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
685 matching releases

Details regarding white paper on future independence referendum: FOI release

Has a budget been allocated for the preparation of a white paper on a future Independence Referendum and cost of a referendum? What are the estimated costs of bringing such a referendum to a conclusion? How many civil servants will be allocated to this task?

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2021-10-21
Reference
FOI/202100237749
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefing materials on independence referendum prospectus: FOI release

"On 7 September 2021, the First Minister told the Scottish Parliament: ‘It also reaffirms the Scottish Government’s commitment to an independence referendum… I can confirm that the Scottish Government will now restart work on the detailed prospectus that will guide the decision.’ Could you please provide copies of any ...

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-20
Reference
FOI/202100237662
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet meetings attended by Patrick Harvie MSP or Lorna Slater MSP: FOI release

1. The number of Cabinet meetings held since 28 August 2021; 2. The number of Cabinet meetings attended by either Patrick Harvie or Lorna Slater; 3. The purpose for which they attended; and 4. The number of Cabinet meetings since 28 August attended by other junior Ministers. Please specify which Minister attended on wh...

FOI unclear 50 score 1 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2021-10-14
Reference
FOI/202100242821
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Various questions relating to Scottish Government working groups: FOI release

For each of the groups listed on the Scottish Government's website here: https://www.gov.scot/groups/, I would like the following information: 1. Whether the group is still active. 1a. The date of establishment. 1b. If no longer active, the date of dissolution. 2. The date of the most recent meeting of the group. 3. Th...

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-11
Reference
FOI/202100231518
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Current Ministerial responsibility: FOI release

1. Can you tell me if the two newly appointed Green ministers are responsible to a Cabinet Secretary or, if not, what other arrangements have been made for their accountability to the Government as a whole? 2. Are specific directorates intended to report to them, or, if not, how else are they to make and implement deci...

FOI unclear 50 score 7 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2021-10-06
Reference
FOI/202100237443
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Appointment of two Scottish Green Members of the Scottish Parliament: FOI release

In anticipation of the appointment of two Scottish Green Members of the Scottish Parliament as Junior Ministers you queried whether the First Minister would in turn remove two existing Ministers from her ministerial team.

FOI not held 40 score 13 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-10-05
Reference
FOI/202100232849
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Details of Cabinet meetings: FOI release

1. How often does the Cabinet meet and for how long? 2. Is an agenda always circulated in advance and is that publicly available? 3. Is a minute always taken and, if so, is that publicly available? 4. What Committees have been established and what information about them is publicly available? 5. Which Ministers, Commit...

FOI unclear 50 score 7 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2021-09-27
Reference
FOI/202100232471
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
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

Percentage of freedom of information requests refused on cost grounds: FOI review

For each of the past five years 1. How many FOI requests, by number and percentage of all FOI requests, are refused on these grounds? 2. What percentage of the refusals are followed up with a refined request from the member of the Public? 3. What percentage of the refusals are followed up by a request for a review a...

FOI cost limit 45 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.12 s.12(1)
Published
2021-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100218648 review of 202100190005
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

Scottish Government Special Advisors: FOI review

Please can you provide a list of the Scottish Government's current special advisers.

FOI unclear 55 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers s.27(1)
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100216734 review of 202100210390
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

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

Correspondence with Scottish Green Party regarding co-operation agreement: FOI release

Any correspondence the Scottish Government has had with the Scottish Green Party regarding a co-operation agreement for the Scottish Greens to join or support the Scottish Government. This correspondence should include emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-08
Reference
FOI/202100211039
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

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

Minutes of meetings with other parties following 2021 Scottish Parliament election: FOI release

1) Minutes of meetings between Scottish Government officials (including the First Minister) and Scottish Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and/or Lorna Slater following the 2021 election. 2) Minutes of a meeting between the First Minister and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar following the 2021 election.

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-28
Reference
FOI/202100207108
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Request made regarding environmental information: FOI release

How many requests you received that related to:- Environment Building standards Drains Smokefree sites In the past 3 years- from anyone ie any requester.

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 12 working days correspondence s.20
Published
2021-06-15
Reference
FOI/202100206694
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Covid-19 briefings relating to 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 minister...

FOI not held 70 score 80 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.1 s.17(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.3(2) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-15
Reference
FOI/202100164644 review of 202100140372
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Total number of Freedom of Information request made by journalist: FOI release

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist and author James McAneny 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, ...

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence meetings spending
Published
2021-06-14
Reference
FOI/202100202676
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

Questions regarding Scottish border: FOI release

Any analysis or assessment made by the Scottish Government on whether independence would require a border between Scotland and the rest of the UK or the EU.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-14
Reference
FOI/202100196894
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector