What its response is to Professor Pete Higgins' oral evidence to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on 17 February 2026, in which…

The Scottish Government agrees that it important for every young person to be aware of, understand and actively use their access rights and responsibilities.The Curriculum for Excellence is a broad framework rather than a set of specific topics of study prescribed to all schools which means that it is not possible to prescribe specific topics. However, as indicated in Professor Higgins’ comments to committee, the curriculum framework includes an entitlement to Learning for Sustainability (LfS), which covers outdoor learning, sustainable development education and global citizenship. This provides opportunities for teachers to cover a range of sustainability themes, including the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).NatureScot has developed a SOAC Education Resource Pack for schools, containing educational activities that can be adapted for all age groups. The landing page for the resources includes a professional learning session with Education Scotland.Further information on Learning for Sustainability is available at:https://education.gov.scot/resource-themes/learning-for-sustainability/Further information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code Activity Education Resource Pack is available at:https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/act-and-access-code/education-resources