Scottish Government FOI Index

21,792releases indexed

39,278attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,073partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

Timeline

2026-05 339 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263 2025-10 217

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days

Clear

129 matching releases

George Adam's (SNP) meeting: FOI release

1) 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 the following meeting: 1a) George Adam's meeting with Daren F...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-02-15
Reference: FOI/202200331316
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Referendums Scotland Bill Team staffing details: FOI release

“How many civil servants does the Scottish Government use for work towards a second independence referendum please? Can this number be provided from 2014 to 2022 too please? In which Scottish Government buildings are the civil servants working towards an independence referendum based please? Ie, Bute House, for example...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence contracts s.17 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1)

Published: 2022-12-15
Reference: FOI/202200319524
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

E-mail correspondence between Scottish Government and Sinn Fein: FOI release

Copies of these e-mails to and from the Scottish Government and Sinn Fein.

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-10-06
Reference: FOI/202200311821
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Constitutional Futures Division: FOI release

A breakdown of the monthly headcount in the Constitutional Futures Division for each month from July 2020 to July 2022. For each month, please also confirm how many staff were employed in the division at each pay grade level and also what the total wage cost of the division was for each month.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-25
Reference: FOI/202200311928
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Independence referendum and prospectus resources: FOI release

Given the rapidly increasing likely resources now being employed on another independent referendum, please supply me with exact details of that resource and the expected total budget, the Scottish Government is providing for the First Minister's referendum and independence planning, communications and public engagement...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1)

Published: 2022-08-02
Reference: FOI/202200308344
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Updated version of Bill Handbook: FOI release

Does the Bill Handbook from 2011 remains the most recent version, and if not, please provide a copy of the most recent version of that document or the nearest equivalent.

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

Published: 2022-07-25
Reference: FOI/202200306018
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Policy meetings regarding potential Independence Referendum: FOI release

I am looking for a list of meetings that the First Minister has attended with civil servants and external stakeholders regarding a) a potential Independence Referendum and b) policy issues relating to the case for Independence between August 2021 and the present day. Can you please provide a list of dates, the attendee...

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

Published: 2022-07-20
Reference: FOI/202200306028
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Preparations for a future independence referendum: FOI release

1. How many hours are being used each week/month by Scottish Government civil servants working on preparations for an independence referendum and on preparation for independence? 2. What is the cost in salaries per week/month of this work? 3. Which departments of the Scottish Government has each individual civil servan...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1)

Published: 2022-03-24
Reference: FOI/202200281545
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding preparation of prospectus for an independent Scotland: FOI Review

Your original request asked for: 1) The number of full time equivalent staff in the Scottish Government who are currently, or are planned to begin work on the "prospectus for an independent Scotland", as mentioned in the Programme for Government on September 7. 2) Any internal correspondence sent from or to the First M...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.20(5) s.20(6) s.17 s.30 s.38 s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-03-10
Reference: FOI/202200270532 Review of 202100239831
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Preparations for referendum on Scottish independence: FOI release

What level of resource is the Scottish Government providing for referendum and independence planning, communications and public engagement during 2022 and 2023? Please include specific information on: Number of Scottish Government officials (full-time equivalent), job grades and cost; Freelance, Legal and Consultancy ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2022-03-09
Reference: FOI/202200278056
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Preparations for a second independence referendum: FOI release

Please may you provide me with: The name of the unit within the Scottish Government working on preparations for a second independence referendum. The budget allocated to the unit for the rest of the parliamentary term, and if possible, could this be broken down by year. The date on which the unit was established. How ...

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

Published: 2022-03-01
Reference: FOI/202200275282
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to each FOI request which contains ‘journalist’ or ‘reporter’: FOI release

For every FOI request received by the Scottish Government between 01/01/2021 and 01/03/2021, please search correspondence relating to each individual request for the word "journalist" or "reporter" and provide any correspondence which results to me.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.10(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2021-09-16
Reference: FOI/202100225813
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communication between Scottish Government Minister and officials: FOI release

1. Any and all communications between Scottish Government ministers and officials and a) Progress Scotland Limited ; b) Mark Diffley Consultancy and Research Limited; c) Invicta Public Affairs Limited: d) Charlotte Street Partners Limited and e) Halogen Communications Limited. 2. Any payments from the Scottish Governme...

FOI not held 70 score 191 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.17(1) s.12 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33(1) 8 attachments

Published: 2021-07-26
Reference: FOI/202000104296
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Number of Freedom of Information request submitted by journalist: FOI review

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist Conor Matchett in the period 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021. 2. Please give a rough breakdown of requests by subject matter. 3. Please give a breakdown of how many were appealed and reviewed internally and externally with a brea...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.38(1) s.10(1) s.20 s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)

Published: 2021-07-16
Reference: FOI/202100215149 review of 202100202671
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Breakdown of number of request made by journalist: FOI review

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist Conor Matchett in the period 1 May 2021 to 31 May 2021. 2. Please give a rough breakdown of requests by subject matter. 3. Please give a breakdown of how many were appealed and reviewed internally and externally with a breakd...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers s.38(1) s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)

Published: 2021-07-16
Reference: FOI/202100215144 review of 202100208816
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Communication relating to Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100202671.All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100208816.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-07-15
Reference: FOI/202100215169
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Discussion held relating to First Minister attending British-Irish Council meeting: FOI release

Internal communications (email, WhatsApp, text or any other form of electronic communication, as well as handwritten notes and minutes of any in-person, video or telephone meetings) between civil servants, special advisers, ministers and health officials about the prospect of the first minister travelling to the June 2...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-07-13
Reference: FOI/202100212995
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Government policy on redaction of names: FOI release

How the Scottish Government decides on the names to be redacted from documents released under a FOI request. In addition for any names left, does permission to publish need to be sought from the named individuals.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence s.38 s.38(1) s.38(2A) s.34(1) s.7

Published: 2021-07-08
Reference: FOI/202100212587
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Intranet poll regarding pronouns in email signatures: FOI release

I understand that a recent poll on the Scottish Government’s intranet asked users about the use of pronouns in their email signature. Can I ask for the question used, and results of this poll, and all other data collected. Can I also ask for any correspondence relating to this poll.

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

Published: 2021-07-08
Reference: FOI/202100210730
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) relating to cyber-attack: FOI release

For all correspondence between Scottish Ministers and the SEPA senior management team that relates to the Christmas 2020 cyberattack. To include sms, WhatsApp, Signal and other messages, and briefings received by ministers, dated from the date the hack started to 31st March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.35(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-06-16
Reference: FOI/202100202192
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

European Union (EU) flags on Scottish Government buildings: FOI release

"Any information you hold on the recent reports that the Scottish Government will fly EU flags on Scottish Government buildings. In particular, i) any minutes of meetings with Ministers or officials where the above was discussed. ii) any emails relating to the issue above. iii) all advice to Ministers on the above i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-19
Reference: FOI/202100160401
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence received by Permanent Secretary relating to second referendum: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-16
Reference: FOI/202100164037
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence received by Permanent Secretary regarding independence: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

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

Published: 2021-04-15
Reference: FOI/202100164057
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to independence referendum: FOI release

From 1 April 2020 to 1 July 2020: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

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

Published: 2021-04-06
Reference: FOI/202100155174
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications concerning Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill and changes to Freedom of Information rules: FOI release

All communication between ministers, officials and press officers regarding the proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 238 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments

Published: 2021-03-04
Reference: FOI/202000025358
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector