Johnnie Grant of Rothiemurchus said, "We welcome this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to open access at Rothiemurchus."

We work very closely with SNH to ensure that both the letter and the spirit of the new Scottish Outdoor Access Code are applied here. "Right to roam" is the English legislation, we have legislation for public access to Scotland’s outdoors, with rights and responsibilities for all.

Our 2006 Visitor Guide has gone to print following a review with SNH on every aspect of the information on access. Every detail has been agreed, down to the exact words, phrases, and format.

We have welcomed the discussion with SNH as the special nature of Rothiemurchus has highlighted many of the issues that are addressed by the code. This includes the importance of the ground nesting birds, deer management, and the potential impact of fire in such a key area on recreation, the tourism industry and jobs, as well as on the Cairngorms National Park and the natural heritage.

The 2005 Visitor Guide was printed at the time of the publication of the code with approval of Scottish Natural Heritage and included the following:- "As the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is new we will be reviewing our arrangements for 2006. Please let us have your views". Ninety thousand have been distributed.

In addition to this request staff have handed out over 10,000 feedback forms seeking comment. To date, we have had 1,100 responses, hundreds approving our access facilities but only one on the Access Advice before this one from the Ramblers.

Visitors are particularly happy with access for all abilities and the helpfulness of our staff.

As a result of our management policies, balancing our environmental responsibilities with visitor services, over three-quarters of the land on Rothiemurchus makes a significant contribution to the UK’s international biodiversity obligations. Last year, for example, we had the most successful breeding rates of the endangered capercaillie in Scotland.

As for a charge for supervised car parking at Loch an Eilein, this is part of our overall pricing policy which has to take account of the cost of providing the wide public benefits that Rothiemurchus delivers. It is estimated that Rothiemurchus welcomes over 250,000 visitors a year to enjoy this amazing place, of which an estimated 75% pay nothing at all. We offer a Friends scheme, where for as little as £1.50 a visitor is entitled to free parking at Loch an Eilein, discounts on activities and in the shops – and even an evening watching ospreys catching their fish supper at our Fishery."

Johnnie Grant concluded: "We are constantly striving to improve access to this amazing place, always bearing in mind the responsibility that we have to its wildlife and natural heritage."