Gareth Young

Email address: [FOI #3572 email]

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Your ref:

Our ref: FoI 08/01143

12 November 2008

Dear Mr Young

Thank you for your request dated 15 October 2008 for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 for information on what plans the Scottish Government has to celebrate St Andrew's Day 2009, and what budget has been allocated to pay for the celebrations.

We do endeavour to provide information whenever possible. However, in this instance an exemption under section 29(1) of the Act applies to one document of the information requested as it contains advice to ministers advising on funding proposals which we reviewed and should be exempt from release.

Scottish Government plans to develop St Andrew's Day events for 2009 have still to be confirmed. However, the First Minister has already agreed the objectives and a Europe and External Affairs portfolio draft budget 2009-10 was published on the Scottish Government website on 16 September 2008. This can be located within the `Publications' section of the Scottish Government website.

The priorities for the First Minister's portfolio in 2009-10 is to provide support for St Andrew's Day celebrations across Scotland to help promote our distinctive national identity and attract trourists. The draft budget allocation for 2009-10 and the proposals on the detailed breakdown of expenditure within that have still to be considered and seek Ministerial approval on the spend.

If you are unhappy with this response to your request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review, by writing to Dr Andrew Goudie, Director-General, Floor 4N.08, St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG. Your request should explain why you wish a review to be carried out, and should be made within 40 working days of receipt of this letter, and we will reply within 20 working days of receipt. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to make a formal complaint to the Scottish Information Commissioner.

SUZANNE JOHNSTON