§ 27. Lord John Hopeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the footpath leading from Dreghorn Loan, Colinton, to the Pentlands has been closed to the public; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StracheyThis footpath passes over War Department land and is not a public right of way, but for some years the War Department have allowed the public to use it. Recently persons using the footpath have trespassed on the adjoining land, looted and damaged War Department property and interrupted firing on the ranges. It has therefore been closed to the public. The War Department are taking up with the local authority and the Public Rights of Way Association the possibility of reopening the footpath with appropriate safeguards.