Correspondence regarding Curling: FOI release

Information requested

Could you supply all documentation held, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about the sport of curling, between January 15 2026 and March 15 2026?

Response

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

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.29(1)(a) (formation or development of Scottish Government policy), s.38(1)(b) (personal information), s.30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained below.

Exemptions under section 38(1)(b) (personal information) prevents us releasing the personal information of officials who are below the rank of Senior Civil Servant and 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.

Exemptions under section s.29(1)(a) (formation or development of Scottish Government policy) and section s.30(b)(i/ii) (free and frank exchange of advice/views), 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 exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release as part of open, transparent and accountable government. 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. This means that Ministers and officials need to be able to consider all available options and to debate those rigorously, to fully understand their possible implications.

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 202600514589 - Information Released - Annex

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PDF

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1.8 MB