Freedom of Information Request - Gull Population Data and Related Correspondence
Date: 18 December 2025
Our ref: SIR182475/A5632030
Information Request – Gull Population Data and Related Correspondence
Your Request
1. ‘All data concerning the population levels of gull species from the May breeding count survey of 2025.
2. All internal emails and other documents relating to the above survey.
3. Copies of correspondence from and after 1 January 2024 between NatureScot (NS) and:
* The Highland Council (THC)
* The Scottish Government
concerning the levels of gull population, including the levels of population of gull species in urban locations.’
Our Response
Following a search of the information we hold our response is attached separately.
Please note, the contract was funded and managed by The Highland Council. A Freedom of Information request can be submitted to the Council through their FOI website page.
The Inverness Urban Gull Census and Distribution Survey report is referenced in the attached.
We have redacted (marked out) personal data from the documents provided because releasing personal data into the public domain in response to an access to information request would breach the Data Protection Act 2018. We are therefore withholding the information under 11(2) (Personal Data) of the EIRs.
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
