SCOTLAND
LGA (Scotland) 1973 / Schedule 7
Formally: Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973
Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, Schedule 7 (access to meetings) and Schedule 7A (exempt information, added by Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985); Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, s. 43 (remote participation)
Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 3 days |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required |
| Closed Sessions | 9 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required |
| Recording | Required |
| Remote Participation | Allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Not required
Notice of meetings and agendas must be available for inspection at the council offices 3 clear days before the meeting (Schedule 7, para. 2). Background papers and documents referenced in agendas must be available for inspection.
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed
Public Participation
No statutory right for the public to speak at council meetings. Public attendance rights only. Speaking rights set by each council's standing orders.
Virtual Meetings
Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, s. 43 explicitly permits a local authority to make standing orders allowing members to participate in meetings remotely ('in any way in which each member is enabled to participate although not present'). This predates COVID-19 by 17 years and is a permanent statutory right.
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Not required
Content requirements: Minutes of proceedings must be kept and made available for public inspection (Schedule 7, para. 7). Available at the council's principal office and any other place the council designates.
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Accessibility & Language Access
Language access: Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 may require Gaelic language provisions in Gaelic-speaking areas where a Gaelic Language Plan is in place.