Freedom of Information Request - species protection plan/code of practice, Loch Ness Monster
Date: 16 September 2025
Our ref: SIR181379/A5422419
Information Request – Species protection plan/code of practice, Loch Ness Monster
Your Request
‘I understand that SNH prepared a species protection plan/code of practice, should the Loch Ness Monster be found.
Could you forward a copy of this document? I believe it was drafted in 2001.’
Our Response
NatureScot has not developed a species protection plan or code of practice for the Loch Ness Monster. This means that EIRs Regulation 10(4)(a) (Information not held) applies to your request for the information.
In 2018, NatureScot engaged in some media around the development of a code, but it was intended as a light-hearted response to a similar query at the time. It suggested that individuals and organisations with an interest in Loch Ness could get together to develop a Code of Practice. We are not aware of any Code having been developed.
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
