Castle Tioram

Scotland works differently from England: there are no Public Spaces Protection Orders here. Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 you have a right of responsible access over most land, and that right extends to you and a dog under proper control - so off-lead walking is normal rather than exceptional. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets what responsible means, and one part catches people out: during the breeding season, usually April to July, keep your dog on a short lead or close at heel on moorland, in forests, on grassland, along loch shores and on the seashore, because the birds there nest on the ground. Never let a dog worry livestock, and stay out of fields with lambs or calves. Fouling is an offence anywhere the public has access under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003, and Highland Council Community Wardens issue an 80 pounds fixed penalty. Sources: legislation.gov.uk Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003, outdooraccess-scotland.scot dog walking guidance and highland.gov.uk dog fouling page, checked October 2026.