Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,640releases indexed
40,478attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,386partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-09-02newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,386 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 700 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5149 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3727 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2994 s.17(1) 2922 s.25(1) 2520 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 1 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,312 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 978 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 961 releases · 30.9 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 737 releases · 39.7 avg days Constitution Directorate 702 releases · 35.9 avg days Population Health Directorate 665 releases · 28.5 avg days People Directorate 657 releases · 25.6 avg days
Clear
231 matching releases

Breakdown of spend on social media videos featuring First Minister since May 2024: FOI release

1. Could you supply all correspondence sent and received (including internal), which is to/from or mentions the Scottish Information Commissioner, between February 15 2026 and March 25 2026? 2. How much has the Scottish Government spent on social media videos involving John Swinney since May 2024, with a breakdown per...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.12(1) s.20 s.12 s.17(1)
Published
2026-08-25
Reference
FOI/202600515097
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

First Minister and former First Ministers' correspondence with former Lord Advocate: FOI release

I would like the following information under the FOI (Scotland) Act: When did John Swinney last speak with Dorothy Bain? When did Nicola Sturgeon last speak with Dorothy Bain?

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1)
Published
2026-08-17
Reference
FOI/202600519017
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Administrative records and metadata of Principal Private Secretary for the First Minister communication: FOI release

I am requesting factual, administrative records held by the Scottish Government relating to the text message received by the Principal Private Secretary for the First Minister John Webster on 30 April 2026 at 19:32, as referenced in the official transcription note. For clarity, I am not requesting any content of commu...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1)
Published
2026-08-13
Reference
FOI/202600519688
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Social media spend: FOI release

With regards to a) The Scottish Government as a whole and b) Individual Ministers, for the financial year 2025-26: 1) The total amount spent by a) and b) on paid subscriptions to social media platforms including but not limited to X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, YouTube etc. 2) The total amount spent by a) and b) on ...

FOI not held 45 score 8 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.2 s.17(1) s.27(1)
Published
2026-08-10
Reference
FOI/202600521350
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Late Freedom of Information responses that were delayed by Special Advisers: FOI release

Of the FOIs that have been returned late in the last six months, how many have been delayed by Special Advisers? Can you provide the communication from Special Advisers requesting delays for each of these case? On the 27/02/26 we sent a request for clarification to you asking: Of the FOI responses that have been ret...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.17(1)
Published
2026-07-28
Reference
FOI/202600507926
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Government’s position regarding public holidays awarded for sporting events: FOI release

Clarification on the Scottish Government’s position regarding public holidays awarded for sporting events, and the principles guiding these decisions. Specifically, you requested a clear explanation of how decisions on public holidays are made, and whether the Scottish Government intends to adopt a more equitable appro...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2026-07-28
Reference
FOI/202600505927
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Home and hybrid working policies for Scottish Government staff: FOI release

I am writing to make a request for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. I would be grateful if you could provide the following information: 1. What is the Scottish Government's current hybrid working policy, including the minimum number of days per week or month that staff in hybrid roles...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence meetings s.5 s.8 s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2026-07-15
Reference
FOI/202600515340
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Freedom of Information vexatious or repeated requests data: FOI Review

Original request 202600510718 1) Please provide the number of Freedom of Information requests refused by the Scottish Government for being vexatious since John Swinney became First Minister. Also provide the same for the time Humza Yousaf was First Minister and the same for when Nicola Sturgeon was First Minister. 2)...

FOI already published 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.14 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.14(1) s.15(1) s.21
Published
2026-07-13
Reference
FOI/202600514634 Review of 202600510718
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Ministerial expenses of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: FOI release

In light of the information pertaining to Peter Murrell it is clear that there might have been some fraudulent activity with regards to SNP accounts. Can you please advise and reassure us that the expenses of the former first minister Nicola Sturgeon have been thoroughly checked to ensure that the same invoices were no...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2026-05-13
Reference
FOI/202600506652
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

First Minister Branchform update correspondence: FOI release

The Lord Advocate has shared a list of other occasions in which she informed the First Minister of details of criminal cases. The list revealed that on 20th March 2025 the First Minister was informed about Peter Murrell appearing in court, the charge of embezzlement, and an estimated amount of alleged embezzlement amo...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-05-12
Reference
FOI/202600508326
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Freedom of Information vexatious or repeated requests data: FOI release

1) Please provide the number of Freedom of Information requests refused by the Scottish Government for being vexatious since John Swinney became First Minister. Also provide the same for the time Humza Yousaf was First Minister and the same for when Nicola Sturgeon was First Minister. 2) For each of the above provide ...

FOI transferred 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.14(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.14V 2 attachments
Published
2026-05-06
Reference
FOI/202600510718
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information regarding the diary and schedule of selected Ministers: FOI release

For each of the following individuals: Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Natalie Don, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety For each of the following dates: 2 April 2025 10 June 2025 14 July 2025 1 October 2025 8 O...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-05-06
Reference
FOI/202500495808
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Independence in Scotland: FOI release

Could you supply all briefings written for John Swinney's interview with Laura Kuenssberg on March 8 as well as all correspondence setting up the interview. He said in the interview: "I think it's now pretty clear in opinion polls that there is a sustained majority support for independence in Scotland." Could you provi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-04-30
Reference
FOI/202600509980
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

First Minister’s 2025 Christmas card information: FOI release

1. The original image file The original, unedited photograph used on the First Minister’s 2025 Christmas card, including any available metadata (EXIF data). 2. Authorship and provenance Any documents, emails, or internal communications confirming who took the photograph. Any documents recording when and where the phot...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-04-29
Reference
FOI/202600509098
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy COP expenses: FOI Review

Original request 202600500549 All communications exchanged by staff, Special Advisers and Ministers relating to FOI 202500497042 relating to Gillian Martin’s COP expenses. For the avoidance of doubt, please include all email, WhatsApp, Teams, Webex conversations or messages.

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-04-14
Reference
FOI/202600503947 Review of 202600500549
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Bute House press conference documentation: FOI Review

Original request 202500483012 Information and documentation relating to the Bute House Press conference on 14 April 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2026-04-13
Reference
FOI/202500485766 Review of 202500483012
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice correspondence relating to Path To Balance: FOI Review

Original request 202500494932 All correspondence mentioning Path To Balance between Shirley-Anne Somerville and the Director General of Communities. Sight of all correspondence mentioning Path To Balance between Shirley-Anne Somerville and Shona Robison.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-31
Reference
FOI/202600502600 Review of 202500494932
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Freedom of Information request statistics: FOI release

For the years 2024 and 2025, for each of the ten people who have made the most FOI-EIR requests in each of those years. 1. Name of requester 2. Capacity of requester (eg media, journalist, political party researcher, academic researcher, campaigner, private individual). If the person's name cannot be disclosed for wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence spending s.1 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 s.10(4) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-30
Reference
FOI/202600502420
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Minister media training: FOI release

Please confirm all media training, voice coaching, public speaking coaching or presentational training provided to Scottish Government ministers in each of the last five full financial years, including 2025-26 to date. In each individual case, please confirm which minister received the training, how much it cost, who t...

FOI not held 45 score 16 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2026-03-10
Reference
FOI/202600500672
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' July 2025 diary: FOI release

“Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I would like to request the following information... Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' full diary (government and political) for July 2025.”

FOI unclear 80 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-25
Reference
FOI/202500496298
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' September 2025 diary: FOI release

“Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I would like to request the following information... Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' full diary (government and political) for September 2025.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.27(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-25
Reference
FOI/202500496292
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Documentation for meetings attended by Former first Minister and Aamer Anwar and Co: FOI release

Copies of any minutes of meetings attended by both Humza Yousaf and Aamer Anwar, between May 3, 2015, and the point at which Mr Yousaf stood down as first minister. Details of any meetings (location, purpose, attendees) at which Mr Yousaf and Mr Anwar were both in attendance and for which minutes were not taken. Copi...

FOI already published 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2026-02-24
Reference
FOI/202500496562
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

First Minister’s social media channels: FOI release

I would like to ask a question about a number of videos which the First Minister has taken to posting from his private Social Media profiles. These videos appear to be taken inside Scottish Government property and look to be professionally filmed and edited, but there is nothing to say whether these are privately funde...

FOI unclear 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1)
Published
2026-02-24
Reference
FOI/202500496893
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector