The Role of the Forum
Members of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum are selected on the basis of their relevant knowledge, skills and experience of outdoor access. The selection process is based on written applications and co-coordinated by CNPA staff, the Convener of the Forum and a Board member. The purpose of the selection panel is to ensure that the process is fair, transparent and accountable. Members are appointed to the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum for a period of three years, with a maximum term of six years. Recruitment takes place in February/March of each year and adverts are placed in all the local papers around the Park, inviting applications.
Applications are scored against the following criteria:
- Understanding of the outdoor access legislation
- Good knowledge of outdoor access from one or more of a land management, recreation or community perspective
- Knowledge, skills and experience of outdoor access-related initiatives
- Appreciation of access issues in a Park-wide context
- Ability to network and work collaboratively with others in building consensus
The Forum is structured in the following way:
| Sectoral Interest | Number of Members on the Forum |
|---|---|
| Recreational Use | 5 |
| Land Management | 5 |
| Community Interests | 7 |
| Public Agencies | 3 (Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and sportscotland) |
| CNPA Board Member | 1 |
| Total | 21 |
The objectives and functions of the Forum are:
- To act as the local access forum for Cairngorms National Park and to undertake the functions of that body in terms of Section 25 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003;
- To advise Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) on strategic access issues and the drawing up and adoption of a Core Paths Plan in terms of its responsibility under Section 17 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003;
- To advise the Authority in the preparation of its Outdoor Access Strategy;
- To advise the Authority and any other person or body consulting it, on the existence and delineation of rights of way and the exercise of access rights;
- To promote responsible access and land management through assisting the Authority in publicising the Scottish Outdoor Access Code;
- To promote discussion and the sharing of knowledge, awareness and good practice in outdoor access matters;
- To support the provision of infrastructure that improves responsible access to the countryside for all; and
- To offer advice that will assist in the resolution of outdoor access disputes.
