Councils best for openness

Midlothian and West Lothian and Councils have been named the two most open local authorities in Scotland when it comes to releasing information.

Research found the former answered 97 per cent of requests in full and the latter 94 per cent last year.

In contrast, Scottish Borders Council scored just 52 per cent and Perth and Kinross with 59 per cent. The Scottish Government scored lower than any local authority answering 50 per cent in full.

Ministers are under fire for refusing to say whether they have taken legal advice on membership of the EU should Scotland vote for independence in 2014.A spokeswoman said many requests may be more complicated than those asked of local authorities.