Correspondence regarding stage 3 proceedings on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: FOI request

Information requested

1. Any briefing prepared in advance of the start of Stage 3 proceedings on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill for Scottish Government Ministers.

2. Any speaking notes provided to Mairi Gougeon in advance of Stage 3 proceedings for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Response

I have interpreted your request to relate to briefing documents specifically prepared for Stage 3 proceedings of the Land Reform Bill. This is because a wider reading (e.g. all briefings prepared throughout any of the parliamentary stages) would have exceeded the cost limit. I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.

Some of the information you have requested is available from the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill page on the Scottish Parliament website. Specifically in relation to the second point of your request, the text of speeches made by Mairi Gougeon as part of stage 3 proceedings on the Bill can be found in the following public minutes:

1. Minutes of Proceedings - 28 October 2025
2. Minutes of Proceedings - 04 November 2025
3. Minutes of Proceedings - 5 November 2025

Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

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 an exemption(s) under section(s) s.29(1)(a) (policy formulation), s. 30(b) (free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views), s. 30(c) (effective conduct of public affairs), s. 36 (confidentiality of legal advice) or s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter.

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 202500491343 - Information Released - Annex

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