Freedom of Information Requests - Contact and Advice Regarding Pike in Loch Laidon
Date: 29 July 2025
Our ref: SIR180615/A5296719
Information Request – Contact and Advice Regarding Pike in Loch Laidon
Your Request
Original request:
It has been established that pike, an invasive species, are being caught by anglers in the upper connected watershed to Loch Laidon and will likely impact the unique-in-the-world multiple forms of native Brown Trout in the loch.
Specifically, I would like to request the following information:
1. What contact did NatureScot have with the Black Corries estate from the first knowledge that pike were in the loch system?
2. What was NatureScot's advice to the Black Corries estate after they knew pike had been released into the loch?
3. I request a copy of all written, electronic, and phone conversations that have taken place between NatureScot and the Black Corries Estate.
Clarified request:
‘…everything mentioning fish or pike from 2006/7 onwards…’
Our Response
Following a review of the information we hold, we can confirm that NatureScot has not had any contact with Black Corries Estate on this subject. This means that EIRs Regulation 10(4)(a) (Information not held) applies to your request for the information.
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
