Freedom of Information Request: SIR176141 - Scotland's Great Trails

Date: 09 July 2024 

Our ref: SIR176141/A4646133

Thank you for your information request, which we received on 30 June 2024. We have considered your request under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (‘the EIRs’).

Your Request

I would be grateful if you could advise an update on the development of Scotland's Great Trails, which, as I understand it, are being revised. I note from heatmaps that it may be possible if we fulful the criteria.

Our Response

Since our last email to you in February 2024, which I have re-attached separately for ease, NatureScot met with an advisory group in April to consider the next steps for Scotland’s Great Trails. We plan to develop ideas further over the summer, and then to seek input from relevant organisations on the proposed way forward.

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

Online appeal service

FOI Website

Telephone: 01334 464610

Yours sincerely

FOI Officer, 
NatureScot [email protected]