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

710 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

Materials issued to political parties on new parliamentary candidacy rules: FOI release

Copies of all guidance, briefing notes or circulars issued by the Scottish Government to registered political parties between 1 January 2024 and 31 May 2026 explaining the new candidacy rights for foreign nationals with limited leave to remain, including any advice on how parties should verify eligibility.

FOI unclear 75 score 19 working days correspondence briefings 2 attachments

Published: 2026-10-26
Reference: FOI/202600517355
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

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

Fujitsu e-Counting Contract: Human Oversight, Audit Trail & Post-Horizon Risk Assessment: FOI release

You asked for information in relation to the Scottish Government's contract with Fujitsu Services Limited for the provision of electronic vote counting (eCounting) services for the 2022 Scottish Local Government elections and subsequent by-elections. You asked an overarching question in the background section of your e...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.3 s.20 s.1 2 attachments

Published: 2026-10-19
Reference: FOI/202600520309
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

Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2021-2022 detailing the planned actions: FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I request copies of all policy papers, options appraisals, ministerial submissions, and internal emails between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024 that discuss or recommend extending candidacy rights to foreign nationals with limited leave to remain (as opposed to ...

FOI cost limit 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12

Published: 2026-08-05
Reference: FOI/202600517345
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Programme for Government, 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

Communications from Scottish Ministers or Special Advisers regarding the next Parliamentary session: FOI release

All emails and WhatsApp messages sent by either Special Advisers or Scottish Ministers in the last 3 months that contain any of the following phrases: - "after the election" - "post-election" - "after May" - "the next Parliament" - "the next session of Parliament" - "the next Parliamentary session"

FOI cost limit 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending whatsapp s.12

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600507770
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

Documentation regarding publishing reports and papers about Scottish independence: FOI release

Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received, minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about publishing reports/papers about Scottish independence, from the last month?

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence briefings meetings

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600508249
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

Scottish election voting and candidacy rights: FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I request all correspondence, meeting notes, or policy comparison documents between 1 January 2023 and 31 May 2026 relating to how Scotland’s approach to foreign national voting and candidacy rights compares with or was coordinated with policy in England, Wales, or ...

FOI unclear 80 score 19 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600517312
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

Lord Lieutenants and their deputies in Shetland spend: FOI release

Can you tell me how much is spent on providing the current Lord Lieutenant and their deputies in Shetland since the Lord Lieutenant Lindsay Tulloch took over the role on 3rd April 2024? Provide a breakdown of each of their wages and expenses. How much has been spent to provide Lord Lieutenants and their deputies in She...

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2026-07-27
Reference: FOI/202600502238
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

Guidance on implementation of candidacy rights for foreign nationals: FOI release

Copies of all guidance, instructions or correspondence issued by the Scottish Government to returning officers or electoral administrators since 1 February 2025 concerning the implementation of candidacy rights for foreign nationals with limited leave to remain (including any advice on visa extensions or by-election tr...

FOI unclear 75 score 17 working days correspondence 2 attachments

Published: 2026-07-21
Reference: FOI/202600517338
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