Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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

2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections correspondence: FOI release

From 1 August 2020 to present: Copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp message, briefings, memos, notes, handwritten notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) from and/or to Special Advisors and/or civil servants regarding using the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections as a mandate f...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100140697
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefings referencing a Section 30 order: FOI release

Copies of all briefings prepared by civil servants which include reference to a Section 30 order. On 5 January 2021, you clarified that your request was information referencing a Section 30 order in the context of an independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.29(1)
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000121883
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

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

Four nation discussions of COVID-19 and alignment of restrictions: FOI release

1. Minutes from any formal four nations discussions with Michael Gove and other representatives from UK, Welsh Governments and Northern Ireland executive between October 1 and January 15 on the topic of Covid-19 and four nations alignment on restrictions/measures. 2. Notes taken by Scottish Government staff or ministe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.28(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/20210014372
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

Extending response times to freedom of information requests: FOI review

Supply all correspondence/emails (including attachments) - to or from government ministers, special advisers or senior civil servants - dated on or prior to 2 April 2020 relating to the proposal to extend response times to freedom of information requests set out in Schedule 6 Part 2 of the [Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 153 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000068453
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Extension of Freedom of Information requests response times: FOI review

"All internal communications regarding the handling of a FOI request, case reference 202000068453, "Extension of FOI response times""

FOI partially withheld 90 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000108300
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

FOI statistics and overdue responses: FOI release

Can you please provide all reports (or lists) provided by the government's central FOI unit to government ministers in the period from 1 September 2020 to date that (a) contain a list of overdue FOI requests (b) shows FOI response performance. Please provide all correspondence that was sent to Ministers along with the ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000099262
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the Referendum Scotland Bill: FOI review

Copies of all emails that include the phrase ‘Referendums Scotland Bill Team’ (including in the message, email signature or an attachment).

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence s.25 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000129218 review of 202000106129
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the draft bill for an independence referendum: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence (emails, letters, hand-written notes, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, briefings and/or otherwise) between civil servants, Special Advisors and/or the Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell regarding the publishing of the draft bill for an independence referendum outlined in the Scottish Gove...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000122177
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Information relating to Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland: FOI release

1. For the costs paid to date by the Scottish Government to set up and run the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland to date. 2. For the number of civil servants working or seconded to work on the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland. 3. For correspondence between Scottish Government ministers and the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending 16 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202000097624
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation remit correspondence: FOI release

- All communication between John Swinney and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. -All communication between the Scottish Government and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139181
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding timing of publishing referendums bill: FOI release

From 1 September 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, minutes of calls, memos, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or Scottish Government Cabinet members on the timing of publishing the referendums bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000096516
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Cabinet on the Referendums Bill and Programme for Government 2020: FOI release

From 27 July 2020 to present (2 September 2020 - the date of requests): Copies of any correspondence (emails, hand-written notes, briefing, Whatsapp messages, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or any member of the Scottish Government cabinet on the refe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-20
Reference
FOI/202000083702
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence with Electoral Commission regarding the Referendums Bill: FOI release

Between 1 July 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, letters, hand-written notes, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and the Electoral Commission regarding the Referendums Bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-19
Reference
FOI/202000105330
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Referendums (Scotland) Bill team correspondence: FOI release

You asked for the following - From 1 June 2020 to present: Copies of any correspondence (emails, hand-written notes, briefings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from the Referendums Scotland Bill Team that include reference to Scottish independence.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-14
Reference
FOI/202000106515
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence concerning updating the ‘Scotland’s Future’ publication: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, written notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or members of the Scottish Government Cabinet regarding the need to update the ‘Scotland’s Future’ paper originally published in November ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30
Published
2020-11-25
Reference
FOI/202000096481
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefings analysing the UK Internal Market Bill: FOI release

From 1 July 2020 to present: • Copies of any civil servants briefings analysing the UK Internal Market Bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000089283
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence concerning pursuit of Independence and the Referendums Bill: FOI release

From 1 September 2020 to present: Copies of emails sent to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon from members of the public regarding their concern/anger/unhappiness and/or similar at: The announcement of the Referendums Bill in her Programme for Government 2020-21. The Scottish Government’s decision to actively pursue anoth...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000091118
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Programme for Government, +1 more … Public sector

Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill FOI legislation changes: FOI release

In relation to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill (https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/114929.aspx) I would like to request the following material: Any briefings or analysis documents outlining the need for / details of proposed changes to FOI legislation

FOI partially withheld 90 score 156 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000025366
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the Scottish Government withdrawal from UK wide joint work on the internal market: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters, hand-written notes, whatsapp messages, internal briefings, minutes and details of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or special advisors and/or Scottish Government Cabinet members regarding the Scottish Government’s decision to withdraw from UK wide joint w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-20
Reference
FOI/202000072459
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Economy, Public sector

Coronavirus legislation, rules and regulations and ongoing reviews: FOI release

Coronavirus legislation and rationale for continuation of rules and regulations regarding lockdown must be reviewed every twenty one days by law. Please provide me with following. Dates , times of each meeting to date since the start. Policy decisions, with rationale and minutes determining outcomes informing continua...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 71 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-29
Reference
FOI/202000043924
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence relating to visit by Prime Minister July 2020: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (whatsapp messages, texts, minutes of phone calls, emails, memos, briefings and/or otherwise) between civil servants, Special Advisors and/or the Scottish Government Cabinet regarding Boris Johnson’s visit to Scotland on 23 July 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.30 6 attachments
Published
2020-09-15
Reference
FOI/202000065514
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Impact of COVID-19 on the Government pursuing indyref2: FOI release

From 1 March 2020 to present: Copies and full details of any correspondence (email, letter, internal briefing, note, note/record of phone calls, whatsapp, text or otherwise) received and between members of the Scottish Government Cabinet from civil servants and special advisors regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the G...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence briefings whatsapp s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-30
Reference
FOI/202000040731
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector