Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,874releases indexed
40,876attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,493partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-10-28newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,493 unclear 7,447 not held 3,283 released 1,596 already published 712 cost limit 634 clarification 376 withheld 250 transferred 83

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5215 s.20 4475 s.34(1) 3779 s.39(2) 3631 s.30 3032 s.17(1) 2975 s.25(1) 2550 s.10(4) 2085 s.11(2) 1634 s.29(1) 1244 s.2 1242 s.3 977

Timeline

2026-10 227 2026-09 8 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,334 releases · 27.8 avg days Marine Directorate 990 releases · 29.7 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 969 releases · 30.8 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 741 releases · 39.6 avg days Constitution Directorate 710 releases · 35.8 avg days Population Health Directorate 676 releases · 28.6 avg days People Directorate 663 releases · 25.5 avg days
Clear
456 matching releases

World Media Awards 2025 information: FOI release

Information regarding any potential use of public funds (including Scottish taxpayer money) in relation to the "World Media Awards 2025," organized by the World Media Group (with ceremony on September 18, 2025, at the Ham Yard Hotel, London). 1. Any records, emails, memos, or correspondence (from January 1, 2024, to t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence briefings contracts spending s.3 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2025-12-03
Reference
FOI/202500481893
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Consideration of Section 5 FOISA Designation of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other bodies: FOI release

1. Has the Scottish Government considered, since 1 January 2020, the designation of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) as a Scottish public authority under section 5 of FOISA? Please provide any internal or external legal advice, ministerial submissions, policy papers, or correspondence on this subje...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.5 s.3 6 attachments
Published
2025-12-02
Reference
FOI/202500481032
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and the LINCO consultancy company: FOI release

“Copies of all correspondence between the Scottish Government and the LINCO consultancy company set up by Catriona Matheson.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-11-13
Reference
FOI/202500479446
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, 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

Overseas trips conducted by the First Minister: FOI release

1. Overseas trips conducted by the first minister since 01 January 2024 including all countries visited on each trip. 2. The number of officials who accompanied the first minister on each trip. 3. The total cost of flights and accommodation for each trip, including for officials. 4. The class of flight tickets purch...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.4 s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1)
Published
2025-11-03
Reference
FOI/202500478455
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

Correspondence between Scottish Ministers and the Herald newspaper: FOI release

Copies of correspondence since 1 January 2025 between Scottish Ministers and The Herald newspaper, excluding requests for comment on stories for publication.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38 4 attachments
Published
2025-10-13
Reference
FOI/202500472311
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, 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

Correspondence regarding former First Minister's Memoir: FOI release

Regarding Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir ‘Frankly’ that is to be published: Any internal Scottish Government correspondence between 1 January 2023 and present discussing Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir, including any involvement by civil servants, special advisers, or ministers. All communications between the First Minister’s priv...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-18
Reference
FOI/202500465697
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Pay rise for Scottish Government ministers: FOI release

1. All correspondence between the First Minister, the First Minister’s staff, and the Scottish Parliament relating to the recent pay rise for Scottish Government ministers. 2. Confirmation of whether the First Minister has received a pay rise as part of this change. If so, please provide details of the amount and effe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-17
Reference
FOI/202500465280
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

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

External legal fees for Court of Session appeal XA10/23: FOI release

How much money has the Scottish Government spent in total on appealing freedom of information requests about James Hamilton's report into Nicola Sturgeon during the Salmond Inquiry, with a full breakdown of costs?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.30
Published
2025-09-17
Reference
FOI/202500464784
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Evidence for Scottish Government hybrid working policy decision: FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am submitting a refined request for information regarding the decision to transition from full-time remote work to a hybrid working policy, as referenced in the Saltire article “Next Phase of Hybrid Working” (7 May 2025) and your response to FOI/202500465200. The ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings spending s.2 s.3 s.30 s.5 s.38(1) s.27(1) s.27 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-17
Reference
FOI/202500470884
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence regarding written questions lodged by Douglas Lumsden MSP: FOI release

All correspondence between Scottish Government Special Advisors regarding written questions lodged by Douglas Lumsden MSP from January 2025 to present

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-16
Reference
FOI/202500463135
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

FOI qualified exemption responses where public interest favours publication: FOI release

1) In March 2025, how many qualified exemption responses have the Scottish Government decided that the public interest lies in favour of publication compared to the public interest upholding the exemption to not release?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.17(1)
Published
2025-09-04
Reference
FOI/202500459419
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Activities and communications of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government: FOI Review

Original Request - 202500453893 All information held by the Scottish Government relating to the activities and communications of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (‘CabSec’) on Monday 17 February 2025 (from 0:00 AM to 24:00 PM). This should include but not necessarily be limited to the following ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.6 s.30 4 attachments
Published
2025-09-04
Reference
FOI/202500459058 Review of 202500453893
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Costs for Special Advisers and Press Officers: FOI release

Could you supply the total spend on Scottish Government Special advisers and press officers for the 24/25 financial year, as well as the same totals for the three previous years, and a breakdown per year?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers spending s.27(1)
Published
2025-09-04
Reference
FOI/202500468580
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Details of Cabinet Secretary for Housing's meetings with various organisations: FOI release

How many meetings, since June 11, 2025, to the date of this request (July 9, 2025), that Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan MSP, has had with each of the following organisations. Shelter Scotland Homeless Network Scotland Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Sanctuary Scotland West of Scotland Housing...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1)
Published
2025-08-21
Reference
FOI/202500475214
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Scottish Government Executive Team correspondence regarding home and hybrid working: FOI release

Correspondence in the last year (i.e between June 2024 and June 2025) between any member of the Scottish Government Executive Team and any Scottish Government Minister regarding home and hybrid working.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-12
Reference
FOI/202500472911
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government correspondence with the MSP for Dundee City East: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and the following email: “dundee@shona.robison.scot”. Information should include but not be limited to a detailed timelin...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.30 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-07
Reference
FOI/202500471344
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Government's news release on the UK Government's Spending Review: FOI release

1. All government correspondence (including Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers and Press Officers) involved in the drafting of the Scottish Government's news release on the UK Government's Spending Review: https://www.gov.scot/news/spending-review-presents-challenges/ 2. A full list of all people inside the S...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-05
Reference
FOI/202500470477
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministerial correspondence regarding "Debate Night": FOI release

Any emails sent to Ministerial emails or SPAD emails since 1 January 2025 that contain the phrase “Debate Night” and/or “Stephen Jardine”.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-05
Reference
FOI/202500470408
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Viva Engage posts containing certain phrases: FOI release

Any posts on the Scottish Government All-Company group on Viva Engage since 1 November 2024 that contain any of the following phrases: Tories Trump Supreme Court Elon Starmer Transgender Terf Conservatives Labour SNP Farage Reform Woke Regan Netflix Work from home WFH Working from home

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-31
Reference
FOI/202500468506
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector