Freedom of Information Request - Basis for NatureScot’s statement on Loch of Strathbeg
Date: 15 January 2026
Our ref: SIR182789/A5656661
Information Request – Basis for NatureScot’s statement on Loch of Strathbeg
Your Request
‘I am writing under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004.
In NatureScot’s consultation response dated 16 September 2024 in relation to the onshore scoping for the Buchan Offshore Wind project (ENQ/2024/0943), NatureScot stated:
“We do not agree to Loch of Strathbeg being scoped out.”
I am seeking disclosure of any recorded information held by NatureScot that explains or evidences the basis for this statement, including (but not limited to):
• any internal emails, notes, or assessment records identifying aspects of the onshore scoping report or proposed EIA scope that NatureScot considered to result in Loch of Strathbeg being scoped out or insufficiently scoped in;
• any internal commentary, annotations, or drafts referring to which receptors, impact pathways, topics, or assessment areas relating to Loch of Strathbeg were considered missing, excluded, or inadequately addressed at scoping stage;
• any correspondence (internal or external) in which NatureScot discussed or identified the treatment of Loch of Strathbeg in the onshore scoping documentation prior to issuing its response of 16 September 2024.
If no recorded information is held that sets out the basis for this statement, please confirm this explicitly.’
Our Response
NatureScot’s formal response to the onshore EIAR, issued on 24 November 2025, sets out our recorded comments in relation to matters raised in our scoping advice. This is attached separately.
Following a detailed search of the information we hold we can confirm we do not hold any additional recorded information relevant to your request.
How We Handled Your Request
We believe you have asked for environmental information as defined in the Environmental Information (Scotland Regulations 2004 (‘the EIRs’), so we are dealing with your request under those regulations. To be able to use the EIRs, we must apply an exemption under section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (‘FOISA’). The Scottish Information Commissioner’s guidance recommends that public authorities apply this exemption to environmental information and handle request under the EIRs.
If you would like to find out more about the access to information legislation, there is a guidance booklet available on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website.
Review and Appeal
I hope this information meets your requirements, but if you are dissatisfied with how we have responded to your information request, please write to us within 40 working days explaining your concerns. You can contact us at Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW or email us at [email protected]. We will carry out a review of our response and contact you with our findings within 20 working days.
If you are not satisfied following this, you can make an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner within 6 months. The Scottish Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS
Telephone: 01334 464610
Yours sincerely
FOI Officer,
NatureScot
