[Narrator] We’re here from Canada to roam
Scotland, looking for a perfect beach,
unfurling our tent wherever it strikes us,
then grabbing our boards and heading into
the surf, with no fear that someone will
accuse us of trespassing. There are few
places in the world where we can do this,
where we have a legislated right to roam,
with respect, across a privately owned farm,
Queen Elizabeth’s Scottish castle,
and even through Donald Trump‘s golf links.
Something that completely surprised
Trump when he built the golf course.
It’s a heady experience, when you come
from a place where you’re normally
confined to government
or private campgrounds.
The right to roam, as it’s informally
called, has its roots in the Scottish
belief that there really is no
such thing as trespassing.
Which in turn likely stems from an ancient
custom, the idea that natural resources
are not privately owned,
but held in common.
Private property was, at one time, a
radical concept. And when it reached
Scotland, lives changed drastically.
These abandoned stone shelters
are visual reminders of that time.
And reminders that a massive land
grab booted many Scots off the land.
It didn’t take us long to meet the
sinister creatures that forced thousands
of Highlanders into cities, crofting
villages, and even to other countries.
Admittedly, some left for better economic
opportunities. But still, sheep ushered in
a new era. How did this mild mannered
creature pretty much change the world?
Once upon a time, land and resources were
held commonly. Private, individual ownership
as we know it today did not exist. But around
the 16th century, rising wool prices in
Europe led to a land grab in England,
which helped launch the concept of private
property. Those quick enough to act on
the changing economic winds began
enclosing what had been a common resource,
and evicted people by the thousands.
By building stone walls, or planting
hedges, and keeping sheep and their
manure, a potent fertilizer, in one place,
some people became very wealthy.
Land, once community controlled,
suddenly became a means to wealth
and power for individuals
and their descendants.
By 1900, half of the Scottish highlands
were held by just 15 landowners.
Legislating the right to roam was
the Scot’s attempt to keep access
to land in public hands.
Each time we set up camp, we ask
permission. And we were only once
turned away, from a meadow easily eroded.
The villager apologizes and sends us over
the hill to a location much better
for paddle boarding.
We share the beach, and some scotch,
with another couple of roamers,
and the bay with a couple kayakers.
The value we place on Scotland’s right
to roam legislation has no price tag.
The beautiful places and beautiful
views belong to everyone.
We can’t help but think that this equal
access nourishes societal ties and
fosters a sense of democracy.
