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

Emails to and from Michael Russell with the word “independence” in them 2020: FOI release

Copies of all emails to and from Michael Russell with the word “independence” in them (including in the message, an attachment and/or otherwise), from 1 October 2020 to present.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-21
Reference
FOI/202000106675
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): dealing with awkward social situations – guidance’: FOI release

1) Any briefing or correspondence (including emails, letter and phone records) around the Scottish Government’s ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): dealing with awkward social situations – guidance’, published on the 7 December. 2) Any previous drafts of the Scottish Government’s ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): dealing with awkward soci...

FOI unclear 75 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings spending 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-18
Reference
FOI/202000122884
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 FACTS advertising campaign associated costs: FOI release

"a full a detailed breakdown of costs associated the FACTS campaign by the Scottish Government for covid 19, including any and all advertising costs."

FOI unclear 50 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence spending
Published
2021-01-18
Reference
FOI/202000124564
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

The Covid Guide to Etiquette and Pandemic Politeness costs: FOI release

How much has been spent to date on The Covid Guide to Etiquette and Pandemic Politeness. Please include a breakdown of ALL costs including: 1. Cost to produce and publish the guide. 2. Cost of any consultant agencies used to contribute to the production of the guide. 3. Cost of distribution of the guide. 4. Cost of a...

FOI unclear 50 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence spending
Published
2021-01-14
Reference
FOI/202000121890
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Scottish Government use of independent research agency: FOI release

"Who was the ‘independent research agency’ referred to and how much has the Scottish Government spent with this agency in this year."

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence
Published
2021-01-12
Reference
FOI/202000104615
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister daily media briefings' associated costs: FOI release

How much STV/BBC are being paid of Scottish tax payers money on daily briefings by the SNP.

FOI unclear 50 score 6 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending
Published
2021-01-11
Reference
FOI/202000125533
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Scottish Government homeworking equipment costs: FOI release

1) For each Scottish Government department, please provide me with the following breakdown of information. 1a) The total cost of equipment connected to enabling working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic since February 2020. 1b) An itemised list of what was purchased by each department and the cost of each item. ...

FOI cost limit 45 score 17 working days correspondence contracts spending s.17(1) s.12
Published
2020-12-23
Reference
FOI/202000115714
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Statistics on Scottish Government Car Service: FOI release

You asked for: The amount the Scottish Government spent on the Government Car Service in each year from 2010/11 to 2020/21 (to the date of this request). Number of cars in the Scottish Government, Government Car Service in each year from 2010/11 to 2020/21 (to the date of this request). The number of FTE staff working...

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.27(1)
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000103801
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Justice portfolio briefing notes for FMQs session on 17 September 2020: FOI release

You asked for: ‘The First Minister’s Briefing for the FMQs session which took place on 17 September 2020. More specifically with regards to victims of crime, crime statistics or any other part of the briefing relevant to the justice portfolio’.

FOI partially withheld 60 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000100246
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Public information adverts and general advertising campaigns regarding COVID-19:FOI release

The financial cost of Public Information Adverts and general advertising campaigns regarding Covid.

FOI unclear 50 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence spending
Published
2020-11-23
Reference
FOI/202000096049
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

NHS and Scottish Government social media campaign budget spend: FOI release

How much of the taxpayers money has been recorded as being budgeted for the "Stick to the rules and help protect our businesses and jobs" joint NHS-Scottish Government campaign that is currently running on a 24 hour cycle on the social media platforms such as YouTube and Spotify.

FOI unclear 50 score 11 working days correspondence spending
Published
2020-11-23
Reference
FOI/202000108814
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Senior Scottish Government staff communication applications: FOI release

Please could you supply a list of all communication apps (e.g. WhatsApp) downloaded onto the smartphones of First Minister First Minister's Private Secretary First Minister's Chief of Staff (a special adviser) Head of Communications & Senior Political Spokesperson for the FM (a special adviser)

FOI not held 40 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp
Published
2020-11-23
Reference
FOI/202000094726
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Minister for Europe and International Development’s ministerial preferences: FOI release

Please provide all documentation regarding Ministerial preferences detailing how the current Scottish Ministers prefer their briefings, speeches and correspondence to be prepared and handled.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-23
Reference
FOI/202000099767
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

Scottish Government parking space leases in Edinburgh City Centre: FOI release

1. How many parking places do the Scottish Government rent out In Edinburgh city centre. 2. How much does each parking space cost 3. Who's using the Parking spaces. 4. Could you please list where each parking Space that is rent out where it is and you rent it from.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.4 s.39(1)
Published
2020-11-12
Reference
FOI/202000095167
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence between the First Minister and the Prime Minister of New Zealand: FOI release

"I want to know how many times Nicola Sturgeon has contacted Jacinda Ardern PM of New Zealand by email and telephone in the past 6 months".

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2020-11-09
Reference
FOI/202000091242
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, International, Public sector

Scottish Government estates and selling of alcohol: FOI release

1. What provision is made within Scottish Government buildings of facilities which are licensed to sell alcohol? 2. Are the hours during which alcohol is sold the same as in non-Scottish Government buildings in Scotland? 3. Have any changes been made to the permitted hours within the last 12 months and, if so, what w...

FOI unclear 55 score 4 working days correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000092535
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Government Special Adviser WhatsApp group titles: FOI release

1. The titles of WhatsApp groups that Scottish Government Special Advisors are in.

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000087805
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

Former First Minister complaints: FOI release

1. A copy of the request made on or around 31 October 2017 by David Clegg and/or the Daily Record in which information was sought on whether any complaints had been made about Alex Salmond during his tenure as First Minister. 2. Copies of all documents held by the Scottish Government in which that request was considere...

FOI not held 45 score 8 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.4 s.17(1)
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000099263
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Meetings between the First Minister and Chief Constable of Police Scotland: FOI release

1. How many times has the First Minister met with the present Chief Constable of Police Scotland since his first day in office. Can I have the dates of all meetings. 2. How many times has the Permanent Secretary met with the present Chief Constable of Police Scotland since his first day in office. Can I have the dates...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.25 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000094721
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

The First Minister's office and Special advisers of the Scottish Government: 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.

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers
Published
2020-10-29
Reference
FOI/202000082245
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector