Rural Payments and Services

Important Note: Improving Public Access (IPA) guidance for applicants and scoring has been revised for the 2021 round, which opened for applications on 1 March 2021 and closes on 30 June 2021.

This section describes the scoring criteria we will use for assessing applications with Improving Public Access options.

The score sheet template is available separately for download (see below).

This is about the physical links created between the path proposal and other paths and places.

Your path proposal will score points depending how well it meets of the following criteria:

• improves a core path(s) (see the local authority or national park authority for core paths plan details).
• improves a path(s) connecting directly to, a core path or linking up two core paths
• improves a path that forms part of, or creates a better alternative to, a national route either one of Scotland’s Great Trails or a National Cycle Network route.
• improves or creates a path(s) that link directly to or between local path networks or strategic long distance paths or trails.
• improves or creates path(s) to points of interest such as scenic viewpoints, beaches, loch shore, river banks, natural, historic or cultural features

This recognises the value and benefits that can result from the paths proposal.

Your path proposal will score points depending on how well it meets the following criteria:

• proximity of the path proposal to settlements, visitor or community hubs, car parks, active travel routes, bus stops or train stations.
• proximity to national parks, national scenic areas, designed landscapes, local or national nature reserves, regional parks, country parks or local landscape designations
• value for money considering costs and design of the path proposal in relation to potential or existing user requirements
• potential to manage existing access pressures
• potential to grow levels of use
• contribution to the delivery of access and recreation priorities such as access strategies, community action plans etc
• support from the local community and/or interest groups

All proposals must aim to provide accessible, barrier-free and good-quality paths that provide for shared multi-use, encouraging access for walkers, cyclists, riders and wheeling. .

The criteria is designed to recognise the extent to which the path proposals delivers a wider range of benefits and access opportunities through:

• removal of existing barriers to access such as stiles, kissing gates, fences and steps
• installing access solutions to natural barriers such as steep gradients, boggy ground and water-courses.
• provision of infrastructure that enhances and encourages use of the path through the provision of informative signage and seating as resting points.

This assesses the quality of the path proposals, taking into account how well they are designed and how well they provide for and enhance the quality of experience for the user, or potential user.

Your path proposal will score points depending how well it meets the following criteria:

• design of path proposals that maximises the quality and availability of landscape views
• provision of adequate drainage to protect the path
• design of path proposals that have a good landscape fit such as incorporating natural or heritage features and avoiding long straight-lines

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