Name change for access trust

CAIRNGORMS Outdoor Access Trust has had a recent change of identity to reflect the growth and expansion of its activities throughout Scotland.  Now called Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, this innovative environmental charity is working to develop an access management strategy across both of Scotland’s National Parks and to develop new initiatives across Scotland. 

Building, restoring and maintaining paths, training people in conservation and managing a Scotland-wide volunteering scheme are just some of the activities the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland is involved in.

Fast approaching its 20^th year, the trust has an impressive record throughout its history with over 24km of mountain paths having been restored last year alone and another 100km of repairs planned over the next three years.

Dougie Baird, Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland CEO said: “Scotland’s two National Parks are immensely popular and play host to over 5.5 million visitors each year. Unfortunately, these huge numbers of visitors, along with our Scottish weather, creates serious erosion of mountain paths and the destruction of nearby habitats.

As Scotland’s primary outdoor access trust, we are now working with both National Parks as well as Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and a host of grant awarding bodies, to conserve our unique upland mountain landscape for future generations to enjoy.”

With fourteen new trainees due to start the SQA accredited course in Environmental Conservation, a new Director on the Board, a vast programme of volunteering opportunities and a huge geographical increase in its area of operation, the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland is here for the long term. 

To find out more about the trust and its work as well as to get involved in volunteering opportunities, please either visit its website or give them a call on 013398 87777.