The Scottish Government will today (Thurs June 9th) debate whether new hill tracks and electrified deer fences should require planning permission. The debate at Holyrood will take place just after 5pm today and you can watch a live feed at this link.
The debate was secured by Labour MSP Peter Peacock following concerns raised by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and Ramblers Scotland about the number of bulldozed hill tracks appearing in the Scottish uplands, particularly in the Highlands.
The MSP for Highlands and Islands said the tracks could be constructed without planning consent when justified as being for agricultural, forestry or repair purposes. He said hill walkers and ramblers have highlighted growing concerns about the intrusion of these tracks into the natural landscape and the impact on otherwise wild land.
Mr Peacock has called for greater scrutiny of proposals for such tracks and deer fences within the planning system and would welcome the urgent mapping of tracks. Landowners have said that the tracks are not causing a widespread problem, that Councils will become overburdened if they are required to apply for planning permission, and that walkers and mountain rescue do use the tracks to access remote areas.