Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,640releases indexed
40,478attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,386partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-09-02newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,386 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 700 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5149 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3727 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2994 s.17(1) 2922 s.25(1) 2520 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 1 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,312 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 978 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 961 releases · 30.9 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 737 releases · 39.7 avg days Constitution Directorate 702 releases · 35.9 avg days Population Health Directorate 665 releases · 28.5 avg days People Directorate 657 releases · 25.6 avg days
Clear
702 matching releases

Preparatory work on referendum on Scottish independence: FOI release

During a television interview yesterday, the First Minister said (of a referendum on Scottish independence) “The preparatory work for that is underway right now. We haven’t decided on the date that we would seek to introduce the Bill. We’ll decide that in the coming weeks." "But my intention is to take the steps that w...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2022-02-24
Reference
FOI/202200275025
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Freedom of Information (FOI) request numbers related to smoking: FOI release

"To ask the Ministers how many FOI requested information in the past four years contained the wording: 'smokefree site littered with cigarette butts' 'smoking biggest preventable cause of death' ".

FOI unclear 50 score 14 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2022-02-23
Reference
FOI/202200276243
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Government compliance with specific acts: FOI release

1. Does the Scottish government comply with the bill of exchange act 1882?? 2. Does the Scottish government have the slavery act 2015 in its policy?? 3. Is the council tax a lawful contract or a legislative statute?? 4. As a sovereign scot see treaty of Arbroath confirmed by first minister Nicola.Sturgeon.msp@parliamen...

FOI not held 45 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1) s.2
Published
2022-02-09
Reference
FOI/202100242704
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Longest response times for a FOI request in 2021: FOI release

1. During the calendar year of 2021, the ten longest wait times for a response to an FOI request received by the Scottish Government, including the specific topic and scope of each request.

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence s.15 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-04
Reference
FOI/202200269966
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Longest response time for a FOI request and review in 2021: FOI release

1. During the calendar year of 2021, the longest wait time for a response to an FOI request, including the request, response, and any appeal request or response 2. During the calendar year of 2021, the longest wait time for a response to an FOI review request, including the request, response, and any appeal request or ...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence briefings
Published
2022-02-04
Reference
FOI/202200269985
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Comparison of civil servants working on referendums and Gender Recognition: FOI release

Can you please tell me how many civil servants are currently working on a Scottish Independence Referendum Bill compared to the reformation of the Gender Recognition Act?

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings
Published
2022-02-03
Reference
FOI/202200269222
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Independence prospectus post budget announcement: FOI release

In September, the First Minister announced that Scottish Government civil servants would start work on a detailed prospectus for independence (as reported here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58478187). On 4th November 2021, I submitted a Freedom of Information request which asked for informat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-27
Reference
FOI/202100264359
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Preparation of detailed prospectus for independence: FOI release

In September, the First Minister said that civil servants were being tasked to prepare a detailed prospectus for independence. I would like to request under FOI some details about this work: Who is leading this work? What is their job title and civil service grade? How many civil servants are working on this project a...

FOI unclear 55 score 5 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2022-01-12
Reference
FOI/202100261720
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Freedom of Information (FOI) statistics from 2018 onwards: FOI release

1. The number of FOIs dealt with by the Scottish Government in a) 2021 b) 2020 c) 2019 d) 2018. 2. The number of FOIs not responded to within the 28 day time frame in a) 2021 b) 2020 c) 2019 d) 2018. 3. The number of FOIs not responded to within 20 days of receiving confirmation following a clarification request a) 202...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.10(1) s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2022-01-12
Reference
FOI/202100256052
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding paragraph 20 of the Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group Cooperation Agreement: FOI release

"Copies of all correspondence held relating to Paragraph 20 of the Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group Cooperation Agreement, otherwise known as the 'no surprises' rule."

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29 s.38 4 attachments
Published
2022-01-06
Reference
FOI/202100250429
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Unique correspondence logged between April 2020 and March 2021: FOI release

Please share with me the total number of unique correspondence cases logged between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2021 and the percentage of these which were answered on time (only where there is a mandated response time and so this stat will already be tracked and available) for the following areas: Data protection r...

FOI/EIR cost limit 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.12
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100249639
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Preparations made for an independent Scotland: FOI release

I would like to know what preparations have been for a post independent Scotland since the referendum in 2014. What work has been done on, Currency and Banking system Pensions Defence Foreign policy Trade relations Passports and Border Control, and where can I read about this?

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1)
Published
2021-12-15
Reference
FOI/202100251793
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Responsibilities and roles of MSPs and Scottish National Party (SNP) MPs: FOI release

“The responsibilities of MSPs and SNP MPs in relation to responding to constituents emails. Are they duty bound to respond to constituents correspondence or is this something that they can totally ignore if, example, they don't like the questions being asked? What course of action can a constituent take if several emai...

FOI not held 40 score 10 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2021-11-10
Reference
FOI/202100245973
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Green agreement: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government and Patrick Harvie on the Green agreement and his subsequent Ministerial appointment from 7 May 2021 to 31 August 2021 (our reference – 202100239912) 2. Correspondence between the Scottish Government and Lorna Slater on the Green agreement and her subsequent Ministerial...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-11-09
Reference
FOI/202100239912
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence received regarding Scottish independence: FOI release

1. How many emails or letters have the Scottish Government received since 7 May 2021 to the date of responding to this request, wherein the subject of Scottish Independence and/or a second independence referendum is a topic covered. Please outline how many of these correspondence are either in favour of Scottish Indepe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.32 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-08
Reference
FOI/202100240474
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence between Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture and British and Irish Council: FOI release

How many meetings (virtual or in person) has Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, had with representatives of and/or the leadership of the British and Irish Council since he was appointed in May 2021 – to date? How much correspondence (letters, emails, texts, calls or o...

FOI unclear 75 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-03
Reference
FOI/202100236983
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

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