Ahead of the May long weekend (22 – 25 May) Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is reminding people that all of its car parks and visitor facilities remain closed as part of Scotland’s response to the challenges of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Following the publication of Scotland’s route map through and out of the crisis (21 May), FLS is urging people to comply with the phasing announced and stay local for exercise.

The plea comes following Police Scotland interventions at an FLS forest in Fife, where a group of people – and several vehicles – had to be reminded of the current restrictions and removed from the site.

Simon Hodgson, FLS Chief Executive, said;

“Today’s announcement is very much welcomed; allowing outdoor activities such as forestry management to resume as part of phase 1 means a selection of our key outdoor staff will – with suitable measures in place - be able to get back to looking after our national forests and land, continuing FLS’s vital work.

“This is the first small step on a longer journey. We all need to continue to play our part in following the Scottish Government and NHS guidance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 such that, eventually, more of the restrictions can be relaxed.

“In support of that national effort to overcome this public health crisis - and for additional safety reasons - all FLS car parks, mountain bike trails and visitor facilities across Scotland will remain closed.

“Please continue to avoid unnecessary travel and stay local for your exercise – by visiting a woodland that you can get to on foot, by bike or by wheelchair.”

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.

2. forestryandland.gov.scot | twitter.com/ForestryLS

3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.