Summary
C, a solicitor, complained on behalf of their client (A) about the actions of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) relating to the proposed denotification of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) of which A was one of the landowners of the site. C's complaints related to a number of issues including SNH's contact with the media and their communication with A.
We found that SNH had discretion in relation to any additional contact with the media they considered appropriate and provided a reasonable explanation in relation to their actions. SNH informally notified landowners of their impending action and formally notified A in writing once formal notification commenced as per their procedure. There was a delay in written notification arriving with A but this was outwith SNH's control. Having considered the information available, we determined SNH's actions to be reasonable and in line with policy and procedure. As such, we did not uphold the complaints.
Related reading
View Decision Report 201904312 as a PDF (24.19 KB) Updated: September 23, 2020