Loch Lomond & the Trossachs Access Forum 2024 Recruitment

What is the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Access Forum?

The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Access Forum (the Forum) is an independent advisory group established by the National Park Authority (NPA). Its role is to provide independent advice to the NPA and the public on access matters relating to the implementation of Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (the Act) – i.e. Scotland’s public access rights on land and water. The NPA is an ‘Access Authority’ as defined by the Act and has the same access-related powers and duties as neighbouring local authorities. 

Access Rights

Part 1 of the Act created a right of responsible, non-motorised access over most land and water in Scotland. This covers most outdoor activities such as walking, horse-riding, cycling, kayaking, swimming and paddleboarding. The ‘responsibility’ element of access rights is defined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (the Code). This gives both the public guidance on exercising those rights, and land managers guidance on managing land where these rights apply. 

Purpose and Composition of the Forum

Forum members represent both access ‘users’ and land managers, as well as others with an interest in access, offering advice, on request, to the NPA and the public on access matters including core paths planning and issues associated with exercising and managing access rights. The Forum also provides input to strategic plans that connect with outdoor access and recreation in the National Park.

Time Commitment

The Forum meets formally up to four times per year and meetings are generally on a weekday in the early evening and last for approximately an hour and a half. Meetings are run on a hybrid basis, offering both online and in-person options. For Forum members, meeting preparation is generally limited to a small amount of reading. In addition to formal meetings, the Forum also takes part in occasional site visits to enable Forum members to see specific access issues in-person, or for training purposes. 

Who are we looking for?

Candidates for Forum membership should have a genuine interest in public outdoor access and recreation in the National Park, whether from a land management, recreationalist or community perspective, and be willing to work constructively and build productive relationships within the Forum for the good of all. 

General: 

• someone who enjoys taking part in recreational activities in the National Park (e.g. as a walker/wheeler, cyclist, horse-rider, paddleboarder, kayaker, etc), and/or is involved with an outdoor activity organisation; and/or 

• someone who manages or owns land and/or water in the National Park over which access rights apply, and/or who is involved with a land management organisation; and/or 

• someone interested in access and access management from another perspective, e.g. a community organisation, development trust or business.  

To ensure broad representation of interests, we are particularly seeking people who can represent the interests of one or more of the following:   

• Cyclists 
• Nature and wildlife 
• People with disabilities 
• Local businesses and or communities  

One person may of course represent more than one of the above interests and we welcome this. 

Application process and further information 

If you are interested in joining the Forum, please fill in the application form including information about the areas of interest you may be able represent. If you are unable to access the electronic form or would prefer to apply offline, please contact us at the below email address. 

If you would like to talk to someone about the role before applying, please email accessteam@lochlomond-trossachs.org, marking your email ‘LLTAF Recruitment’. A member of the Access Team will get back to you to provide further information on the role and the appointment process. 

In considering applications we will first seek to ensure that the successful candidates are able to represent one of the areas of interest not currently covered by existing Forum members. In the event that there are no candidates able to represent these areas of interest, we will consider appointing candidates with general relevant interests. 

What we are looking for… 

…from all applicants:

• General interest in outdoor access and recreation in the National Park whether as land manager, access ‘user’ or from another perspective. 
• Basic awareness of Scottish outdoor access rights and responsibilities/Scottish Outdoor Access Code 
• Positive, open-minded approach and a willingness to engage constructively in discussions and work towards consensus. 
• Willingness to attend meetings and site visits, and take part in training, as appropriate.* 
• A basic understanding of the role of the National Park Authority and a broad awareness of the dual climate change and nature crisis. 

*Every effort will be made to hold meetings and events at times that are most convenient for Forum members. 

Specific interests sought (one or more of these):

• Off-road cycling in the National Park (e.g. mountain-biking, gravel-riding, off-road e-biking).
• Nature and wildlife, incl. nature recovery. 
• People with disabilities (you may be someone with experience of a mobility or other impairment, or you may be able to represent the interests of people with disabilities). 
• Experience of local business and or community. 

For further information about the purpose of the Forum and the role of Forum members, please read the Summary Terms of Reference. Full Terms of Reference can be provided on request.