Local access forums are statutory advisory bodies which aims to deliver a balanced representation of land managers, participants in outdoor access, communities and public agencies.
The West Lothian Local Access Forum is a statutory, independent, advisory body set up in accordance with Section 25 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The Forum aims to deliver a balanced representation of members including recreational user groups (walking, cycling, horse riding, people with disabilities, water sport users, etc.), landowners/managers (farming, estates, businesses, forestry), local community groups and public organisations relevant to West Lothian. Members contribute individual experience, act as the voice of the interest group they represent as well as representing the wider access interest group . They channel information from the wider community to the Access Forum and disseminate information back to the wider community. By developing a consensual approach inclusive of all interests, the Forum provides advice and recommendations on outdoor access in West Lothian to the council and, via the council, to other persons or bodies.
The objectives of the West Lothian Access Forum are to:
to advise and assist on strategic access issues to the Council through the Access Forum
to advise and assist in the development, promotion, monitoring and management of the core path network in West Lothian through the policies and priorities of the West Lothian Core Paths Plan
to promote the sharing of knowledge, awareness and good practice in access
The West Lothian Access Forum meets to discuss and advise upon access matters, as well as supporting access improvements. Working groups, consisting of interested parties and Forum members, can be formed to address particular issues and projects.
The Forum meets three of four times a year, being a mix of TEAMS and face-to-face meetings.
I am experienced in path survey, design, construction and maintenance, and have worked with many local groups in this regard and was previously recognised by Paths for All as "Community Volunteer of the Year". I have been a member of the Local Access Forum for a number of years.
Michael Eagers - LAND MANAGER
I am the Head of Rural at Hopetoun Estates having worked at Hopetoun for almost 25 years. Hopetoun works hard to balance the competing requirements of a working Estate (and business) and the pressure and demands of legitimate access takers. I also represent the interests of Scottish Land & Estates.
Sandy Edgars - COUNTRYSIDE USER
I am trustee with Stoneyburn and Bents Future Vision Group, a local charity, managed by local community volunteers. The Group is a pro-active community organisation with the aim of improving facilities and provide educational and recreational opportunities for people of all ages in the villages of Stoneyburn and Bents.
Malcolm Hill - LANDOWNER /LAND MANAGER
I am a local farmer and landowner. I am a member of the Bathgate Community Council and a former member of the local Community Development Trust. I have been a member of the Local Access Forum for many years.
Pippa Plevin - COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE
I am a member of the Joint Forum of Community Councils in West Lothian which is the umbrella organisation for all Community Councils in West Lothian council area. The Joint Forum is well placed to coordinate community views on countryside access via our website, social media and meetings. The Joint Forum is well represented on a variety of forums across West Lothian.
Sammy Saunders - COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE
I have been a health walk leader at Beechbrae SCIO for the last 7 years. Beechbrae is a wildland based social enterprise and charity and works to support individuals who are struggling with mental health through getting outside and connecting with nature.
Jamie Smart [CHAIR] - LANDOWNER/LAND MANAGER
I am a local farmer. I have been involved in access issues in West Lothian for over 30 years and involved during the drafting of legislation introducing access rights to Scotland and also the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. I have been a Member of the West Lothian LAF for many years.
Jo Young - NATIONAL AGENCY
I am a Community Ranger with Forestry and Land Scotland. My main role is engagement with local communities, working with schools and mental health groups. I am currently also a Member of the West Lothian Partnership Against Rural Crime.
Cllr Alison Adamson - WEST LOTHIAN COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATIVE
I am a Scottish Conservative and Unionist Councillor and a representative of the Livingston North ward. I am amongst other posts on the Council a member of the West Lothian Licensing Board, the Public & Community Safety PDSP, Asset Transfer Committee, Environmental & Sustainability PDSP, Housing PDSP, Local Review Body and West Lothian Leisure Advisory committee.
Cllr Tom Conn - WEST LOTHIAN COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATIVE
I am a Labour & Co-operative Party Councillor and a representative of the Linlithgow ward. I am amongst other posts on the Council the current the Chair of the Environment & Sustainability Policy Development & Scrutiny Panel.
