FOI/202600502079 · FOI · not held
Information on the United States Army in Scotland: FOI release
Information requested
You asked a series of questions relating to agreements and correspondence between the Scottish Government and the US Military relating to the presence and activity of the US Army in Scotland.
Response
I enclose a copy of two documents that fall within the scope of the information you requested. In this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained in the Annex to this letter.
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have most of the information you have requested because Defence is a reserved subject to the UK Government and the Scottish Government has no devolved responsibility for it. More detail on this is provided in Annex A to this response.
Annex A
I have provided a short answer to your questions below, either explaining the Scottish Government’s position, or signposting a potential alternative source of the information you seek.
What agreements, memoranda of understanding, or formal arrangements exist between the Scottish Government (or UK Government acting in Scotland) and the United States Government or US Army relating to military presence, training, or operations in Scotland? What Scottish locations, bases, or training areas have been used by the US Army in Scotland since 2016 and for what purposes? Please provide a list of joint military exercises involving the US Army that have taken place in Scotland since 2016, including dates and locations? How many US Army personnel have been present in Scotland in each year since 2016 and for what duration? Were any US Army units stationed or deployed temporarily in Scotland, and if so, which units and for how long? What Scottish locations, bases, or training areas have been used by the US Army in Scotland since 2016 and for what purposes? Please provide a list of joint military exercises involving the US Army that have taken place in Scotland since 2016, including dates and locations? How many US Army personnel have been present in Scotland in each year since 2016 and for what duration? Were any US Army units stationed or deployed temporarily in Scotland, and if so, which units and for how long? Are there any restrictions or conditions placed on weapons or equipment used by US forces while operating in Scotland?
The Scottish Government does not hold any such documents as these would fall under Defence, which is a reserved matter under the Scotland Act. The Ministry of Defence may be able to provide you with any agreements they have with the US Military on their presence in Scotland. You can make an FOI request to the Ministry of Defence via this link or by writing to:
MOD Information Rights Team Ground floor, zone D Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB
Please provide copies of any agreements or correspondence relating to US Army use of Scottish land, airspace, or facilities since 2016? What costs have been incurred by the Scottish Government or public bodies in relation to US Army activity in Scotland since 2016? Has the Scottish Government provided any financial support, services, or infrastructure to the US Army, directly or indirectly?
The Scottish Government does not hold any such documents. It may be that the Ministry of Defence does in relation to the US Army’s use of the Defence Estate in Scotland.
It is also possible that some Arm’s Length Bodies, such as Prestwick Airport, may hold such information. The Scottish Government does not get directly involved in day to day operational activity at the airport and we do not hold information at this level about their customers. GPA is covered under FOI legislation so you could seek information via: https://www.glasgowprestwick.com/corporate/aboutus/publication-scheme-and-foi/.
Under what legal authority does the US Army operate in Scotland, and what role does the Scottish Government have in approving or overseeing such activities?
Defence is a reserved responsibility of the UK Government under the Scotland Act, and the Scottish Government has no role in approving operational Defence activity in Scotland.
What environmental impact assessments have been carried out in relation to US Army exercises or operations in Scotland?
The Scottish Government does not hold any relevant documents. It is possible that the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) may hold such documents. They can be contacted directly by emailing their access to information service via foi@sepa.org.uk .
Please provide records of any complaints, concerns, or incidents raised by local communities regarding US Army activity?
The Scottish Government holds two documents relevant to this element of your request. They are enclosed separately. They have been redacted to remove the personal information of the correspondents involved.
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
In this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption under section.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption applies are explained in the Annex to this letter.