Please heed Scotland’s travel restrictions

There’s no doubt that we are blessed in Scotland with some of the best outdoor scenery and locations the world has to offer.
Soak in that view...but if you want to visit Mam Ratagan and Loch Duich and don’t live close by, please wait until after the lockdown ends. (Pic: ©FLS and courtesy of Colin Leslie)Soak in that view...but if you want to visit Mam Ratagan and Loch Duich and don’t live close by, please wait until after the lockdown ends. (Pic: ©FLS and courtesy of Colin Leslie)
Soak in that view...but if you want to visit Mam Ratagan and Loch Duich and don’t live close by, please wait until after the lockdown ends. (Pic: ©FLS and courtesy of Colin Leslie)

Arguably, that may make it harder for us not to explore our great outdoors – especially as lockdown continues and the weather gets better.

However, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has issued a stunning series of images this week to help those who are missing their favourite beauty spots.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Media manager Paul Munro is also calling on those who are still able to enjoy land and forests close to home for their daily exercise to follow the government’s social distancing guidelines.

Seven miles outside Inverness, Reelig Glen is a narrow, steep-sided gorge, cut by the waters of the Moniack, very popular for outdoor pursuits. (Pic: ©FLS and courtesy of Colin Leslie)Seven miles outside Inverness, Reelig Glen is a narrow, steep-sided gorge, cut by the waters of the Moniack, very popular for outdoor pursuits. (Pic: ©FLS and courtesy of Colin Leslie)
Seven miles outside Inverness, Reelig Glen is a narrow, steep-sided gorge, cut by the waters of the Moniack, very popular for outdoor pursuits. (Pic: ©FLS and courtesy of Colin Leslie)

He said: “At this time of year, we would normally be encouraging everyone to visit and enjoy all the forests and land was have to offer.

“However, as we all continue to do what we can in the national fight against COVID-19, we wanted to remind people of the restrictions on travel.

“While this is an inconvenience for many of us, it is a temporary and minor one that has a major contribution to make in the fight against coronavirus – helping to both slow the spread of the disease and support our NHS.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“No doubt even with lots of inventive ways of passing the time and keeping everyone entertained, people will look for some fresh air and perhaps a moment of calming silence.

In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park sits the beautiful Inshriach. (Pic: ©FLS and courtesy of Colin Leslie)In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park sits the beautiful Inshriach. (Pic: ©FLS and courtesy of Colin Leslie)
In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park sits the beautiful Inshriach. (Pic: ©FLS and courtesy of Colin Leslie)

“But when they do venture out for exercise, we would ask them to please stay local – follow Scottish Government advice and don’t drive.

People are more than welcome to visit one of our local forests if they can get to it on foot, bike or by wheelchair.

“However, please remember to follow social distancing guidelines if you do so.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

FLS manages forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports ministers in their stewardship of our national forests and land.

The organisation has decided to share a gallery of some of the most stunning land in its charge to remind people that these assets will be free to roam again, once the lockdown ends.

Paul added: “While you are perhaps not able to get out and about to your usual haunts at the moment, we wanted to reassure people across Scotland that our forests and land will be here to welcome them back when it’s safe to do so.”

For more inofmraiton, visit the website at forestryandland.gov.scot.