Answer
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 creates new rights of access to information. It creates a statutory right of access and provides a more extensive scheme for making information publicly available and covers a much wider range of public authorities including local government, National Health Service bodies, schools and colleges, the police and other public bodies and offices.
It permits members of the public to apply for access to documents, or copies of documents with regards to all types of information.
The Act:
provides a right of access to recorded information held by public authorities;
creates exemptions from the duty to disclose information; and
establishes the arrangements for enforcement and appeal.
Further Information can be found at the Freedom of Information Commissioner for Scotland.