Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is stepping up its response to quad and motor bike riders that illegally access trails in Scotland’s national woodlands. 

The warning comes as several riders were caught on FLS cameras at Glenglass and reported to Police Scotland. 

Colin Watret, Delivery Forester for the FLS team in the area said; 

“Using any motor vehicle on the trails that we manage is not only illegal but is also potentially hazardous for other forest users, our staff and the riders themselves.  

“The bikes can also churn up the ground quite badly, damage the local ecosystem and mess up the trails to the extent where they can become treacherous underfoot. 

“We had a few incidents at Glenglass where riders have not only took illegal access but also damaged locks, fences and gates in order to get their vehicles in to the woods.  

“Despite these riders knowing that they were not allowed access, they persisted in breaking the law so we installed cameras that recorded the illegal access. 

“We have since passed the images to Police Scotland and the matter is now in their hands.” 

Motorised vehicle access to Scotland’s national forests is illegal.

However, FLS is open to approaches from properly constituted clubs to discuss the possibility of giving limited-access permission. 

PC Luke Leslie, said;  

“Riding trail bikes on land without the necessary permission from the land owner is against the law. Riding on ground that has not been prepared or is not suitable for trail bikes could also present a serious risk of accident and injury to the riders and to members of the public. 

“We appreciate the support that FLS has given with the issues at Glenglass. Persons have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.”

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.