Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,863releases indexed
39,476attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,112partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,112 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-05 410 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 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
685 matching releases

Civil servants working within the Constitution and Cabinet Directorate: FOI release

a. The number of civil servants that work as part of the Constitution and Cabinet Directorate. If different to the answer to part of a. of question,: b. The number of civil servants that specifically work on constitutional policy as part of the Constitution and Cabinet Directorate

FOI unclear 50 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence
Published
2020-11-11
Reference
FOI/202000093304
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

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

The Scottish Government process of publishing FOI responses: FOI release

In order to clarify the strange apparent invisibility of several documents to the search engine - all of which, by a remarkable coincidence, relate to allegations of misconduct by the former First Minister Alex Salmond - please provide me with the search tags which have been attached to each of these 16 documents: (lis...

FOI released 95 score 5 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-26
Reference
FOI/202000101090
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information concerning contact between the First Minister, the Former First Minister and representatives: FOI appeal

Information concerning contact between Ms. Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, her Government and her staff and Mr Alex Salmond, Former First Minister and his representatives in the period 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2018: Dates and times of contact, meetings and phone calls Details of who was present at meetings...

FOI already published 80 score 457 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.56 s.49(7) s.25(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-10-26
Reference
FOI-19-00185-appeal
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Application forms for Scottish Government positions: FOI release

Regarding: The Chief Executive of the NHS Scotland & DG Health & Social Care (Recruitment) CAN I PLEASE AS FOI QUERY HAVE A COPY OF THE APPLICATIONS FORMS FOR THIS, AND INDEED FOR ALL OTHER TOP SCOTTISH JOBS?

FOI unclear 75 score 16 working days correspondence 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000083499
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

Devolved Government COVID-19 strategy: FOI release

1. Could the Scottish Government have adopted a different strategy to that of the UK government for the initial management of the COVID-19 pandemic? 2. Would the existing devolved powers of the Scottish Government enable it to have adopted a different strategy had it so wished? 3. Was the Scottish Government obliged to...

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings
Published
2020-09-28
Reference
FOI/202000069523
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Suspension of compliance with the Freedom of Information Scotland Act: FOI release

Can you advise what advice/instruction/guidance was provided by the Scottish Government to Scottish Local Authorities on their obligation to comply with the timescales in terms of responding to a request for information made in terms of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act during the COVID-19 pandemic. Were Scottish...

FOI unclear 80 score 3 working days correspondence s.25(1) s.17(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-09-24
Reference
FOI/202000079439
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Irish reunification correspondence: FOI release

Any documentation (including correspondence) you hold relating to a potential future referendum In Northern Ireland. I am particularly interested in lines to take, perceived risks, impacts, draft responses and contingencies in the event of a vote in favour of reunification.

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-24
Reference
FOI/202000069569
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Statistics relating to FOI requests raised: FOI release

For all FOI requests raised in the last 48 months can you please provide data on all FOI requests including: FOI reference Date Request Made Date Request Answered Number of each type of exemption which have been applied (including exemption Section (para) (clause))

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 12 working days correspondence s.20 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-01
Reference
FOI/202000064095
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Government Minister question decision of Government Official: FOI release

1. Are there any circumstances where a government minister is prevented from querying the decision of a government official. 2. If so, what are they. 3. Is the civil service in Scotland legally independent from the Scottish Government

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.3
Published
2020-07-22
Reference
FOI/202000046900
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

St Andrews House flags: FOI release

The equivalent documents to "DAYS FOR HOISTING FLAGS ON BUILDINGS OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT 2019" for each year from 2014? Also, please could you supply information on any requests made for flags to fly originating from outside Scottish government since January 2015, except ones to do with royal births, birthdays or m...

FOI released 100 score 10 working days correspondence s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-02
Reference
FOI/202000044551
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

Scottish Cabinet meetings, since 10 March 2020: FOI release

How many meetings of the Scottish Cabinet, chaired by the First Minister, have been held since 10 March 2020 and on what dates those meetings were held.

FOI unclear 50 score 15 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2020-06-29
Reference
FOI/202000040710
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Changes to FOI in Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill – meetings: FOI release

This is an FOI request in relation to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill. I would like to request the following material: 1. Details (dates, attendees etc) of all meetings where proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules were discussed 2. Any associated documents from the above meetings (NB this should include minut...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-17
Reference
FOI/202000025364
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

St Andrews House flags and lights: FOI release

“a list of all the dates between 1 January 2019 and 17 May 2020 on which St Andrew’s House has had (1) a special flag flown or (2) been specially lit up to mark an event, and what the event or cause being marked was in each case?”

FOI released 95 score 16 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-12
Reference
FOI/202000037386
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Coronavirus infection and abortion care services: FOI release

A full copy of any and all communications between the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates and the below listed persons and organisations concerning the UK Governments recent allowance of home abortions under the guise of counter Coronavirus measures: Matt Hancock MP UK Department of Health British G...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-05-28
Reference
FOI/202000025985
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Genus and species of coronavirus disease 2019: FOI release

"In relation to Coronavirus disease 2019: Further to the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008 and Freedom of Information Legislation please inform me of the genus and species of the condition causing the disease as defined in the Act for which there has been enacted "distancing measures".

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence
Published
2020-05-27
Reference
FOI/202000034031
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Coronavirus - private facilities for use as a temporary hospital: FOI release

Can you please advise whether the Scottish Government has any plans to to requisition any private facilities within Glasgow for use as a temporary hospital, amid the current coronavirus crisis. If so, can you please name said facility.

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence
Published
2020-04-20
Reference
FOI/202000023040
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

May 2020 Bank Holiday date change: FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information Act, I wish to request information relating to the change in the May Bank Holiday from 4 May to 8 May 2020. 1. I specifically want to know when the first discussions started, who instigated these discussions and who from Westminster were involved in these discussions? 2. What work was c...

FOI released 95 score 17 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-20
Reference
FOI/202000017459
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector