Freedom of Information Request - Gull Licensing Policy
Date: 14 October 2025
Our ref: SIR181740/A5522080
Information Request – Gull Licensing Policy
Your Request
‘It has been stated that there ‘are no unpublished policies or directive to issue less egg/nest licences on the basis of the need to increase gull numbers.’.
Please provide clarity on this as it was stated by Senior Nature Scot representatives at a meeting we attended on 6th March 2025, that there is an unpublished policy to this effect….’
Our Response
We can confirm, as per our earlier response to you (dated 16 September 2025), that there is no policy document or directive, published or unpublished, in relation to issuing fewer licences in order to increase gull numbers.
The driver for the change in our gull guidance was to clarify what is considered a public health and safety concern, and what is classed as nuisance behaviour. This change was supported by a NatureScot Board paper, which has already been provided to you.
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
