Originally known as the Scottish Countryside Access Network – SCAN, we were formed by Rights of Way Officers, Countryside Project Officers, Countryside Rangers, Countryside Planners, Access Officers and others in 1995 to discuss common issues and recognise and promote good practice. In May 2012, the organisation was renamed the Scottish Outdoor Access Network – SOAN.
The complexities of legislation, common law, and the sensitivity of access issues mean that people working within outdoor access need a unique range of skills. They need to be able to remain objective during rights of way disputes, to negotiate skillfully with landowners, the public and relevant authorities, to provide appropriate public access which caters for disabled people, water sports, cyclists and horse riders as well as walkers, to counter vandalism and repair damage, improve and signpost routes, maintain records, provide information, manage contracts and volunteers, balance budgets and more!
SCAN’s initial aim was to share best practice advice with front-line outdoor access staff. The network also provided invaluable support and guidance to policymakers leading up to the enactment of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. This role continues, but SOAN is keen to reach out to associated professionals whose remit enhances access to Scotland’s outdoors. Key sectors and topics such as active health, sustainable transport, anti-social behaviour, community planning and land management have all featured in our networking events.
Originally, all work was done in person and on the phone with paper newsletters posted to members. Today, our newsletters are electronic, our website provides a hub for people seeking help on their particular access issues and through the Knowledge Hub networking with like-minded professionals is always to hand.
How can you help SOAN? Your individual experiences of Outdoor Access in Scotland are a valuable resource from which others can benefit. You may hold the key to someone else’s problem. Your membership makes SOAN more representative of the people working to help improve the system. Your support can make a difference!