Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,640releases indexed
40,478attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,386partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-09-02newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,386 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 700 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5149 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3727 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2994 s.17(1) 2922 s.25(1) 2520 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 1 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,312 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 978 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 961 releases · 30.9 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 737 releases · 39.7 avg days Constitution Directorate 702 releases · 35.9 avg days Population Health Directorate 665 releases · 28.5 avg days People Directorate 657 releases · 25.6 avg days
Clear
1,312 matching releases

Correspondence between Police Scotland and the First Minister between 29 March-5 April 2023: FOI release

All correspondence (including telephone records) between Police Scotland and the First Minister (including staff and SPADS) between 29th March 2023 until - and including - today.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-03
Reference
202300350304
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Gove...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-29
Reference
202300358360
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Government expenditure on TikTok: FOI release

A breakdown of Scottish Government expenditure on TikTok, including a breakdown by subject matter, and whether it was used to promote a specific policy position to young people. Reasoning behind advertising on TikTok and a breakdown of what adverts were shown and how many people they reached. The cost/benefit analysis ...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.17(1)
Published
2023-12-29
Reference
202300356486
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister’s engagement with Anas Sarwar: FOI release

All correspondence between Humza Yousaf and Anas Sarwar since Humza Yousaf’s appointment as SNP leader and First Minister.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-29
Reference
202300358415
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

All correspondence between the office of the First Minister, Crown Office and Police Scotland: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence, (including, reports, letters, email, WhatsApp, SMS, and phone correspondence) and logs of phone calls and meetings, from personal and corporate devices, between the office of the First Minister (both the former First Minister, and the new FM) and the Crown Office, and Police Scotland,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) s.20 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-27
Reference
202300350290
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Decision making process surrounding the FMEL ferries: FOI release

On 3 May 2022 John-Paul Marks appeared in front of the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee. He was answering questions on the decision making process surrounding the FMEL ferries. In particular he was asked if the failure to properly keep written records of decision making process was a breach of the law. He stated t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202200298441
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information relating to National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication: FOI Review

Further to my letter of 4 August, I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for correspondence, records or minutes of any meetings regarding discussions over protests at the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, including discu...

FOI already published 80 score 18 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.25 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-15
Reference
FOI - 202300369630 review of 202300365029
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Special Adviser expenses in past 5 years: FOI release

How many Special Advisers were employed in each of the past five years and what was the total salary cost in each year? What was the total amount claimed in expenses by Special Advisers in each of the past five years broken down by (a) travel, (b) hotel accommodation and (c) food & drink. What was the cost, mode of tra...

FOI released 100 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers contracts spending s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-12
Reference
FOI/202300373199
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence relating to Nicola Sturgeon's trip to Italy: FOI release

Any correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon, her office, special advisers and MSPs in the week leading up to her trip to Bellagio in Italy about the trip. - if this costs too much, lessen the timeframe to five days before the trip and the day of the trip or take the MSPs out. Briefing notes prepared from any meetings th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-11
Reference
202200311801
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Invoice and a list of all visitors to Bute House for the first four months of 2021: FOI release

A copy of invoice TO 21-22-0053 as listed in FOI 202200316811 and a list of all visitors to Bute House for the first four months of 2021, broken down by month. Please also include purpose of visit.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.25(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-11
Reference
202200323923
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Official letter sent to Royal Household for Crown consent: FOI release

Please for each of the following bills firstly: the official letter sent by Scottish ministers to the Royal Household notifying the monarch that these bills will, or are likely to, trigger the crown consent clauses of Scottish parliament standing orders, and which detail the parts of the bill which did so and why, and ...

FOI unclear 55 score 9 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2023-12-11
Reference
FOI/202300381740
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance’s meeting with Ross Greer MSP: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to Shona Robison's meeting with Ross Greer on April 12 All internal...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 59 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-11
Reference
FOI/202300369457
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister's Christmas card list: FOI release

A full list of recipients receiving a Christmas card from the First Minister in 2022. Total number of Christmas cards sent in 2022. Total cost of the Christmas cards in 2022. The standard message within the Christmas card in 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202200334984
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Education and Skills organogram and pay grades: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills office, including both civil service and political staff. The wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay grades for e...

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202200335608
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Scottish Labour conference and the Labour Party in general: FOI release

Internal correspondence between the press office and from the press office to Scottish Ministers and special advisers in September or October 2021 on Labour conference or Labour generally.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202200291468
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Contracts awarded to external public relations/marketing companies/individuals: FOI release

The number of contracts awarded to external public relations/marketing companies/individuals by the Scottish Government, broken down by date, company/individual, purpose of contract, length of contract/ value of contract and current spend from January 2018 to date.

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence contracts spending 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202300337462
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Net Zero Secretary's Briefing For MPs 27 October 2022: FOI release

You asked for all items of information held in relation to the briefing prepared for Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson for his meeting with MPs Stephen Flynn and Alan Brown on 27 October 2022, and all notes and records of this meeting.

FOI unclear 75 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202300339800
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communications correspondence on Greensill Capital and others: FOI release

Any internal or external correspondence between the Communications department, senior civil servants, ministers, and/or Special Advisers discussing media requests for comment or interview around issues relating to GFG Alliance, Sanjeev Gupta, Dalzell steelworks, or Greensill Capital, from April 1, 2022, to date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202200321975
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic

Staff Structure for the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay gr...

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202200335623
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the First Minister's Office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the First Minister's Office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay grades for each staff member ...

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202200335616
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay g...

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202200335641
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Costs of social media marketing and contracts: FOI release

How much has been spent on social media marketing, if possible broken down by which channels i.e. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and any other similar platforms that have been used. Who has this money has gone to? For example, has it gone to companies, if so, which ones? And has it gone to individual “influencers...

FOI unclear 75 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202300337969
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity government issued mobile handset: FOI release

1. Does Lorna Slater use a mobile phone handset issued to her by the Scottish Government? 2. If Lorna Slater does not use a mobile phone handset issued to her by the Scottish Government, does the Scottish Government pay the bill for any personal handsets used by Lorna Slater, either directly, or via expense claims? 3...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2023-12-06
Reference
FOI/202300382799
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding Audit Scotland's report in construction of island ferries hills 801 and 802: FOI release

Any correspondence within the communications team on how to respond publicly to Audit Scotland's report into the construction of island ferries hulls 801 and 802 and subsequent media interest from March 1 to April 1, 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-05
Reference
202200324629
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pa...

FOI unclear 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-05
Reference
202200335615
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector