Freedom of Information Request - Scottish Fossil Code
Date: 09 May 2025
Our ref: SIR179885/A5133899
Information Request – Scottish Fossil Code
Your Request
'NatureScot issued a “Scottish Fossil Code” in August 2023. This is readily available from their website. However, this is an updated version. Please can you send me the previous version and its date, and likewise for any still earlier iterations. This will allow me to trace the development of this code over time, and ascertain what changes were made.’
Our Response
There have been two published versions of the Scottish Fossil Code. The original, attached separately, was published in 2008. The revised Code, which, as you acknowledge, is available from our website, was published in 2023.
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 accessibility issues 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).
