Islay Community Access Group

Islay Community Access Group was formed in 2001 to help provide a link between land managers and the general public in parts of Islay where there was the possibility of conflict between the two. Following a wide-ranging consultation involving all parties, several popular areas were identified where small changes could improve public access while safeguarding land management. These included a variety of work such as provision of pedestrian gates to prevent damage to fences, discreet signage to guide walkers away from sensitive areas and provision of car parking at popular beauty spots.

In Phase II of Islay Community Access Project, as well as continuing this programme of work, the Group has taken an active role in promoting the health benefits of walking, and in encouraging more people to enjoy Islay’s outdoors. This has been achieved by the introduction of Walkaboutabit – part of the nationwide Paths to Health scheme, which encourages and supports people who have been inactive - and Walkaboutabitmore, which provides more challenging weekend walks. Islay Community Access Group encourages responsible access to the countryside and actively promotes the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at all times. Members of ICAG play an active role in supporting the work of the Project Manager, and provide a link with interested parties across the island.

Our constitution describes why the ICAG was formed and sets out our objectives as follows:

Improve the quality of life for those who live on Islay and those visiting Islay by creating a safe and accessible range of opportunities to access the countryside for recreation and enhanced health and well being.
Advance education about environmental and cultural aspects of the countryside
Increase learning opportunities about safety and accessibility of the countryside for all.
Increase community benefit, involvement and interest in responsible access to the countryside.

Membership of ICAG is open to any individuals of 17 years and over and to any local voluntary or other non-profit organisations who are interested in furthering the work of the ICAG. For further information, please download our constitution from here (PDF, 100Kb in size).

If you need to contact us, please get in touch with Lindy MacLellan by e-mail or at the address below.

Lindy MacLellan
Project Officer
Islay Community Access Project
c/o Islay Servicepoint
Jamieson Street
Bowmore
Isle of Islay
PA43 7HP
Phone (01496) 301338

We look forward to hearing from you!