Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 15/06/2023

Enjoying the outdoors responsibly

June marks the start of the busy visitor season. And with Scotland currently experiencing a heatwave, we've seen a rise in visitor numbers at sites across the country.

The majority of these visitors do respect the places and communities they visit. However, we have seen some examples of irresponsible behaviour in recent weeks. This includes careless parking, dirty camping and the use of disposable BBQs.

The arrival of hot weather has presented new challenges for water safety and wildfire risk with two major wildfires in the Highlands during the past two weeks.

 

How can you get involved?

Across Scotland’s visitor management groups, partners are continuing to work together to monitor and anticipate issues. Practical measures are being put in place, and marketing and communications activity adapted. All with the aim to educate visitors and residents on how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

We need you to help spread the message and share content with your visitors / communities, helping them to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. The more we talk about it, the more people will hear about it.

To help, we thought we’d highlight some of the current activity that you can share with your own visitors across your marketing and social media.

Partner campaigns

  • Water safety

    Spending time on or in the water is a great way to enjoy the amazing locations that Scotland has to offer. However, with every activity comes a certain level of risk. Water Safety Scotland has a wealth of advice available for you to share with visitors.

    It has produced a series of safety codes that offer important advice relating to a number of popular water-based recreational activities. It's vitally important for water users to be well-informed before undertaking recreational activities in or on the water.

    Browse the available advice on the Water Safety Scotland website.

  • Fire safety

    As we welcome in the better weather, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is asking you to help us reduce the risk of fire by taking some very simple steps. Whether off camping in the countryside, barbecuing with friends or enjoying a picnic, human behaviour can dramatically reduce the risk of fire.

    It has put together some useful guidance to ensure a safer summer for all. From information about deliberate fires to how to remain safe from fire when enjoying the countryside and advice on caravan and staycation safety.

    Find out more on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

  • Driving on the left

    The "Drive on the left" campaign sets out to help drivers stay safe as they embark on their journey in Scotland, by sharing useful information about Scotland's roads, which often differ from other countries, including how to navigate single-track roads and passing places.

    More on the campaign in our recent news article. 

    The campaign includes videos with tips and advice for visitors driving in Scotland. Subtitled versions are available in eight different languages, including Chinese, French and Spanish.

    Download the video from YouTube.

  • Responsible access

    Ramblers Scotland is leading a bold video campaign on TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram to educate beginners about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

    The #RespectProtectEnjoy films urge young adults to leave no trace. The films use puns and humour to address topical issues like disposable vapes, inappropriate campfires and disturbance of nesting birds. They have already been viewed almost one million times.

    Go to the Rambler Scotland Twitter page for more.
    (Please note this will take you away from the VisitScotland website.)

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