You may have seen this BBC article about the issues that Highland Council Access Rangers faced last summer.  

Irresponsible behaviour does have a huge negative impact on local people and the environment and is what stands out, but the good news is that, as this report states, the majority of people do want to behave responsibly and respectfully. Access Rangers make a real difference. As this report finds, their presence helps reduce instances of irresponsible behaviour by educating people, supports local communities, and protects fragile landscapes. If we want these benefits to continue, long‑term funding for services like these is essential. 

 The full Highland Council Seasonal Access Rangers Annual Report 2025 can be found here.

To help to protect Scotland’s outdoors, follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Image: Iain Dow