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

199 matching releases

Materials regarding European Union membership for an independent Scotland: FOI release

1. Any recorded discussions, briefings, papers, minutes, or correspondence within the Scottish Government (including with Ministers or officials) regarding plans for an independent Scotland to join the European Union, particularly the proposal to seek EU membership shortly after independence. 2. Any information held o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-10-27
Reference: FOI/202600519736
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information regarding candidacy rights of temporary visa holders in Scottish Parliament elections: FOI release

1. Any guidance, legal advice, correspondence, or briefing documents held by the Scottish Government and/or relevant council election authorities concerning whether a person on a Student Visa, Graduate Visa, or other temporary immigration status is legally permitted to stand as a candidate for the Scottish Parliament. ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.3 s.4 s.7 s.30 s.17(1) s.28(1) s.15 s.18 2 attachments

Published: 2026-10-26
Reference: FOI/202600516434
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Materials regarding Iranian Bots supporting Scottish independence: FOI release

Could you supply all documentation held, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about Iranian Bots supporting Scottish independence, between July 1 2025 and January 30 2026?

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.17(1)

Published: 2026-10-21
Reference: FOI/202600514595
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Candidate statistics for 2026 election: FOI release

I am writing to submit a request for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I request any data or reports held on the number of foreign national candidates who: (a) stood for election, (b) were elected, or (c) withdrew their candidacy ...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-27
Reference: FOI/202600517353
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Technical changes to the electoral registration system: FOI release

I am writing to submit a request for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I request details of any IT system changes, software updates, or new verification processes introduced between 1 January 2024 and 31 May 2026 to allow electoral r...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-27
Reference: FOI/202600517377
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Constitutional Futures Division meeting requests and correspondence: FOI release

For the period 27th August 2023 - 17th January 2025, please provide the names of all persons or organisations who requested to meet (in person or virtually) with the Constitutional Futures Division, and had that request turned down. Please also provide all correspondence between the Scottish Government and such person...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-22
Reference: FOI/202600512112
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence between the Chair of Historic Environment Scotland, and the Interim Director General Exchequer, Strategy and Performance: FOI release

1. All email correspondence, including attachments, between Dr Hugh Hall, the Chair of Historic Environment Scotland, and Shona Riach (Shona.Riach@gov.scot) between 1 June 2025 and 5 September 2025. 2. All email correspondence, including attachments, between Dr Hugh Hall and [Redacted – S.38(i)(b)] [Redacted – S.38(i)...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence s.38 s.17(1) s.30 s.36(2) s.35(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2026-07-22
Reference: FOI/202500498978
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Transfer of devolved powers to the UK Government queries: FOI release

1. Confirmation of whether any Section 30 Order has ever transferred devolved powers from the Scottish Government or Scottish Parliament to the UK Government Please confirm: Whether any Order in Council made under Section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 has ever had the effect of reducing the legislative competence of the...

FOI transferred 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.1 s.4 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600500071
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding foreign state operations: FOI release

1. Any advice, briefings, or guidance issued to Scottish Government Ministers in the calendar year 2025 regarding suspected foreign state influence operations, specifically relating to a suspected Iranian bot network (or "inauthentic coordinated behavior") operating on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in ...

FOI unclear 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1)

Published: 2026-04-30
Reference: FOI/202500497033
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Independence campaigning spend: FOI release

The amount spent on independence campaigning.

FOI not held 45 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-03-09
Reference: FOI/202500499772
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Details of First Minister's meeting with the Leader of Plaid Cymru: FOI release

- Any costs involved in the First Minister hosting Rhun ap Iorwerth at Bute House in October 2025. For example, catering costs, and any other costs incurred. - A list of the people who attended the First Minister’s meeting with Rhun ap Iorwerth at Bute House in October 2025. - Any correspondence sent or received by t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.17(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-11
Reference: FOI/202500493831
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Budget for advertising the “A Fresh Start with Independence” paper on social media: FOI release

1) The cost of producing the “A Fresh Start with Independence” paper – broken down by all known costs. For example, design work. 2) The budget for advertising the “A Fresh Start with Independence” paper on social media. Break this down by social media platform.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.27(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-19
Reference: FOI/202500488266
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cost of advertising the “A Fresh Start with Independence” paper: FOI release

1. The total cost of producing the white paper. 2. A breakdown of expenses, including (but not limited to) research, writing, design, printing, and digital publication. 3. Any additional costs associated with public dissemination or promotion of the document.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence spending s.27(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-19
Reference: FOI/202500488758
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Your Right to Decide correspondence and meeting information: FOI release

1) All correspondence between the First Minister (and his office) and officials working in the Scottish Government’s Constitution Directorate since 6 May 2025. This should include emails, meetings of any kind, letters or phone calls. 2) How many meetings Scottish Ministers attended to discuss the Your Right to Decide ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2026-01-14
Reference: FOI/202500486711
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Advance sight of “Your Right To Decide” before publication information: FOI release

All people outside the Scottish Government who had advance sight of “Your Right To Decide” before its publication on 4th September 2025. If they cannot be named, please state the organisation they work for, and their position.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-23
Reference: FOI/202500483252
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence and statistics related to Your Right to Decide paper: FOI release

I would like the following under freedom of information legislation about the Your Right to Decide paper, released to journalists under embargo on September 3: The amount of money spent on the creation of the paper The number of civil servants who worked on the creation of the paper Any correspondence in relation to t...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.27(1) s.17(1) s.12 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-10
Reference: FOI/202500483180
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Your Scotland - Your Referendum consultation costs: FOI release

Please tell me how much the Scottish Government spent on the 'Your Scotland - Your Referendum" Consultation in 2012.

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence contracts spending s.17(1)

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: FOI/202500481092
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Independence correspondence and spend: FOI release

(1) Please can you share any correspondence sent to or from Scottish Government Ministers since January 2025 relating to Scottish Independence. (2) Please can you share the total cost of any spending by the Scottish Government since January 2025 on any research, media or other activity relating to Scottish Independenc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-11-18
Reference: FOI/202500479693
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 exclusions: FOI release

The total number of exclusions the Scottish Government has requested for one of its policies or regulations from the market access principles as set out in the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020. Please provide the full correspondence detailing these requests from the Scottish Government to the United Kingdom Gove...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence s.17(1)

Published: 2025-10-20
Reference: FOI/202500476172
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence from the Scottish Government relating to Scottish Independence: FOI release

1. Could you supply all correspondence and minutes/notes from meetings between the Scottish Government and UK Government about Scottish independence from the last three months, and also any briefings about this? 2. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and re...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-09-09
Reference: FOI/202500461262
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Staffing and costs involved in coordinating work on the Independence Prospectus: FOI release

Please provide the number of staff employed within the Scottish Government’s Constitutional Futures Division who were involved in coordinating work on the independence prospectus and related activity, broken down by headcount and pay grade, at each of the following dates: 31 March 2022 31 March 2023 31 March 2024 31 M...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2025-08-27
Reference: FOI/202500475992
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Constitutional Futures Division staffing and project queries: FOI release

Could you supply how many civil servants are working in the Constitutional Futures Division on this date, and this date in each of the last four years as well, as well as what level of civil service they are at? Could you supply a list of projects/reports that the division has worked on in the last three months, includ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence meetings spending s.17(1) s.30C

Published: 2025-06-26
Reference: FOI/202500457304
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Leveson Inquiry documentation: FOI release

1. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government which mentions the Leveson Inquiry, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), briefings, minutes/notes from meetings, analysis, from the last three months? 2. How many times has the Scottish Government been accused of breachin...

FOI not held 70 score 6 working days correspondence briefings meetings spending s.38(1) s.17(1) s.12 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-18
Reference: FOI/202500447097
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Civil Servant responsibilities and work from home-related policies: FOI release

1. (Question 1) An account/description of the responsibilities of Policy Officers in the Scottish Government . 2. (Question 2) An account/description of the responsibilities of Policy Managers in the Scottish Government. 3. (Question 3) The Scottish Government’s active work from home-related policies for its policy o...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.4 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-18
Reference: FOI/202500447205
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Constitutional Futures Division statistics: FOI release

For each calendar month of 2024, up to and including November, please provide the number of civil servants working for the Constitutional Futures Division as of the last working day of the month. For each month, please also provide a list of the outputs (defined however the Scottish Government measures such things) de...

FOI unclear 80 score 18 working days correspondence s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-27
Reference: FOI/202400444183
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector