Freedom of Information Request - Galloway National Park
Date: 12 December 2024
Our ref: SIR177950/A4859024
Information Request – Galloway National Park
Your Request
I wish to make a Freedom of Information request regarding the current Reporter enquiry into a proposed new national park in Galloway. I have raised these questions directly with your reporter team but have not received any clear and detailed information in response to my requests. Specifically I would like access to the following information:
• A copy of the criteria used to decide if online comments posted during the Engagement phase of the process were to be deemed inflammatory
• Details of the costs/budget of the process across all phases detailed in the reporter plan, including staff time and expenses, and the independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the process which is due to be carried out.
• Details of the methodology being employed to analyse and interpret data. To date I have simply been informed that, 'We have collated and carefully considered the information and opinions received during the Engagement phase' and, 'Formal, structured
analysis will be undertaken on the information and opinions received during the consultation phase including both quantitative and qualitive analysis.'
I have a background in social research so I wish to request more specific details of the methodology being used including: the independently run consultation events, drop-in surgeries, survey (design and data analysis of qualitative and quantitative elements), data gathered from meetings, stakeholder events and written submissions along with details of how this will be synthesised to produce the final advice.
Our Response
Following a search of the information we hold our response is below.
A copy of the criteria used:
The policy of the online platform provider is available here.
There is no other recorded information to share about the criteria used, but we will now be moderating posts and removing text that we consider likely to be inflammatory. This is in addition to the current moderation of omitting personal information and abusive language.
As we have from the beginning, we will ensure that everyone’s posts are added to the hub, with text only removed in the circumstances noted above.
We recognise that many people have strong views about the potential for a National Park in the Galloway region. Nevertheless, it is important that the discussion is respectful and inclusive.
Details of the costs/budget of the process across all phases:
| Licence for online engagement platform | £23,500 |
|---|---|
| Licence for online survey platform | £2,000 |
| Leaflets - printing and material (x2) | £10,000 |
| Postage – leaflets distribution (x2) | £9,500 |
| Venue hire | £500 |
| Consultancy – consultation events | £36,000 - tbc |
| Consultancy – analysis support | £15,000 - tbc |
| Consultancy – independent review | £8,000 – tbc |
| Staff costs - travel and subsistence | £5,000 tbc |
There is a core team of 3.5 staff working on this project, with range of contributions of various days from a further 14 staff from national and local NatureScot teams. We do not keep records of staff time spent on this or any other project in NatureScot.
Details of the methodology being employed to analyse and interpret data:
At this stage in the process this is still work in progress. We are therefore withholding this under EIR exemption Regulation 12(4)(d) - Material in the course of completion, unfinished documents, and incomplete data (Environmental Information Regulations).
We will publish details of the analysis, including the methods used, along with our advice to Scottish Government in spring 2025.
Information on the planned and ongoing events is available in our reporter plan and via our website. The consultation surveys themselves (summary and technical versions) are also available on the website.
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
