Scottish Government FOI Index

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

121 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 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

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

Staff feedback on election guidance: FOI release

1) Any correspondence including Teams messages, emails, or intranet posts or comments on or to the Election 2026 Internal Readiness Project Board. 2) Any actions note, agendas, meeting minutes, or documents prepared for or distributed by the board, including any summaries of findings or survey results. 3) Any respons...

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence meetings spending s.3 s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600509907
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Emails sent from the Lord Advocate's work email on the 25 of February 2026: FOI release

I’d like to FOI all send emails of the Lord Advocate work email on the 25 of February 2026.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600508695
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications discussing the Scottish Information Commissioner's statement relating to Hamilton Inquiry: FOI release

All communications discussing the SIC's statement (published here - https://www.foi.scot/preposterous-excuses-given-latest-scottish-government-non-compliance).

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-07
Reference: FOI/202600511015
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

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

Freedom of Information department's correspondence that contains any reference to a “third intervention”: FOI release

Three requests summarised below with the relevant reference numbers we have used to process them: 202600509939 – “All correspondence sent or received (including internal correspondence) by members of the Scottish Government Freedom of Information department that contains any reference to a “third intervention” within ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-30
Reference: FOI/202600509939
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

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 with the PCS union and the FDA unions in relation to the hybrid working policy: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence, unredacted, relating to the Scottish Government’s correspondence with the PCS union and the FDA unions in relation to the hybrid working policy. Please provide these details from October 22, 2025 until March 3, 2026. Please provide any correspondence relating to the hybrid working pol...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2026-04-29
Reference: FOI/202600509259
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Emails sent from the Cabinet Secretary for Education’s official address on 25 February 2026: FOI release

I'd like to FOI all send emails of the Cabinet Secretary for Education sent from her address on the 25 of February 2026.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-28
Reference: FOI/202600508574
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Roles of ministerial private office staff: FOI Review

Original Request 202600504042 Copies of job descriptions and roles and responsibilities of all Scottish Government “ministerial private office” staff at pay scale grade C1, C2, C3 and SCS. For the avoidance of doubt, this should include what is expected of individuals at these grades in relation to “Ministerial engag...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers s.21(4) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-28
Reference: FOI/202600508829 - Review of 202600504042
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

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

Correspondence between the First Minister, Director General Economy relating to Global Counsel: FOI release

(1) Can you please send me copies of any and all correspondence, including texts, whatsapps, emails, deleted emails, voicenotes, minutes of meetings, exchanged between Gregor Irwin and Peter Mandelson, or any employee of the firm Global Counsel, or mentioning Global Counsel or Peter Mandelson/Lord Mandelson held by the...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-23
Reference: FOI/202600506640
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Economy, 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

Scottish Government Ministers pay rise documentation: FOI release

1. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including minutes/notes from meetings, correspondence sent and received (including internal), briefings and analysis, about pay rises for Scottish Government Ministers, between December 1 2025 and the date of this FOI? 3. Could you supply how much ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-16
Reference: FOI/202600504656
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

Roles of ministerial private office staff: FOI release

Copies of job descriptions and roles and responsibilities of all Scottish Government “ministerial private office” staff at pay scale grade C1, C2, C3 and SCS. For the avoidance of doubt, this should include what is expected of individuals at these grades in relation to “Ministerial engagements, travel and gifts".

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1)

Published: 2026-04-14
Reference: FOI/202600504042
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

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

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

Personal use of SCOTS devices Saltire article comments: FOI release

1. Saltire article: Personal use of SCOTS devices. 2. ALL comments under the article.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 8 working days correspondence s.2 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-30
Reference: FOI/202600501995
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Copy of Corporate News article and comments: FOI release

Corporate News article: New pensions portal, Ask ET, snazzy jumpers and more. ALL comments under the article.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-30
Reference: FOI/202600501847
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence and activity involving Special Adviser emails: FOI release

1. Since the start of 2025, please provide a list of the FOI's which have been subject to consideration by the FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot email address and/or Special Adviser emails. 2. Any correspondence between FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot and the FOI Unit since January 1, 2025. 3. Any correspondence between FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot a...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.2 s.12 s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-30
Reference: FOI/202600501632
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills