Introduction

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 makes provision for access by members of the public to information held by public authorities, other than personal information which continues to be regulated by the Data Protection Act 1998 and other legislation.

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 requires all Local Authorities in Scotland to have in place an approved Publication Scheme by 1 June 2004.

This Publication Scheme sets out what information Comhairle nan Eilean Siar publishes or intends to publish for the benefit of the public, how and when this information will be published and whether the information is available free of charge or on payment. Most of the information which is included in this Publication Scheme is already publicly available; the Scheme also provides advice on how this information can be accessed.

The Comhairle is already committed to principles of openness and transparency in its decision making and service delivery functions, and has sought to meet its obligations under the 2002 Act by including as much information as possible within this Publication Scheme.

The Comhairle’s Publication Scheme will be accessible in hard copy in public libraries through out the Western Isles, and at Council Offices in Sandwick Road, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; Tarbert, Isle of Harris; Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula; and Castlebay, Isle of Harris.