The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 introduced important new rights to access information held by public authorities and also requires more proactive publication of information.
The Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 give the right to request environmental information.
This section contains information about the legislation and policy background and also advice on how to access information held by the Scottish Government.
Detailed information on how to exercise your rights under the Act is available from the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Freedom of Information - The Scottish Government's Six Principles
Legislation
Information about the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
Implementation and Operation
Details about the operation of the Act and its implementation together with minutes of Scottish Public Information Forum meetings.
Extension of coverage of FOI
Information on the possible extension of the Act to cover bodies who are not Scottish public authorities.
Reports
Information on FOI reporting including annual reports and "implementation in the government."
Access to environmental information is governed by these regulations instead of Freedom of Information.
The regulations (SSI 2004 No 520) transpose in Scotland from January 1, 2005 the EU Directive 2003/4/EC on access to environmental information and the corresponding provisions of the UN Aarhus Convention. The regulations have much in common with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 . They are available from The Stationery Office (TSO) and may also be viewed on its website.
The Scottish Government has developed guidance on the EIRs for Scottish Public Authorities and interested parties. There is also a Codes of Practice for Scottish Public Authorities, developed n consultation with the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Survey of Scotland's experience of implementing EIRSInvitation to complete a questionnaire about your experience of EIRS, closing date 16 December 2008.