So, I just had a formal response from the Forestry Commission to my complaint about them being non-compliant with the SOAC concerning the use of drones. The pertinent quote is:
“I have investigated this issue and have now reached a conclusion that our current policy, in relation to the flying of non-commercial drones, is indeed at variance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”
They have updated their website accordingly:
https://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/managing/get-involved/permissions-and-permits#drone
Looks like we’ve come to a sensible outcome.
Happy forest (within line of sight) flying guys! 