconvenience. You should consider how serious the risk of non payment is likely to be as it may be possible to manage admission by charging for parking, a programme or some other service.
Rights of way are not covered by exemption orders.
People normally show respect for short term events such as open air weddings or funeral services and a public access exemption should not be necessary.
Current Exemption Orders
Black Isle Show Order 2023
The Highland Council in exercise of the powers conferred on them by Section 11 (1) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 ("the Act") hereby make the following Order:-
- This Order may be cited as "The Highland Council (Black Isle Show) Order 2023", and shall come into operation at 06:00hrs on Wednesday 2 August 2023 until 12:00hrs on Friday 4 August 2023 unless revoked earlier.
- The Interpretation Act 1978 shall apply for the interpretation of this Order as it applies for the interpretation of an Act of Parliament.
- The effect of the Order is to exempt land at the Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord shown delineated in black on the plan annexed and signed as relative to this Order, from the access rights which would otherwise be exercisable in respect of that land by virtue of Part 1 of the Act. Rights of way are not affected by this Order.
Sealed with the Common Seal of The Highland Council and subscribed for them and on their behalf by Stewart David Fraser, Proper Officer, at Inverness on the 30 June Two thousand and twenty three.
Stewart D Fraser, Head of Legal and Governance
UCI World Mountain Bike Downhill Championship Order 2023
Notice is hereby given under section 11(9) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 ("the Act") that on 4 July 2023 the Highland Council made The Highland Council (UCI World Mountain Bike Downhill Championship) Order 2023 ("the Order") under section 11(1) of the Act.
The effect of the Order is to exempt the DH Track, 4X Course, Trials Areas, Car Parks and Nevis Range Curtilage at the Nevis Range, Fort William from the access rights which would otherwise be exercisable in respect of the land by virtue of Part 1 of the Act. Maps of the exempted areas can be viewed at The Highland Council Service Point, Charles Kennedy Building, Achintore Road, Fort William, PH33 6RQ (Monday to Friday 9:30am - 12:30pm). Rights of way are not affected by this Order.
The purposes for which the Order is made are to reduce any risks to the public, staff and competitors; to reduce any risks to security during preparations for and during the event; and to allow a charge to be levied for admission.
The Order will take effect from 8am on Tuesday 1 August 2023 until 8pm on Saturday 5 August 2023.
Stewart D Fraser, Head of Legal and Governance
When you need to apply
Where an exemption order is for a period of less than 6 days the order can be processed by us. You should make your application to us at least four weeks before your event.
If the application is for 6 days or more
Where the application relates to periods of six days or more we must follow a formal consultation procedure and the application must be referred to Ministers for approval. You will therefore need to submit your application to us at least 16 weeks before your event.
- Exemption Order Guidance and Application Form (PDF Document)
- Exemption Order Application Form (Word Document)
- Current and Previous Exemption Orders
Access Orders
A Local Authority may use compulsory powers to delineate paths on land in respect of which access rights exercisable. A local authority, where they consider it impracticable to delineate a path by agreement under section 21 of the Act, may make an order (a 'path order') delineating it under section 22 of the Act. The local authority may make a path order only if they consider, having regard to the rights and interests of the owner of the land over which the proposed path passes and persons likely to exercise access rights on or over the land, it appropriate to do so.
The Highland Council (The Peffery Way at Mill Street, Dingwall) Path Order 2021
The Highland Council (The Peffery Way at Mill Street, Dingwall) Path Order 2021 was confirmed by Scottish Ministers on the 31 January 2023.
Confirmation Letter from Scottish Ministers
Copy of The Highland Council (The Peffery Way at Mill Street, Dingwall) Path Order 2021