from the Scotsman (3/2):
Bannockburn battle over right to roam
By Jeremy Watson
"Millionaire ordered to unblock paths as estate near historic conflict becomes land reform test
IT is close to the site of one of Scotland's greatest battles but has led a largely peaceful existence in the 794 years since.
But the Sauchieburn Estate just south of the Bannock Burn is now at the centre of a 21st-century conflict over access to land.
Stirling Council is about to serve enforcement notices on William Roddie, the millionaire landowner of the estate, ordering him to unlock gates that block paths that have been in use by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders for generations.
According to official council documents, the Glasgow property developer and landlord who bought the estate and its mansion house last year for £2m, has built the gates and adjoining 6ft fences, without planning permission, across a popular route past the gardens of his house out to a local beauty spot." ...
"The council, backed by walkers' groups, believe the obstructions breach the Scottish Parliament's Land Reform Act, which gives walkers the right to responsible access to property as long as they do not encroach on formal gardens.
Sauchieburn Estate is now set to become the latest testing ground for land access laws following high-profile cases involving newly rich entrepreneurs" ...
for the complete story
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment