Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,792releases indexed
39,278attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,073partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

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 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
356 matching releases

Ministerial briefings provided between 18th May 2021 and 2nd June 2021: FOI release

All briefings provided to the new Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, the Minister for Children and Young People and the Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training between 18th May 2021 and 2nd June 2021.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 74 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.38(1)
Published
2021-10-11
Reference
FOI/202100208478
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication between Kenny MacAskill MP and Neale Hanvey MP: FOI release

Any email/whatsapp communications or meetings between Kenny MacAskill MP and Neale Hanvey MP and Scottish Government Ministers from Feburary 27th 2021 to March 28th 2021.

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38 s.38(1)
Published
2021-08-26
Reference
FOI/202100224533
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Senior staff executive team question and answer session: FOI release

It is my understanding that the Scottish Government senior staff executive team carries out Q&A sessions with other government staff and there have been three of these since last July. Can I please have a transcript of all questions and answers for each session from July 2020 to date? If that involves too much work, co...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202100218490
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Communications regarding Freedom of Information request: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes or any other documents) regarding an FOI request that sent on the 5th of May 2021 (reference number 202100199466). I would ask for correspondence between the lead official and/or Scottish Government ministers and/or the SG FOI Unit and/or special advis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202100217275
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence relating to former Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work: FOI release

Please provide all Scottish Government correspondence (internal or external) related to Derek Mackay MSP for the one-month period from Monday, February 3, 2020 to Tuesday, March 3, 2020. This would include correspondence involving ministers, MSPs and civil servants.

FOI cost limit 70 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100190045
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communications relating to vaccine rollout: FOI release

Correspondence (emails, notes, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from the Scottish Government Communications Team regarding the poll undertaken by Savanta ComRes by The Scotsman on 11 February 2021 between the period of 9 February 2021 to 23 February 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-05
Reference
FOI/202100164031
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs meetings: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: 1. A list of all meetings that Michael Russell has conducted with foreign officials. Including details of the date of the meeting and who was present at the metting. 2. Copies of the minutes from all the above meetings.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-09
Reference
FOI/202100136000
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Margaret Ferrier between September and October 2020: FOI release

Any communications, correspondence, be it email, text message, whatsapp or of any kind available relating to Margaret Ferrier MP between the Scottish Government Ministers/Special Advisors and people external to the Scottish Government between September 14th and October 14th.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000118037
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

First Minister interview with James Hamilton QC: FOI release

In a recent FOI response, with the reference number: 202100150391 an annex was attached which contained an email from the First Minister’s office that stated the afternoon of 1 February 2021 would be held for a video interview between the First Minister and James Hamilton regarding the Ministerial Code investigation. P...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100159382
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with Minister for Justice containing the word Trump 2021: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence sent and received by Humza Yousaf between January 1, 2021 and January 12, 2021 containing the following keyword: "Trump".

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-11
Reference
FOI/202100135747
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Deputy First Minister's appearance on Politics Scotland: FOI release

From 1 January 2020 to present: Copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, memos, briefings and/or otherwise) from and/or to Special Advisors regarding John Swinney’s appearance on Politics Scotland on Sunday 10 January 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-11
Reference
FOI/202100136050
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Internal emails on specific dates: FOI release

1. All emails sent by Liz Lloyd, Chief of Staff to the First Minister, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 2. All emails sent by any diary secretary or assistant who works for Liz Lloyd, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 3. All emails sent by Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government, to Liz Lloyd on 28 and 29 Janua...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100148280
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

James Hamilton QC correspondence: FOI release

1. Any Scottish Government Cabinet Meetings where James Hamilton QC’s Ministerial Code investigation was discussed. If it was discussed, please provide any minutes or notes on these discussions. Please limit time period to 1 January 2019 and the present date. 2. Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 9 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202100150391
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing drug deaths statistics communications: FOI release

"All emails, letters, minutes of meetings, briefings, hand written notes, records of phone conversations and messages on encrypted phone apps between The Public Health Minister, The Cabinet Secretary for health, the First Minister and the Chair of the Drugs death task force or anyone in their private office or Minister...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-19
Reference
FOI/202100134969
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Government Audit and Assurance Committee (SGAAC): FOI release

"The minutes (and associated materials, such as, but not limited to agendas, papers, reports or presentations) for any meetings held between senior Scottish Government staff and nonexecutive directors and deputy directors of the Scottish Government. I am interested in records relating to any meetings that have taken pl...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.33 s.38(1) s.33(1) s.33(2) s.38(1)B s.34(1)
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202100134076
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Press office correspondence mentioning Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland: FOI release

For Scottish Government press office internal correspondence mentioning the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000098775
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills confidence motion correspondence: FOI release

correspondence from members of the public to either the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, or the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, regarding the no confidence motion against Mr Swinney that was debated on 13 August from 09 August 2020 to 14 August 2020.

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-17
Reference
FOI/202000087835
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Education, Public sector

Correspondence involving Joanna Cherry MP: FOI release

Any mention of Joanna Cherry in communications sent Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) by Scottish Government Ministers or Special Advisors to Scottish Government minist...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-16
Reference
FOI/202000087424
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence concerning Margaret Ferrier MP’s conduct regarding her coronavirus diagnosis: FOI release

I would appreciate if you could provide all correspondence, including emails, letters, encrypted messages, in addition to any briefings, agendas or minutes of meetings pertaining to Margaret Ferrier MP’s conduct regarding her coronavirus diagnosis, between the following individuals: Liz Lloyd Nicola Sturgeon Scottish ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.25 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000095337
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Margaret Ferrier MP: FOI release

Copies of all internal and external Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) which mention “Margaret Ferrier”. Please limit to the time period 26 September...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000094155
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Procurement of face masks supplied to staff: FOI release

1. What type of masks are procured and supplied to staff – cloth masks, Surgical masks, N95 professional grade medical masks? 2. What is the cost per unit on the masks? please provide the monthly cost if possible. 3. How many face masks have been supplied per month since March 2020? 4. The person in the organisation re...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence contracts spending s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2020-10-05
Reference
FOI/202000085142
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government communications: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes, or phone calls) either to or from the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, Aileen Campbell MSP. I would like this information for 05 May 2020

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-15
Reference
FOI/202000064632
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Travel arrangements to/from Shetland Isles in July and August 2019: FOI release

Any flights to/from Sumburgh or Tingwall Airport and any accommodation or subsistence in Shetland Isles during the same period between 20th July 2019 and 5th August 2019 which were paid for ( either directly or indirectly or where flights were requested on any special Government rates) by the Scottish Government, inclu...

FOI not held 70 score 8 working days correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-02
Reference
FOI/202000067210
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Deloitte report 2019: FOI release

A full copy of the commissioned Deloitte Report 2019 in relation to the current SG Estates, Facilities and Security Services Delivery Structure. You also asked to see all correspondence between Scottish Government and Deloitte on this matter.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-17
Reference
FOI/202000050911
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector