'I am fascinated to think what Freedom of Information might have uncovered if it had been in force earlier'

Published on Wednesday 3 March 2010 20:07

THE Scottish Information Commissioner has joined the judging panel to help The Scotsman uncover how in history could have been altered had the Freedom of Information Act been around.

As Scottish public authorities enter their sixth year working with the act, we have teamed up with the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) to use its principles in an attempt to solve some of the most mysterious questions of Scottish history.

A team of NAS researchers will delve into the archives and investigate one or more questions, posed by Scotsman readers, treating the investigation as a genuine case submitted under Freedom of Information, with the results reported in the paper.

Kevin Dunion, who is preparing to launch his annual report on Monday, said: "It's only been five years since the FoI Act was passed, and in that time people have used their rights to access information on a huge range of issues, from planning to crime, health to parliamentary expenses.

"Having studied history at university I am personally fascinated to think about what FoI might have uncovered if it had been in force earlier, and how the release of information might have impacted on historical events.

He went on: "So I am looking forward to seeing the information requests suggested by readers – and of learning about the outcome of the National Archives of Scotland's research into the final selection."

As well as suggestions made by readers, the judging panel will also consider proposals for investigation put forward by some high-profile Scots.

In relation to the Antonine Wall, Jim Wallace – now Lord Wallace of Tankerness – has already asked: "What objections were received from the equivalent of Historic Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage in respect of Antoninus' planning application for a wall?"

First Minister Alex Salmond has proposed the following request: "All information held by government, including records of Cabinet discussions, relating to the recovery of the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1950, and on the authenticity of the stone that was returned."

And Professor Tom Devine, the head of Edinburgh University's school of history, classics and archaeology has made several suggestions spanning three centuries including the following question for the authorities of 1914 Scotland: "How many suffragettes are being force-fed at Perth Prison, and how many are being force-fed throughout the Scottish prison system?"

&#149 With the National Archives of Scotland and the Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner, The Scotsman is looking for your suggestions. The questions must be historical and must not relate to an event after 1960. To make a suggestion, comment on this article on scotsman.com, e-mail [e-mail] with the subject line "Scotland's Secrets", or write to Chris Mackie, The Scotsman, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS.