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

May 2016 Scottish Parliament election, Aberdeen Donside accounts: FOI release

A copy of the claim submitted by the Returning Officer for Aberdeen Donside in the 2016 Scottish Parliamentary Election, including forms A through L. I would also like to see all the annexes (A, B,C,D,E,F and G) submitted with Form G, and the invoice copy submitted to support the payment either to Idox or to Aberdeen C...

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence spending s.38(1) s.33(1) 6 attachments
Published
2018-03-29
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Freedom of Information requests 2013 to 2017: FOI release

1. Total number of FOI requests to ScotGov in each of 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 2. Total number of requests in each of these years in which Special Advisers were involved (ie by commenting on draft responses) 3. Total number of requests in each of these years which were deemed to require ministerial input/sign-off

FOI not held 45 score correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.25(1) s.12
Published
2018-03-12
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the Union Flag in 2018: FOI release

For any correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefs or otherwise) involving any of: Liz Lloyd, Nicola Sturgeon, special advisers, Ministers or communications staff on the subject of the Union Flag/Union Jack in 2018 to date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38 24 attachments
Published
2018-03-12
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Freedom of Information Act and Scottish Government Ministers: FOI release

You asked for civil servant briefings and correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings or otherwise) on the FOI Act to Scottish Government Ministers and special advisers in December 2017, January 2018 and February 2018 to date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2018-03-09
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Number of FOI requests not answered within timescale: FOI release

1. How many FOI requests received by the Scottish Government have the Scottish Government been unable to furnish a full answer to since 1/1/17 to 1/2/18? 2. Can a full list of the information requested for same be provided and a reason/s for the inability to answer each of these FOI requests fully that was given to th...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score correspondence spending s.12 s.20 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2018-03-09
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Handling of Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

1. Any policies, guidelines or guidance related to the handling of Freedom of Information requests by Special Advisers; 2. Details of correspondence relating to Freedom of Information requests which have been sent to the Scottish Government email account or email list "FoI SpAdS PO" – a list with the subject lines and...

FOI cost limit 70 score correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.29(1) s.25(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2018-03-08
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Changes to the Ministerial Code in 2018: FOI release

"Any correspondence within the last six months (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefs or otherwise) on the topic of changes to the Ministerial Code in 2018. Information should include any direction from Scottish Government ministers and special advisers; and correspondenc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2018-03-02
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Flag flying policy: FOI release

I am in possession, via the Scottish Government website, of the two "Days for Hoisting Flags on Building of the Scottish Government" documents, the 2010 version 14 (valid from April 2010) and the 2018 version valid from this month version 23. I would be grateful if you will answer a few queries; Who was responsible f...

FOI released 95 score correspondence ministers 4 attachments
Published
2018-02-28
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic

Public buildings flag policy: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence with the following bodies about the Scottish Government's policy on hoisting flags on public buildings between January 2016 and 23 January 2018: i. Historic Environment Scotland ii. The British Army

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence s.38 s.17 8 attachments
Published
2018-02-27
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Flag flying guidance 2010-2017: FOI release

Any internal communications or guidance sent to Scottish Government buildings and agencies between 2010 and 2017 in relation to flag flying protocols. In particular, has the Scottish Government including any of its ministers or civil servants, ever instructed civil servants working at Scottish Government buildings and...

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.17 18 attachments
Published
2018-02-27
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Flag flying instructions for 2018: FOI release

Flag flying instructions Scotland altered for 2018 re Union Flag In view of the recent press coverage of the above subject, and the apparent difference between 2017 and 2018 instructions, I would like to be advised of the following details: 1. When and where was the decision taken to have a new arrangement for 2018? ...

FOI clarification 55 score correspondence ministers meetings s.7 s.8
Published
2018-02-27
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence with household of HM Queen on flags: FOI release

All correspondence since 2009 between the Scottish Government and the household of HM the Queen on the subject of flags and their display.

FOI unclear 75 score correspondence ministers 4 attachments
Published
2018-02-27
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Protocols for Royal Banner, Saltire and Union Flags: FOI release

All emails by and to staff and senior officials of the "Protocol and Honours Team" from November and December 2017, and January 2018 up to the end of Friday 26th of January which relates to the following: Flag flying protocols. The Saltire Flag. The Union Flag. The Royal Banner (Lion Rampant). This should include eve...

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence s.38 20 attachments
Published
2018-02-27
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Consultation on changes to flag flying policy: FOI release

1. Who did the First Minister consult in 2010 over the changes to the policy that covers "Days for hoisting flags on buildings of the Scottish Government?" 2. What was the details of the consultation? 3. Why was the practice changed in 2010 but the policy wasn't updated until 2017?

FOI released 95 score correspondence ministers 4 attachments
Published
2018-02-27
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Number of Freedom of Information requests received: FOI release

In 2017: What was the number of Freedom of Information requests received by the Scottish Government? What was the number of Freedom of Information requests refused by the Scottish Government? What was the average response time by answering a Freedom of Information request? The amount of received requests answered w...

FOI not held 45 score correspondence spending s.16 s.12(1) s.17(1) s.18 s.10 s.14 s.19
Published
2018-02-14
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Names of special advisers involved in FOI responses: FOI appeal

1. The name and role (preferably job title + department) of all senior civil servants, special advisers, press/communication officers, ministers and parliamentary liaison officers involved in answering the following FOI requests: FOI/15/01557, FOI/15/01791, FOI/15/01977, FOI/16/01644, FOI/16/02008, FOI/16/02132, FOI/17...

FOI partially withheld 85 score correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments
Published
2018-02-08
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Counting Officer accounts during the Scottish Independence Referendum: FOI release

I assume in the Independence Referendum that some of the Counting Officer claims were audited. Was there a protocol for that audit? Was it just a check that all the claims were plausibly supported or did the audit of a claim involve looking at the accounts used for election spending? Specifically, where a CO claimed an...

FOI unclear 55 score correspondence spending s.4
Published
2018-02-01
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Independence Referendum Aberdeen Counting Officer appointment: FOI release

To see a copy of the letter from the Chief Counting Officer to Scottish ministers notifying them of the appointment of the Counting Officer for the City of Aberdeen in the Scottish Independence Referendum as required by s6.2 of the Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013.

FOI unclear 75 score correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2018-01-19
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Aberdeen Counting Officer expenses during the 2014 Referendum: FOI release

To see all the annexes to Form F (Polling Station Costs) of the expenses claim made by the Counting Officer for the City of Aberdeen in the Scottish Independence Referendum held in 2014.

FOI unclear 75 score correspondence spending 2 attachments
Published
2018-01-12
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

FOI requests declined due to unreasonable costs: FOI release

In each of the last three years, what proportion of FOI requests made to the Scottish Government and its associated agencies have been declined on the basis that fulfilling the requests would incur unreasonable costs?

FOI cost limit 45 score correspondence spending s.12
Published
2018-01-03
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Volume and processing of Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

You asked for: The number of Freedom of Information requests replied to within 20 working days The percentage of Freedom of Information requests replied to within 20 working days The number of Freedom of Information requests replied to within the statutory deadline The percentage of Freedom of Information requests rep...

FOI not held 45 score correspondence spending s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2017-12-22
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

FOI requests submitted by BBC Scotland each year: FOI release

How many Freedom of Information Requests BBC Scotland submit to the Scottish Government &/or Parliament each year, for as many years as records are available & the overall or average cost associated with handling these requests.

FOI not held 45 score correspondence spending s.17(1)
Published
2017-12-22
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Post-legislative scrutiny of Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act: FOI release

What progress the Scottish Government has made in undertaking post-legislative scrutiny of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) and in setting up an independent inquiry into the Scottish Government's handling of FOI requests following the vote in the Scottish Parliament for it to do so on 21 June 2017...

FOI unclear 75 score correspondence ministers meetings 10 attachments
Published
2017-12-21
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

FOI requests that carried charges of over £50: FOI release

Within the following years how many FOI inquiries did you receive and what percentage of these carried a financial invoice/charge? The years being 2014,2015,2016,2017 (to date). Regarding the FOI inquiries during 2014,2015,2016, 2017 (to date) confirm the total Foi handled is as per the answers above and advise what pe...

FOI unclear 50 score correspondence spending
Published
2017-12-12
Reference
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector