Whether, under the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill, commercial companies operating in the countryside should seek agreement with the owner or m…

Section 9 (2)(a) of the bill excludes commercial activities from access rights created under the bill. Commercial businesses currently access private land only with the express or implied consent of the owner. When the legislation comes into force there will be no change in the way in which existing or new businesses operate. Guidance on access for commercial activities, including when the express agreement of the landowner should be sought, will be set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The code will also provide guidance for landowners in respect of access to their land for commercial activities.