There are two types of exemptions: absolute and non-absolute. If
an absolute exemption applies, the National Museums Scotland will
not have to release the information. Some absolute exemptions apply
to areas that you would expect, such as national security or
confidential material. Other absolute exemptions apply to
information which is available via another route, for example if
information is contained in an authority's publication scheme. If a
non-absolute exemption applies then the National Museums Scotland
will have to apply a public interest test to establish whether the
information should be released. There are 17 categories of exempt
information covering areas such as government interests and
relations, public sector administration, national security and
defence, law enforcement and commercial interests.
If an exemption applies, the applicant will be given a written
refusal notice which explains why the request is being refused. The
notice will also inform the applicant of their right to apply for a
review of the decision.