(1)SNH shall have the following general functions—
(a)the provision of advice to the Secretary of State or any other minister on the development and implementation of policies for or affecting the natural heritage of Scotland;
(b)the provision of advice and the dissemination of knowledge to any persons (including the provision and promotion of publicity and information services) about the natural heritage (including its use and enjoyment) and any matters arising from the discharge of its functions;
(c)the commissioning or support (whether by financial means or otherwise) of research which in its opinion is relevant to any of its functions or, in the case of research which is directly related to its functions, if it considers it appropriate to do so initiating and carrying out such research itself;
(d)the power to accept any gift or contribution made to it for the purposes of any of its functions and, subject to the terms of such gift or contribution, it shall apply the gift or contribution to those purposes;
(e)the power to form or promote or join with any other person in forming or promoting companies [F1under the Companies Act 2006];
(f)the power to form partnerships with other persons; and
(g)the power to do all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the discharge of its functions including (without prejudice to the generality of this paragraph) the power to make charges for any service undertaken by it and the power to acquire, hold and dispose of land or any interest in or right over land.
(2)SNH may, and if so requested by the Secretary of State or any general, regional or district planning authority shall, advise the Secretary of State or, as the case may be, the authority in relation to any matter arising under [F2the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 and the Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Scotland) Act 1997] which affects the natural heritage of Scotland.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 2(1)(e) substituted (1.10.2009) by The Companies Act 2006 (Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1941), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 121 (with art. 10)
F2Words in s. 2(2) substituted (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 11, ss. 4, 6(2), Sch. 2 para. 48(1)
Commencement Information
I1S. 2 wholly in force at 1. 4. 1992; S. 2 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 28(2); S. 2(1) wholly in force at 27.11.1991 and s. 2(2) wholly in force at 1. 4. 1992 by S.I. 1991/2633, arts. 3, 4, Sch.;