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

Information regarding complaint made by Alex Salmond: FOI review

I previously sent an FOI regarding an allegation that the name of a complainer had been revealed to Mr Geoff Aberdein by a senior Scottish Government official. A complaint had been made about this by Mr Alex Salmond, and I asked a series of questions regarding this. It is only recently that I have been made aware throu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence s.21(4) s.1 s.2 s.26 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.6 4 attachments
Published
2022-01-31
Reference
FOI/202100254262 review of 202100244471
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Breakdown of alcohol spending for Bute House: FOI release

I would like to access the following information collected in each of the past 5 financial years. 1. How many bottles of wine have been bought by the Scottish Government, or by external companies on behalf of the Scottish Government as part of a contract for BUTE HOUSE. For each financial year please outline the total ...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending s.1 s.17(1)
Published
2022-01-27
Reference
FOI/202100257157
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Meetings attended by First Minister week commencing 18 October 2021: FOI release

For the week beginning October 18, 2021, for any meeting attended by the First Minister, the location, topic, attendees, time and date, alongside all minutes, notes, agendas, memos, handouts, linked to each meeting.

FOI withheld 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-27
Reference
FOI/202100255927
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Media advertising expenditure on COVID-19 and vaccination advice: FOI release

"The amount of expenditure that the Scottish Government has spent during the pandemic on media advertising, be that television, radio, printed press including postal leaflets and online to advise the public about Covid 19 and vaccinations.”

FOI released 75 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.20
Published
2022-01-20
Reference
FOI/202100258267
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

First Minister official meetings on 2 November 2021: FOI release

Email traffic between the First Minister's staff and: The staff of the Prime Minister of Belgium, regarding their meeting on the 2nd of November The staff of EIB president Werner Hoyer, regarding their meeting on the 2nd of November Associates of Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate, regarding their meeting on the 1st of...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-01-18
Reference
FOI/202100252780
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Information regarding Scottish Government intranet page: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100244010 I am looking for some information about the Scottish Government’s intranet page. Can you release information about who can access to the intranet? Are you able to say how many people in total? Can you release the questions asked and results of any and all polls on the Intranet betwe...

FOI already published 80 score 12 working days correspondence s.21(4) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-13
Reference
FOI/202100254583 review of 202100244010
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

All events held in Bute House in the last five years: FOI release

A list of all events held in Bute House, hosted by a Scottish Government Minister (including the First Minister) in each of the past 5 financial years, including the current financial year to date. Please include the number of guests invited and the total itemised cost of the event.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-05
Reference
FOI/202100257159
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Guidance on display flags on official cars overseas: FOI release

The protocol / guidance used for displaying flags on official cars used by the First Minister on her visits to foreign countries.

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2022-01-05
Reference
FOI/202100253807
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Costs of Scottish Government advertising campaigns: FOI release

"Could you please notify me as to how much the Scottish government has paid for all of their advertisements in the press, radio and television? Of particular interest would be the total cost that the Scottish Government has paid to Scottish Television for this purpose." Following clarification, you requested “I would b...

FOI withheld 55 score 13 working days correspondence contracts spending s.33 s.33(1)
Published
2021-12-22
Reference
FOI/202100255054
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Process for on-boarding a new Ministerial appointment: FOI release

Could you please set out the process followed when a new government minister is appointed? I would like to know the following: 1. Who contacts the newly nominated minister to invite them to Bute House, how they are contacted and when they are contacted 2. What information is provided to the newly nominated minister ahe...

FOI unclear 55 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.17(1)
Published
2021-12-21
Reference
FOI/202100249378
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Media campaign fronted by Janey Godley: FOI release

With reference to the recent media campaign fronted by Janey Godley (JG), I am seeking the following information: (1) Who initially proposed JG to front the campaign? (2) All internal communications proposing and discussing the proposal for JG to front the campaign. (3) All communications with the creative services age...

FOI not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.5 s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-21
Reference
FOI/202100248293
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Scottish Government social media accounts: FOI release

1. Who manages the social media pages on behalf of the Scottish Government? 2. Are individual people if so, how many and in addition, namely a subject with the name Richard L Russel or Richard Russell excluded from viewing such pages? If so why so? 3. During the pandemic did the Scottish Government take all reasonable ...

FOI unclear 55 score 98 working days over deadline correspondence s.1 s.3 s.4
Published
2021-12-17
Reference
FOI/202100221455
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Communications including the words 'Janey Godley' between 13th August to 3rd September 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications that include the words ‘Janey Godley’ between 13 August 2021 and 3 September 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100236902
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Information regarding Janey Godley appearance on Covid-19 advert: FOI release

1. An overview of the procurement process used for this communications campaign. 2. All communications between officials in regards to the selection process in which Ms Godley was identified as the face of this campaign (or indeed any other), including any concerns raised at any level within the Scottish Government as ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 51 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.3 s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100237091
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Appointment of Janey Godley in recent Covid-19 advertisement campaign: FOI release

1. All communications (email, telephone, written) relating to the appointment and arrangement of Janey Godley to the recent NHSS marketing campaign. 2. How much Janey Godley was compensated for said campaign.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100238371
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

NHS Scotland Covid-19 advertisement campaign: FOI release

Minutes of meetings and discussions, and relevant emails, which concern the process for procuring the services of Ms Godley. Specifically, please provide documentation, or appropriate commentary, to cover: 1. How Ms Godley was selected - what process was used, and over what timeframe. 2. Whether other options, e.g. oth...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 70 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100238627
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Creative agencies used by Scottish Government: FOI release

1. Please list the creative services agencies used by the government during 2021. 2. A list of all appointments made under each agreement during 2021 - detailing the creative services agency used, campaign name, the lead artist / provider and agreed fee. The following questions relate solely to the creative service age...

FOI not held 45 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending s.3
Published
2021-12-14
Reference
FOI/202100248294
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Business dealings with Janey Godley: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100237623 You asked for information in relation to the Scottish Government's business dealings with the comedian Janey Godley, including; A copy of all contracts and agreements. A list of all payments of (a) fees and (b) expenses, by date. A copy of all communications with JG or her agent. F...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence contracts spending s.17(1)
Published
2021-12-08
Reference
FOI/202100248243 review of 202100237623
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Engagement with Republic of Media: FOI release

I would like to submit a Freedom of Information Request on the government’s engagement with Republic of Media. I would like a record of all government spending on contracts with Republic of Media up to the present as well as a breakdown of these costs and which projects they were spent on. I would also like a full list...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-15
Reference
FOI/202100230217
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Information pertaining to Let's Stop the Spike media campaign: FOI release

1. A full account of costs relating to the "Let's Stop the Spike" media campaign ran by the Scottish Government, specifically the two videos published on the Scottish Government's YouTube channel titled: "Take Two Tests Every Week" "Stop the Spike" 2. Copies of the contracts or tenders in which any media companies se...

FOI not held 45 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending s.3 s.4 s.7 s.33 s.33(1)
Published
2021-11-08
Reference
FOI/202100237582
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Marketing spend 2019-2021: FOI release

How much money the Scottish government has paid to external PR companies in the years 2020 and 2021 to date and the nature of the campaigns that they have been employed to undertake directly relating to enhancing the image of the Scottish government.

FOI unclear 50 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence spending
Published
2021-11-05
Reference
FOI/202100244156
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Number of full time equivalent (FTE) frontline media roles: FOI release

"May I have updated information pertaining to the number of FTE (Full time equivalent) frontline media roles currently active in the Scottish Government? The previous statement from July was that there were 54.9 FTE jobs."

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence
Published
2021-11-04
Reference
FOI/202100242442
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

Information regarding Janey Godley appearance on Covid-19 advert: FOI release

1. Whether Scottish Government funds were used to pay Ms Godley? 2. If payment was taken out of the bike SNP party funds? 3. Will Ms Godley be reported to the police for hate crime?

FOI unclear 50 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-11-01
Reference
FOI/202100238775
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Total spend of Covid-19 advertising: FOI release

You asked for the cost of all adverts about the coronavirus that are on TV and radio every day and how much is it costing for all these adverts to be shown daily especially the latest advert by Janey Godley

FOI unclear 50 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence spending
Published
2021-11-01
Reference
FOI/202100237983
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Business dealings with Janey Godley: FOI release

You asked for information in relation to the Scottish Government's business dealings with the comedian Janey Godley, including: A copy of all contracts and agreements. A list of all payments of (a) fees and (b) expenses, by date. A copy of all communications with JG or her agent. For each contract / agreement, a copy ...

FOI unclear 50 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending
Published
2021-11-01
Reference
FOI/202100237623
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector