Written Question · S1W-25806 · Session 1
Whether Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) provided all relevant scientific evidence to the community of Barra in relation to the proposed des…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) provided all relevant scientific evidence to the community of Barra in relation to the proposed designation of the Sound of Barra as a special area of conservation; whether, in determining whether SNH made full disclosure in such a case, it relies solely on information obtained from that body; whether it has established, or will establish, an inquiry into this matter involving the local community in Barra and elected representatives; if no such inquiry will be held, what action will be taken in order to address concerns expressed by the community to the Parliament's Public Petitions Committee on 26 February 2002, and what steps it will take in order to ensure that SNH fully discloses relevant evidence to communities in respect of any proposed designation of an area as being in any way of scientific or environmental interest.
The answer
As is its standard practice, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) provided consultees, including community representatives, with all the scientific evidence relevant to the selection of the Sound of Barra as a possible Special Area of Conservation during it's consultation between September and December 2000.I have no evidence that SNH has withheld any of the relevant information. SNH has also firmly refuted the allegation in its submission to the Petitions Committee.Information in support of site designation was provided on request by the Sea Mammal Research Unit. Additional information on SMRU's 2000 seal count was made freely accessible by SNH to interested parties on request as it became available. I understand that there was one such request and that the information was provided by SNH in response to this request.The Scottish Executive has responded to the Public Petitions Committee's request for information, and has no plans to instigate an inquiry into this matter.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-25806 by reference.