Freedom of Information Request - Grouse Moor Licences Mapping
Date: 08 January 2026
Our ref: SIR182797/A5650897
Information Request – Grouse Moor Licences Mapping
Your Request & Our Response
1) Can you confirm the number of maps updated for live grouse moor licences following NatureScot changing licensing conditions in 2024?
No licensing conditions were changed for red grouse licences in 2024. A change in our policy regarding the description of the land to which the licence relates did occur, and this resulted in 99 licence holders submitting updated maps.
2) Of those noted in (1) can you confirm how many of those were changed from covering the entire estate to only land to which the licenced activity was taking place?
All 99 licences which submitted updated maps.
3) In terms of (1) are you able to confirm the reasoning behind each of those map updates?
We do not hold this information. Applicants do not need to provide the reason (s) why they wish to modify their maps. This means that EIRs Regulation 10(4)(a) (Information not held) applies to this part of your request for information.
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
