Eid Mubarak celebration at Edinburgh Castle: FOI release

Information requested

Correspondence held by the Scottish Government, including all sent/received and internal, briefing notes, minutes/notes from meetings, about the Eid Mubarak celebration at Edinburgh Castle, funded by the government, between April 1 and May 1 2024.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.

Some of the information you have requested is available from the Scottish Government website, in responses to previous FOI responses that we have issued to you (our references 202400419841 and 202400410354), and on X (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter). Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you.

An exemption under section 38(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested as it relates to the personal data of a third party. 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 under section 29(1)(d) (operation of a Ministerial Private Office) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested as it refers to the day-to-day operation of a Ministerial Private Office.

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 to preserve a safe space for the private office to focus on managing the minister’s work efficiently without external interference and distraction.

Exemptions under sections 30(b)(i)&(ii) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested as it relates to free and frank deliberations and provision of advice.

These exemptions are 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 exemptions. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions. 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 provide full and frank advice to Ministers. This private thinking space is essential to enable all options to be properly considered, based on the best available advice, so that good decisions can be taken.

Exemptions under sections 30(c) and 39(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested as it would impact on matters of health and safety and otherwise prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs.

These exemptions are 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 exemptions. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring that Scottish Government events are hosted in a healthy and safe environment.

Exemptions under sections 32(1)(a), 33(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested as it would otherwise prejudice international relations or the commercial interests of third parties.

These exemptions are 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 exemptions. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemptions. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring that foreign governments and commercial partners we correspond with can be confident that their interests would not be adversely affected by their working with us.

About FOI

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

FOI 202400432000 - Information Released - Annex

File type

PDF

File size

418.5 kB