Scottish Government FOI Index

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

536 matching releases

Correspondence between former First Minister and the Glasgow lawyer: FOI release

“For the period 20th November 2014 - 28th March 2023, please provide all correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon (or her office) and the Glasgow lawyer Aamer Anwar.”

FOI unclear 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers 2 attachments

Published: 2026-10-27
Reference: FOI/202600520305
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Freedom of Information requests that Special Advisers have requested visibility of: FOI Review

Original request: 202600512958 A list of the type of FOI requests which SPADs have requested to be sighted on, whether by subject matter, or by identity of requester.

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers

Published: 2026-10-27
Reference: FOI/202600515487 Review of 202600512958
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Clarification on post-election ministerial resignations: FOI release

Further to your letter with reference 202600514471, and now that new Ministers have been appointed following the Scottish general election, I am writing to ask for clarification on (a) exactly when the following former Ministers left office, and (b) whether they (i) resigned, or (ii) were removed from office by the F...

FOI unclear 50 score 9 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-10-26
Reference: FOI/202600517742
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Number of paid influencers, creators, and public figures used by Scottish Government: FOI release

The total number of paid social media influencers, creators, or public figures used for campaigns, promotions, or advertisements by the Scottish Government, for each year of 2024 and 2025 - as well as 2026 to date. I would like the number of influencers used broken down by year. Please note: I am not asking for any co...

FOI unclear 50 score 11 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2026-08-24
Reference: FOI/202600515468
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

FOI requests submitted to the Scottish Government by the BBC & STV in 2025: FOI Review

Original request: 202600513933 (1) The total number of FOI requests made to the Scottish Government by the bbc in 2025 (2) The total number of FOI requests made to the Scottish Government by STV in 2025

FOI unclear 50 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence

Published: 2026-08-19
Reference: FOI/202600515534 Review of 202600513933
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, 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

Breakdown of spend on Scottish Government Net Zero campaign: FOI release

With reference to the campaign to highlight heat pump installation and the need to drive less announced on 11th February 2026 - the total sum of money budgeted by the Scottish Government to spend on said campaign, and an itemisation of how and where this campaign funding is expected to be spent on each of the heat pump...

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600506933
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Online misogyny campaign advertising costs: FOI release

The total cost to the Scottish Government for their recent advertising campaign related to online misogynistic content.

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600507153
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture working days outwith Scotland: FOI release

Could you supply me with how many working days Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture has spent in Scotland and how many days he has spent outwith Scotland on government business in 2024.

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-07-27
Reference: FOI/202600501562
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Election related communications mentioning Reform UK: FOI release

A copy of any emails, instant messages, texts, or handwritten notes by the permanent secretary or director-generals which mention the Reform party in the context of the Holyrood election.

FOI unclear 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence 4 attachments

Published: 2026-07-22
Reference: FOI/202600516320
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Health's expenses claims and receipts in 2026: FOI release

Under FOI, please provide copies of expense claims and all corresponding receipts for Neil Gray in 2026.

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1)

Published: 2026-07-15
Reference: FOI/202600514652
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Compliance Metrics and quality assurance processes for FOI case management and documentation in 2025: FOI release

“Under FOI, please provide me with stats and figures relating to “casserole compliance” in 2025. Please also explain how every FOI case is quality assured that the same “compliance documents” are filled out and stored in the case file”.

FOI unclear 75 score 9 working days correspondence 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-15
Reference: FOI/202600514647
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Brand Scotland marketing spend information: FOI release

1. For each financial year since 2020-21, please provide the amount spent on marketing by Brand Scotland, if possible, broken down by category (ie digital, broadcast, print, etc). 2. Please also provide the budgets for this spending in the current and next financial year.

FOI unclear 50 score 13 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600503218
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Number of Freedom of Information requests which have proceeded to a review: FOI release

I would like statistics on the number of FOIs which were dealt with by Ministerial Private Pffice staff and the number of those FOIs which then needed to be reviewed in 2025. For avoidance of doubt, this is an FOI Review. I would also like stats on the overall number of FOIs received by Scottish Government in 2025 and...

FOI unclear 50 score 6 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600505303
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: 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

Sensitive and routine Freedom of Information request statistics: FOI release

In reference to the express article linked here: https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-special-advisers-oversawhundreds-35647218 1) How many FOI requests from January 16th 2025 to January 15th 2026 were deemed "routine" 2) How many FOI requests from January 16th 2025 to January 15th 2026 were deeme...

FOI unclear 50 score 13 working days correspondence ministers special advisers

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600513776
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Freedom of Information request statistics: FOI release

1. The number of FOIs dealt with by the Scottish Government in a) 2025 b) 2024 c) 2023 d) 2022. 2. The number of FOIs not responded to within the 28 day time frame in a) 2025 b) 2024 c) 2023 d) 2022. 3. The number of FOIs not responded to within 20 days of receiving confirmation following a clarification request a) 2...

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600501634
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cost of running the “We are Scotland" campaign: FOI release

The total cost/total budgeted cost of running the campaign entitled “We are Scotland - Scottish Government’s Community Cohesion Campaign” broken down by type of cost – for example, television advertising, outdoor advertising, graphic creation, etc.

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600501724
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture work attendance information: FOI release

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600501566
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture working days information: FOI release

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600501543
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture attendance on government business: FOI release

So far this month (January 2026) and up to the date of this FOI, could you supply me with how many working days Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture has spent in Scotland and how many days he has spent outwith Scotland on government business.

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600501541
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Ministers mobile phone and laptop query: FOI release

How many SNP Ministers have work phones, and how many don't? Could you supply a full list of Ministers and a full list of work devices they have?

FOI unclear 50 score 8 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600502746
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Expenses of artwork in Ministerial Offices: FOI release

The total cost involved in purchasing, selecting, moving, removing, and installing artwork in Minister’s offices in the Scottish Parliament and St Andrew’s House since 6 May 2024.

FOI unclear 50 score 15 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending

Published: 2026-05-07
Reference: FOI/202500498533
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector, Work and skills

Number of staff allocated to each Cabinet Secretary and Minister: FOI relaese

The total number of staff allocated to each Cabinet Minister and Minister. Please include how the composition of staff is arrived at- I.e what evidence informs staffing decisions for each Minister.

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-29
Reference: FOI/202600509308
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cost of Deputy First Minister's 2026 trip to the United Arab Emirates: FOI release

The total cost, broken into a table that lists the different costs, of Kate Forbes' recent trip to the United Arab Emirates in January/February 2026.

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-22
Reference: FOI/202600506185
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector