Freedom of Information Request - Stobo Hope Predator Control
Date: 27 January 2025
Our ref: SIR178463/A4962655
Information Request – Stobo Hope Predator Control
Your Request
I am requesting two pieces of information and wish for answers in writing please.
You have rejected an application for a license to use more than 2 dogs to flush foxes to guns at this location.
Please can you tell me what method of fox control you would propose, or have suggested, to the owners/land managers for protection of Black Grouse at Stobo Hope?
Please can you provide an updated number of Environmental Benefit licenses that have been granted?
Our Response
What method of fox control you would propose?
There are a variety of predator control options available to land managers, including lamping on open ground, and the use of 2 dogs to flush from areas of cover, which do not require a licence. It is a requirement of the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 that these alternative methods are considered before NatureScot can issue a licence for the use of more than 2 dogs.
An updated number of Environmental Benefit licenses that have been granted?
One licence has been issued for Environmental Benefit.
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
