FOI/202500464664 · FOI · partially withheld
Materials for meetings between Blackford Consultancy Ltd: FOI release
Information requested
All information in all briefings prepared for ministers, their offices and special advisers for meetings with former SNP MP Ian Blackford or the Blackford Consultancy Ltd (SC823029), since 1 July 2024.
Response
I enclose a copy of most 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 38) (personal information) and section 33 (1)(b) (commercial interests and economy) of FOISA applies to that information.
An exemption(s) under section(s) 38 of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested, this information is related to personal data. This exemption is not subject to public interest test.
An exemption(s) under section(s) 33 (1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested, this information is related to business and commercial information on the business plan on new facilities and related investment. This exemption is subject to 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 because the public has a right to expect Scottish Ministers operate in a transparent manner. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in maintaining a trade secret, that if disclosed could cause real significant harm to the business; in ensuring that plans for commercial investments are not disclosed prematurely so that the local and national economy can benefit; and in Scottish Ministers having good relationships with organisations where these organisations can share sensitive commercial information without fear of premature public disclosure.
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 38) (personal information) and section 33 (1)(b) (commercial interests and economy) of FOISA applies to that information. An exemption(s) under section(s) 38 of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested, this information is related to personal data. This exemption is not subject to public interest test. An exemption(s) under section(s) 33 (1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested, this information is related to business and commercial information on the business plan on new facilities and related investment. This exemption is subject to public interest test.