Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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
215 matching releases

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

Communications regarding crown consent provisions in Scottish legislation discussions: FOI Review

1) Copies of any internal Scottish government memos, briefing papers or emails concerning the question of changing the handling of crown consent in legislation and/or the way the crown consent provisions are communicated to MSPs, including but not exclusively to and from the Scottish government ministers and their spec...

FOI already published 80 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.29(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-20
Reference
FOI/202200278004 Review of 202200270508
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Ministers and the Law Officers salary: FOI release

Information relating to Ministerial pay.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-06-22
Reference
FOI/202200276229
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Scottish Budget

The term ‘English Government’ within Scottish Government correspondence: FOI release

Any mention of the term ‘English Government’ within Scottish Government correspondence in the period 6 May 2021 to 3 May 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-06-22
Reference
FOI/202200298309
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

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

Freedom of Information request sent by Scotsman journalist: FOI release

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by Scotsman journalist Martyn McLaughlin in the period 1 June 2020 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,...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 11 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.38(2A)
Published
2021-06-18
Reference
FOI/202100208819
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

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

Freedom of Information request submitted by former Times journalist: FOI release

Regarding the particular Times journalist, the one who no longer works as a journalist, can you please send me any other fois made by that person from late 2017 to the time when the journalist left journalism. Can you send me any correspondence between him or her and the SG in that period. This was implied in my foi, a...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-10
Reference
FOI/202100202372
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Draft independence referendum correspondence: FOI release

Copies of the correspondence and/or set of correspondence (emails, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, letters and/or otherwise relevant) where the draft independence bill, published 22 March, was signed off by a member of the Scottish Government Cabinet.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-21
Reference
FOI/202100186137
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

Correspondence relating to Referendums Scotland Bill Team: FOI release

Copies of all emails that include the phrase ‘Referendums Scotland Bill Team’ (including in the message, email signature or an attachment) from: 1 September 2020 to 8 September 2020 8 September 2020 to 15 September 2020 15 September 2020 to 22 September 2020 22 September 2020 to 29 September 2020 29 September 2020 to 6...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000106129
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, 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