Freedom of Information Request - Health Risk Assessment on bird flu for the eating of gannet meat - Guga Hunt Sula Sgeir
Date: 12 September 2025
Our ref: SIR181377/A5421913
Information Request – Health Risk Assessment on bird flu for the eating of gannet meat - Guga Hunt Sula Sgeir
Your Request
I would like to see any information NatureScot hold in relation to a health risk assessment for the Sula Sgeir gannet cull licenses that have been granted for the dangers of eating gannet meat that could be affected by bird flu?
Our Response
When assessing the license, it is our remit to determine whether a licence can be issued for the killing of gannet for human consumption, not whether that meat should be consumed.
However, because these are being taken for human consumption those responsible would be required to follow all consumer and animal welfare laws, both of which are out-with NatureScot’s remit.
As we do not hold the information that you have requested, we must apply, under the EIRs, the exemption 10(4)(a)(Information not held) to your request.
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
