Freedom of Information Request - Compliance checks grouse code of practice
Date: 15 January 2025
Our ref: SIR178331/A4920726
Information Request – Compliance checks grouse code of practice
Your Request
1. In relation to the 2024 grouse shooting season (12 Aug - 10 Dec 2024), how many licences did NatureScot issue for grouse shooting?
2. Of those licences, how many compliance checks were undertaken by NS in relation to adherence to the Grouse Code of Practice. Please break down these results to show the number of (a) desk top checks, (b) on-site visits, and (c) checks via accreditation schemes.
3. Of those compliance checks, how many licence holders were found to have committed (a) minor breaches and (b)significant breaches.
Our Response
Following a search of the information we hold our response is below.
- In relation to the 2024 grouse shooting season (12 Aug - 10 Dec 2024), how many licences did NatureScot issue for grouse shooting?
As of 16th December 2024, 264 licences have been issued with 14 of these either cancelled, revoked or withdrawn.
- Of those licences, how many compliance checks were undertaken by NS in relation to adherence to the Grouse Code of Practice
None of these licences have been checked by NatureScot for adherence to the Grouse Code of Practice.
- Of those compliance checks, how many licence holders were found to have committed (a) minor breaches and (b)significant breaches.
As above.
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
