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 are also two Codes of Practice for Scottish Public Authorities, developed in consultation with the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Report to the European Commission
Member states must report to the European Commission by 14 August 2009 on the experience gained in the application of the European Directive 2003/4/EC on public access to environmental information. The Directive was transposed in Scotland by the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004. The Scottish Government sought the views of interested parties on this and the report of the SG can be accessed at the link above.