Freedom of Information Requests - National Montane Bird Survey 2025
Date: 21 July 2025
Our ref: SIR180694/A5276631
Information Request – National Montane Bird Survey 2025
Your Request
Any service level agreements, contracts, memorandums of understanding or other official documentation between NatureScot and the RSPB regarding the National Montane Bird Survey 2025 and the National Hen Harrier Survey 2023.
A breakdown of the costs incurred by NatureScot in relation to: i) the National Montane Bird Survey 2025; and ii) the National Hen Harrier Survey 2023 – including costs relating to services provided by the RSPB.
Our Response
Following a search of the relevant information we hold our response is attached separately.
We have marked out (redacted) detailed contractual payment information under EIRs Regulation 10(5)(e) (Confidentiality of commercial information). There is a strong public interest in openness and transparency, particularly with reference to accountability for spending public money. However, on balance, commercial interests should not unduly prejudiced by the release of commercially sensitive information.
We have also redacted personal data in the documents provided. Releasing the personal data into the public domain in response to an access to information request would breach the Data Protection Act 2018. We are therefore withholding the information under EIRs Regulation 11(2) (Personal data).
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).
