Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

4,100releases indexed
6,376attachments found
25.6avg calendar days
1,683partially withheld
2025-05-08oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 1,683 unclear 998 not held 683 released 264 already published 195 cost limit 138 clarification 71 withheld 52 transferred 16

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 1230 s.34(1) 920 s.20 818 s.30 745 s.39(2) 676 s.17(1) 634 s.25(1) 505 s.10(4) 431 s.11(2) 362 s.29(1) 297 s.2 287 s.3 212

Timeline

2026-05 339 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263 2025-10 217

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 298 releases · 25.1 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 254 releases · 28.0 avg days Culture and External Affairs Directorate 173 releases · 27.7 avg days Marine Directorate 150 releases · 26.9 avg days Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate 149 releases · 32.6 avg days People Directorate 144 releases · 23.2 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 132 releases · 26.4 avg days Safer Communities Directorate 120 releases · 22.6 avg days
Clear
24 matching releases

First Minister emails relating to Lord Advocate and former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party: FOI release

A copy of any email in the First Minister’s inbox (sent by him or received by him) relating to the Lord Advocate or Peter Murrell that was received or sent on 16th, February, 17th February, 18th February and 19th February.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.28(1) s.35(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-05-13
Reference
FOI/202600512647
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

First Minister emails related to the Lord Advocate and the former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party: FOI release

A copy of any email in the First Minister’s inbox relating to the Lord Advocate or Peter Murrell that was received on 20th February, 21st February , 22nd February and 23rd February. (2026)

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-05-12
Reference
FOI/202600508331
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Documents which mention section 52 of FOISA and First Minister to cease the effect of a Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC) decision: FOI release

All communications/documents which mention section 52 of FOISA/the ability of the FM to cease the effect of a SIC decision notice since January 2024.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.52 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-04-24
Reference
FOI/202600506970
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Senior Special Adviser communications: FOI release

Communications sent and received by Senior Special Adviser Jeanette Campbell during the week commencing Monday 2 February 2026.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.25 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-04-21
Reference
FOI/202600505102
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministerial Preferences: FOI release

1. A copy of the latest ministerial preferences document for each Scottish Minister (in terms of how they like to receive information and working preferences etc.) that is available to Scottish Government staff. 2. Any previous versions of such a document for each minister produced since 1 September 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-31
Reference
FOI/202600501881
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

Special Advisor communications: FOI release

You asked for all communications that Senior Special Advisor Davie Hutchison sent and received the week of Monday 20 October.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25 s.25(1) s.27 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.17 s.20 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-24
Reference
FOI/202500491193
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy's expenses for COP30: FOI Review

Original Request 202500497042 Under FOI I would like to request all receipts, approvals and confirmations of travel, accommodation and expenses incurred by Gillian Martin and her office at COP.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2026-03-23
Reference
FOI/202600500910 - Review of 202500497042
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, International, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy's expenses for COP30: FOI release

All receipts, approvals and confirmations of travel, accommodation and expenses incurred by Gillian Martin and her office at COP.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.27 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-24
Reference
FOI/202500497042
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, International, Public sector

Senior Constitution Special Adviser communications: FOI release

All recorded communications sent to or from Senior Constitution Special Adviser Ewan Crawford during the period 24 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive. This includes emails, letters, briefing material, and messages held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI already published 80 score 15 working days correspondence special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.25 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-23
Reference
FOI/202500496219
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Special Adviser to the First Minister communications: FOI release

All recorded communications sent to or from Senior Special Adviser David Hutchison during the period 24 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive. This includes emails, letters, briefing material, and messages held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.28(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-23
Reference
FOI/202500496223
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence which mentions former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party: FOI release

Firstly, a copy of all WhatsApp messages sent by the First Minister today (19th January) And then: A copy of all WhatsApp messages sent to First Minister today (19th January). A copy of any email sent from the first minister’s inbox that contains name Peter Murrell (in January 2026) A copy of any email sent from Fi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers contracts whatsapp s.17 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-18
Reference
FOI/202600502246
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Senior Special Adviser communications: FOI release

You asked for all communications that Senior Special Advisor Emily Mackintosh sent and received the week of Monday 20 October.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.27 s.27(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 s.32 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-04
Reference
FOI/202500491194
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister's government & political diary information: FOI release

First Minister’s full diary (government and political for the 11th to 13th August 2025 (date inclusive)).

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-11-18
Reference
FOI/202500479614
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministerial Diaries relating to internal meetings, parliamentary business and events: FOI release

“I am writing under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2000 to request the full diaries of the Ministers outlined below, accounting for the past three months (15/04/2025-15/07/2025). Please outline what type of engagement it is, alongside where/with whom the engagement took place, and broadly what the theme of ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-11-03
Reference
FOI/202500476126
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and Cabinet Secretary for Housing ministerial diaries: FOI release

I am writing under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2000 to request the full diaries of the Ministers outlined below, accounting for the past three months (15/04/2025-15/07/2025). Please outline what type of engagement it is, alongside where/with whom the engagement took place, and broadly what the theme of th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-10-23
Reference
FOI/202500476124
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care engagements: FOI release

I am writing under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2000 to request the full diaries of the Ministers outlined below, accounting for the past three months (15/04/2025-15/07/2025). Please outline what type of engagement it is, alongside where/with whom the engagement took place, and broadly what the theme of t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-10-23
Reference
FOI/202500476128
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications related to Scottish Information Commissioner decision notice: FOI release

"For thoroughness, and to eliminate any need for any investigation of the Authority under section 65 of FOISA, the Authority was invited to assist the Commissioner by requesting a voluntary affidavit from the named Special Adviser. It was requested that this clarify the named Special Adviser’s role in the redaction pro...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.65 s.30 s.36(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-25
Reference
FOI/202500470557
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Diary engagements: FOI release

Can you provide a copy of the ministerial diary for Jenny Gilruth on April 24, 2025? Can you provide a copy of any amendments made in regards to this document? Can you provide a list of ministerial engagements scheduled for Ms Gilruth on that date? Can you also provide any emails related to Ms Gilruth's diary schedulin...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-17
Reference
FOI/202500463953
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice ministerial engagements: FOI release

I am writing under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2000 to request the full diaries of the Ministers outlined below, accounting for the past three months (15/04/2025-15/07/2025). Please outline what type of engagement it is, alongside where/with whom the engagement took place, and broadly what the theme of t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-09
Reference
FOI/202500476125
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Ministerial salary increase timing and messaging records: FOI Review

Original request 202500462016 Access to records related to the timing and public messaging of the recent ministerial salary increase. Specifically: 1. **Internal Communications:** - Emails, meeting minutes, and memos between the Office of the First Minister and the Public Relations teams discussing how the timing of ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.2 s.25 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-30
Reference
FOI/202500466490 Review of 202500462016
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministerial salary increase timing and messaging records: FOI release

Access to records related to the timing and public messaging of the recent ministerial salary increase. Specifically: 1. **Internal Communications:** - Emails, meeting minutes, and memos between the Office of the First Minister and the Public Relations teams discussing how the timing of the announcement was chosen. - ...

FOI not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-21
Reference
FOI/202500462016
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Government request responses and use of free & frank advice exception: FOI release

In this request, when I refer to ‘free and frank advice exceptions’ I mean to refer to the application of a exemption from disclosure of requested information from a public body as an FOI or EIR request on the grounds that disclosure would inhibit the free and frank provision of advice, inhibit the free and frank excha...

FOI clarification 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2A s.25(1) s.6(1) s.12 s.29(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-17
Reference
FOI/202500461547
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector