Implementation

Delivering the Core Paths network

Paths included in the adopted Core Paths Plan will immediately become core paths.   The Council has a statutory duty to ensure that core paths are accessible, signposted and promoted within two years of the adoption of the plan.  

It is expected that a number of the core paths will already exist in a state fit for purpose and ready for immediate use by a wide range of users. However, it is recognised that not all of the proposed core paths will exist or be in a satisfactory condition. Funding for these necessary works will have to be identified but it is envisaged that it will have to be phased over a number of years.

Promotion of the Core Paths network

The core path network will be extensively promoted via a number of channels including local on site bespoke signage, publicity leaflets and, at a national level, through identification of the routes in Ordnance Survey Land Ranger maps.  

Maintenance of the Core Paths network

Our objective is to achieve a popular and well maintained and managed network of core paths, which are signposted, barrier free, inspected regularly and kept in a condition fit for purpose. In order to achieve this objective it will be necessary to work in partnership with others, including public and private landowners.

East Renfrewshire Council already manages and maintains a number of the proposed corepaths and will continue to do so. In addition, a number of core paths will already be maintained by public organisations, including the Forestry Commission and Scottish Water.

Where an existing path in private ownership becomes a core path existing arrangements for managing and maintaining the path will continue. Granting of core path status will not change ownership or management responsibilities. However, the Council will seek to work with owners to improve existing paths in the interest of both the owner and users.

Sections of core paths that require to be constructed or upgraded may be eligible for grant funding, for improvement or maintenance, through various agricultural or environmental schemes administered by the Scottish Executive Environment Directorate, Scottish Natural Heritage or the Forestry Commission.

Keeping the Core Paths Plan under review

It is a requirement of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that the Core Paths Plan is subject to periodic review. It is envisaged that this first Plan will be reviewed within 5 years of adoption.

The adoption of the first East Renfrewshire Core Paths Plan is seen as the start of a core path planning process which will evolve and develop over the coming years.

As new paths are created they will be monitored and considered for inclusion within the core path network during future reviews