Freedom of Information Request - Licence applications for the use of more than two dogs to flush to guns
Date: 26 November 2025
Our ref: SIR182236/A5579743
Information Request – Licence applications for the use of more than two dogs to flush to guns
Your Request
1. ‘The number of licence applications for the use of more than two dogs to flush to guns received by NatureScot between 1 September 2025 and 1 November.
2. The number of licences for the use of more than two dogs to flush to guns granted by NatureScot between 1 April 2025 to date.
3. For all licences granted in that period, please provide a copy of the following information (appropriately redacted if necessary): (i) the application form and any supporting documentation; (ii) the licence (showing any conditions imposed) and any supporting
documentation (including NatureScot’s justification for granting the licence and copies of any assessments undertaken in support of the application).
4. For all licenses not granted, please provide a copy of (i) the application form; (ii) the explanation given to the applicant about why the application was refused.
Our Response
Question 1
At the time of your request (29th October) we had received 12 applications for the use of more than two dogs to flush to guns.
Question 2
We have granted 6 licences for the use of more than two dogs to flush to guns since the 01 April 2025.
Question 3
Following a search of the information we hold our response is attached separately.
We have redacted (marked out) specific information on the areas/places where hunting with dogs might be taking place. Releasing this information into the public domain in response to this request risks the individuals involved in hunting being identified and could lead them to being targeted and/or harassed posing a risk to public safety. We are therefore withholding this information under EIRs regulation 10(5)(a) (Public Safety).
We have also redacted personal data in the documents provided. Releasing the 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 EIRs Regulation 11(2) (Personal data).
Question 4
We have not refused any applications for the use of more than two dogs to flush to guns for the period 1st April 2025 to 29th October 2025.
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
Document downloads
Due to file size the attached information, referenced above, is available on request by contacting the FOI team at [email protected]. Please reference the case number (starting with SIR).
