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

322 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

Materials regarding internal handling of Edinburgh and Lothians East MSP's parliamentary candidacy: FOI release

Copies of all briefings, emails, meeting notes or advice prepared for ministers or senior officials between 1 July 2024 and 31 May 2026 concerning the eligibility or selection of Dr Q Manivannan (or any candidate on a temporary/student visa) as a candidate or elected MSP under the new rules introduced by the Scottish E...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments

Published: 2026-10-26
Reference: FOI/202600517342
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Handling of media and public enquiries about the extension of parliamentary candidacy rights to foreign nationals: FOI release

Copies of all media lines, press briefings, internal emails and ministerial advice between 1 January 2025 and 31 May 2026 concerning public or media questions about the extension of candidacy rights to foreign nationals with limited leave to remain, including any specific handling of the Q Manivannan case.

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

Published: 2026-10-26
Reference: FOI/202600517379
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

Documentation held regarding Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill: FOI release

Could you supply all minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, held about Graham Simpson’s right to recall bill, between February 1 2026 and March 1 2026?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 8 attachments

Published: 2026-10-21
Reference: FOI/202600515049
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Expansion of voting or candidacy rights correspondence and meeting notes: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence and meeting notes between Scottish Government officials or ministers and external organisations (including but not limited to the Scottish Refugee Council, Electoral Reform Society, Migration Policy Scotland, or any pro-migration advocacy groups) between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2026 regar...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-08-10
Reference: FOI/202600517366
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Scottish Refugee Council regarding voting rights: FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I request copies of all correspondence (emails, letters, meeting minutes) between Scottish Government ministers or officials and the Scottish Refugee Council between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020 that discuss extending voting rights to foreign nationals or ref...

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

Published: 2026-07-29
Reference: FOI/202600517326
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Candidacy election rights correspondence: 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 copies of all ministerial submissions and briefing notes provided to Scottish Government ministers between 1 January 2023 and 31 January 2025 that recom...

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

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600517333
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding voting rights: FOI release

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

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600517335
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding candidacy election rights: FOI release

You asked for copies of all correspondence, meeting notes, or advice between the Scottish Government and the UK Home Office or the Electoral Commission between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2026 concerning the interaction between UK immigration leave rules and Scottish parliamentary/local government candidacy or holding of...

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

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600517358
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Job titles and responsibilities of Constitutional Briefing Team: FOI release

Please list the civil servants who work in the Constitutional Briefing Unit, by name or by job title, and provide the job decision for each position.

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

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600507650
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

Candidate nomination integrity at Scottish local government elections information: FOI release

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 regarding the integrity of the candidate nomination process at Scottish local government elections, specifically in relation to what are commonly described as ""paper candidates,"" and any assessment of or proposals to address the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings s.85 s.29 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-21
Reference: FOI/202600516377
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Transmission charges in an independent Scotland query: EIR release

Speaking at FMQs on 22nd January 2026, John Swinney said this: “Emma Roddick raises significant concerns about the West of Orkney wind farm that have been raised by the developer. It is a development that would bring enormous benefit to the people of Scotland, but it is being put in jeopardy because of the disproporti...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2)

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: EIR/202600503474
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Energy, Topics

UK Government intergovernmental relations policy correspondence: FOI release

Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about the leaked Keir Starmer memo warning senior UK ministers against showing an "overly deferential" approach to the devolved govern...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600511101
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Lord Mandelson communications: FOI release

Any and all emails, WhatsApps, texts, or other forms of communications currently held by the Scottish Government sent to, or received from, Peter Mandelson.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600509305
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Building a New Scotland - Papers on series of independence: FOI release

Now that the Building a New Scotland series of independence papers has concluded, please list all those papers for which a draft was completed, but the paper was not actually published. For each of these draft unpublished papers, please provide the latest draft version held by the Scottish Government.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence s.30

Published: 2026-05-08
Reference: FOI/202500498430
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Building a new Scotland, Public sector

Raising of the Palestinian flag outside St Andrew’s House: FOI Review

Original Request 202500484291 “all information about the source of the flag, including the supplier, cost, invoices and associated correspondence"

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-01
Reference: FOI/202500490950 - Review of 202500484291
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Documentation about routes to an independence referendum: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about routes to an independence referendum, from the last two months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-20
Reference: FOI/202600504822
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Documentation regarding Scottish independence: FOI release

Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about publishing reports, papers or documents about Scottish independence, from the last three months?

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

Published: 2026-03-25
Reference: FOI/202600501228
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence to the First Minister regarding A Fresh Start with Independence: FOI release

For the period 8th October 2025 - date, please provide all correspondence received by the First Minister (or his Private Office) which mentions the paper A Fresh Start with Independence, published on 8th October 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-02
Reference: FOI/202500498546
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic regarding A Fresh Start with Independence: FOI release

For the period 8th October 2025 - date, please provide all correspondence received by the Deputy First Minister (or her Private Office) which mentions the paper A Fresh Start with Independence, published on 8th October 2025.

FOI partially withheld 85 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-02
Reference: FOI/202500498553
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Renewable Energy costs in A Fresh Start with Independence: EIR release

A Fresh Start with Independence, published on 8th October 2025, includes the following remark: “The Scottish Government would work to ensure any lower cost of renewables is passed through to customers” The Scottish Government may be aware that renewables with higher costs also exist, and are particularly prevalent in ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.20 s.39(2)

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500488967
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

Documentation containing the name Stephen Flynn: FOI release

Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, analysis, which is to/from or mentions Stephen Flynn, from the last month, from within the Directorate for Constitution and from within the First M...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500494070
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector