Freedom of Information Request - NHI and NatureScot
Date: 13 November 2024
Our ref: SIR177574/A4820137
Information Request – NHI and Nature Scot
Your Request
Original request
1. How much funding Nature Scot had provided to NHI to oppose my company in the matter of green issues, such as GreenDestinations.
2. As Nature Scot have provided an agreed £30,000 to help fund the North Highland Way, why are they now opposing my company.
Clarified request
How much funding Nature Scot had provided to NHI relating to the Geopark (not forgetting that one cannot be excluded as public money is being spent.
Our Response
Following a search of the information we hold we can confirm that NatureScot has not provided any funding to the NHI specifically relating to the Geopark.
Although not specifically related to the Geopark, NatureScot awarded £14,587 to NHI in 2020/21 to support visitor information signs aimed at helping with visitor management for the 2021 season and beyond in communities along the NC500 and in the northern Highland area.
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