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Orkney Local Access Forum - OLAF

The Land Reform Scotland Act 2003 requires each Local Authority to set up at least one Local Access Forum to advise it, any other person or body who asks for advice, on issues that arise in relation to the management of outdoor access. Local Access Forums have a key role to play in outdoor access. It is hoped they will become valued new local institutions – independent, expert and trusted – that can help access authorities, land managers and access users.

When the Act came into effect, the Orkney Countryside Committee took on the role of the Local Access Forum and became the Orkney Local Access Forum and Countryside Committee - OLAF.

OLAF is a partnership between agencies, users, land managers and the community which undertakes a range of core tasks including:

• Reviewing local implementation of the new access legislation and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
• Assisting Orkney Islands Council in meeting its duties to prepare an access strategy and to identify the core paths network for its area.
• Working with OIC to develop local advice for the public and land managers on their responsibilities.
• Assisting with the promotion of responsible behaviour by the public and land managers, eg by advising on the development of local outdoor codes, publicity, education, interpretation.
• Acting as a formal consultee on issues such as diversion and closure of paths.
• Assisting with the resolution of any disputes that arise.

For further information please visit the OLAF website available from the 'Related Sites' section of this webpage.