How to Report a Problem

Aberdeenshire Council has a statutory duty to assert and protect public rights of responsible access.

We work with Scottish Natural Heritage to publicise and promote understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

We receive many outdoor access related enquiries each year and always try and encourage dialogue between the parties concerned as a first step to resolving difficulties.

When cases prove more difficult to resolve the Council will attempt to find a solution that is satisfactory to all parties.

In all access cases, Aberdeenshire Council will seek an amicable resolution. If this fails then the Council has statutory powers to enforce remedial action and recover any costs incurred.

Reporting a Problem

You can contact Aberdeenshire Council Access staff or a member of the Council's Ranger Service for advice on any access related issue by phone, email or in writing using the contact details below.

For issues which require further investigation, the Council use the following procedure:

• You will be asked to complete an Access Issue Form which we will send you or can be downloaded
• We will acknowledge receipt of the completed form
• The case will be assessed and allocated for investigation
• You will be informed about the progress and outcome of the investigation.
• Access Issue Form (pdf 129kb)

We have to assess cases so that urgent ones can be dealt with quickly

• Cases with an immediate health and safety risk and/or numerous complaints, investigation normally initiated within 2 weeks
• All other cases will be investigated as time and resources permit, normally within 12 weeks.

Contact

Council Access staff cover the whole of Aberdeenshire but not the area that lies within the Cairngorm National Park or Aberdeen City

Outdoor Access Officer South (covering Garioch, Marr and Kincardine and Mearns) Tel: 013398 85731

Outdoor Access Officer North (covering Formartine, Buchan and Banff and Buchan) Tel: 01467 628481

Countryside Ranger Service

Email: outdoor.access@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Planning and Environmental Services (Environment Team) Aberdeenshire Council, Gordon House,

Blackhall Road

Inverurie AB51 3WA