Old Bill wrote:So are all the signs on the Glen Nevis Estate stating "NO CAMPING" or "Camping by permit only" really just asking politely if you'd rather not camp there rather than a legally enforceable ban?
They are not legally enforceable. Camp as you like in Glen Nevis. When in doubt, read section 2.11 of the access code. It's all there.
Camping is not "banned" in Glen Coe or Glen Nevis, as no private landowner, including NTS, has the power to do so (unless their land falls under any of the categories in section 2.11 of the code). The only place in Scotland that has a legally enforceable camping ban is east Loch Lomond. Everywhere else the Outdoor Access code applies. It's a very straightforward piece of legislation. If you're into legislation, it could be described as elegant, and probably the best of its kind in the world, especially considering the freedom it affords those who are responsible.
As for layby camping there is nothing in the access code which prohibits it, however, it many instances it would not be responsible to do so, and thus your access rights would not apply. Placing yourself close too close to a road would endanger yourself and pose a hazard, so just use common sense. Parking in the layby and camping off to the side? That's allowed for sure. Same goes for Glen Nevis, despite all those nonsense signs - there are various reasons that you wouldn't be allowed to camp somewhere, detailed in section 2.11 of the code. Like I said, it's a brilliant piece of legislation -
http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/sites/default/files//docs/Scottish_Outdoor_Access_Code_-_Part_2_Access_rights.pdfReferring to it has been my go-to move at work, and it has never failed yet. This has even included persuading people that they are not allowed to walk their dog up downhill bike trails (duh).
Sorry to resurrect this thread, but since it pops up on the first page of google, it's worthwhile clarifying.