Freedom of Information Request - protection of ptarmigan from hunting
Date: 24 February 2025
Our ref: SIR178816/A5008049
Information Request – protection of ptarmigan from hunting
Your Request
Details of all individuals and organisations NatureScot has met and/or had discussions with during the calendar years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 regarding the protection of ptarmigan from hunting.
Our Response
The information you requested is below.
| Year | Individuals and organisations NatureScot has met and/or had discussions with |
|---|---|
| 2021 | RSPB and two members of the Scottish Government |
| 2022 | 9 individuals MSPs - Alex Rowley, Evelyn Tweed, Mark Russell and Mairi McAllan. |
| 2023 | No meetings or records of discussions relating to hunting Ptarmigan were found |
| 2024 | David Torrance MSP |
We have not included the names of individuals in most cases 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
