I just want to touch base to make sure I don’t start my trip to Scotland off the wrong way. I wish to verify what is all considered CEC land for the purpose of needing advance permission to take off while in the city center beyond all basic CAA regulations. For example, when I was in Northern Ireland a few days ago I was able to launch from most sidewalks or city parks with no issue using my Dji Mini 4k.
Wasn’t sure if this was the right category but just wanted some guidance before tomorrow, as I scout out spots this afternoon. Thanks in advance from a traveling American.
Hi and welcome @ LeJoo
I’m not sure what “CEC” land is? But you can launch and land from pretty much anywhere with a little common sense. I’ve not really flown in Edinburgh but a few other members have, they might be able to give a bit more advice @jaybee@ParmoPaul@Drumsagard@paulburgh@facherty
Stay away from the red circles and you should be good
Kept seeing the City of Edinburgh Council being short handed as CEC, and that any land/property they manage requiring permission. Was just trying to find clarification if that extends beyond the parks to the sidewalks. I have all the absolute no-fly zones marked like the Castle & Holyrood Park. Thanks for the response.
The great guys and gals from GADC have done Freedom of Information requests to every local authority in the UK. The purpose of it was to find out if any had current byelaws to legaly prevent the launch of drones from their land. They will put up signs, post out literature, and post absolute crap all over the internet in an attempt to scare and inimidate the unknowing. Most are talking absolute shite. Give me 2 mins and I’ll double check the area, but from memory there are no byelaws you need to be aware of. I am assuming you have got your Operator ID from the CAA and you are flying a drone under 250 grams? If that is the case then great. Just remember and put a sticker on your drone with that number, write it on if you need to.
ps, don’t know how long you are here and how extensive your travels are? But I really would recommend you upgrade your membership to at least the silver tier. It gives you full access to Dronescene for less than the cost of a coffee and sandwich at Edinburgh prices, for a whiole year (£16) It pretty much has all the info you need for your stay, including all the local authority requests, places to fly, places not to fly, where all our friendly members are. And on top of that, it has “good to go”, type in your drone details, type of flight, qualifications etc and it will tell you if you are indeed “good to go”
As far as I can see there are absolutely and utterly no restrictions whatsoever for the castle or park. I’ve tried to check for their FOI answers but getting 404 unknown site.
Scotland is a little different from the rest of the UK, and indeed the USA. While there is such a thing as private land, making use of it in a responsible manner is encorouged under “the land reform act” or the “right to roam” as others may call it.
Have a look HERE for a little more info.
To cut it short, don’t fly near airports, nuclear or Military sites. They’re all on Dronescene as linked above. And one of our most important rules? Don’t Be A Dick!!!
Be respectful of others and you’ll get some fine footage from your trip.
When I used drone assist app map it came up with a similar permission request I am use to with a be FAA back home and saw it was active military barracks. So just wanted to double check.
Yup I read through the entire land act on the plane ride over, was super interesting/cool, bravo Scotland! I got that info from the drone assist app recommended to me when I came over from Ireland.
Do they have a byelaw in place to enforce that @jaybee ? I can’t get onto their site just now to check, but I’d be pretty surprised if they do. However, you fly there on a regular basis so I’d be happy with what info you can supply
Yup got all my paperwork and necessary ID stuff for all of EU, UK, Japan, & USA with all needed stickers on my bad boy ready to go. Also yes I will only be operating a sub <250. Only here for the week, but might consider paying when I circle back next time. Just using drone assist & FRZ from CAA.
Then send it!!!
We look forward to your many pics and videos, and don’t forget the bridges
They’re stunning when the light is right, taken by our good friend @Drumsagard aka John
As John @jaybee said, there are no bye laws just a council policy. Just follow the CAA rules for a sub 250gm drone and you’ll be fine. Edinburgh can get very busy though, so watch out for ‘crowds’. As well as recreational flying, I also film weddings and had to ditch a planned flight in Edinburgh city centre as it was just too busy.
Also, there is a generalised introduction to Embra in this: u3a Presents Edinburgh from the Sky
This film also features a transition from synthetic Google “flying” to actual drone footage. I did this to avoid some of Edinburgh’s more sensitive areas where drones would not be appreciated at all.
