There are public rights of way in Scotland - I know, because one of them runs right through my garden!
I think confusion arises, partly because they are not marked on maps as in England and Wales (as there is no obligation for local authorities to keep a record of them).
... and partly because the whole set-up is different from England and Wales - this again from Scotways website:
"there is, in Scotland, a widely held ‘tradition’ of freedom of access, exercised responsibly. This applies particularly, but not exclusively, outside cultivated areas. In addition, the public may use specific and identifiable routes which, by the common law, are rights of way. "
Then, of course, there is the new Land Reform Act which is likely to become law in Scotland later this year, with its accompanying access code...