FOI/202500467832 · FOI · partially withheld
Communications relating to Trump International golf course in Aberdeenshire: FOI release
Information requested
All communications exchanged in the last six months which relate to either Trump International golf course in Aberdeenshire
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 33(1)(b) - commercially sensitive, 38(1)(b) - personal information, 30(b)(ii) - free and frank exchange of views and 27(1) - future publication of FOISA applies to that information.
An exemption under section 33(1)(b) of FOISA relates to information which we deem commercially sensitive and release of this information may harm attracting future golf events to Scotland. 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 Scotland staging high profile golf events which brings huge benefit to the local and national economy.
An exemption under section 38(1)(b) relates to personal information of people deemed under the grade of a senior civil servant.
An exemption under section 30)(b)(ii) of FOISA relates to free and frank exchange of views and release of the information may prevent future open discussions between Scottish Government Officials. 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 Officials the space for open discussion in the creation of policy.
An exemption under section 27(1) of FOISA relates to information which is already being planned to publish. This information will be published within the next 12 weeks and will be found on the Scottish Government website. The following link is to the page on the website where we publish previous freedom of information requests: Publications - gov.scot. The freedom of information request was number 202500462173.
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.
Detected exemption language
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 33(1)(b) - commercially sensitive, 38(1)(b) - personal information, 30(b)(ii) - free and frank exchange of views and 27(1) - future publication of FOISA applies to that information. An exemption under section 33(1)(b) of FOISA relates to information which we deem commercially sensitive and release of this information may harm attracting future golf events to Scotland. 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.