Information recorded by Kate Higgins’ office regarding Scottish Wildcats: FOI release

Information requested

 

All information recorded in any form by Kate Higgins office regarding "Scottish Wildcats" or "Wildcats".

Response

 

I enclose a copy of information relating to your request.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under sections s.38(1)(b) (personal information), s.30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) and s.29(1)(a) (formulation or development of Scottish Government policy) of FOISA applies to that information. 

The reasons why the exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter.

 

ANNEX

REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION

 

An exemption applies

An exemption(s) under section 38(1)(b) (personal data relating to third party) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested.  We have not provided names of individuals below rank of Senior Civil Service in the Scottish Government.

This exemption is not subject to the ‘public interest test’, so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

 

An exemption applies

An exemption under section 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the space for free and frank views to be exchanged in the future.

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in allowing a private space within which officials can exchange views freely.

 

An exemption applies

An exemption under section s.29(1)(a) (formulation or development of Scottish Government policy) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption applies because policy development is ongoing.

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions.

 

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

foi-18-03793 Information requested

File type

46 page PDF

File size

2.0 MB