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
737 matching releases

Engineering companies’ meetings Ministerial briefing documents: FOI release

Concerning two meetings attended held by ministers, the first being a phone call meeting attended by Fiona Hyslop on 26/03/20 with Doosan Babcock, Castle Engineering and Scottish Engineering amongst others. The second is a meeting between Ivan McKee and John McCarrol of JFD on 03/04/20. I would like to request the bri...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202100133437
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Energy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Digital Growth Fund: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the Digital Growth Fund since 1 September 2020. 2. Any briefings (notes, memos, or ...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000129474
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Scottish Enterprise resignation: FOI release

Any briefings, memos or other material was produced by civil servants for Ministers and/or special advisors on the resignation of Steve Dunlop from Scottish Enterprise. Details of any meetings between civil servants, Ministers and/or special advisors where the above topic was discussed. Copies of any emails or other ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-02-23
Reference
FOI/202000103812
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Level of resource within the Scottish Government's State Aid unit: FOI release

You requested the following: ‘Please can you provide information on the current (i.e FY 2019/20) level of resources in Scottish Government’s State Aid unit? Specifically the number of staff (full time equivalent), their grade and whether this resource is supported by a framework agreement to access additional external ...

FOI unclear 50 score 7 working days correspondence
Published
2021-02-03
Reference
FOI/202000120334
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

COVID-19 Correspondence from small retailers concerning lockdown rules: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters or otherwise) received by Scottish Ministers/special advisors between 29 October to 11 November from those identified as working in small/non-essential retailers as owners, employers, staff or otherwise who have written concerned about the prospect of a second national lock...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-01
Reference
FOI/202000110673
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Rate of COVID-19 transmission in the hair and beauty profession: FOI release

You asked for any information held by the Scottish Government on the rate of transmission in your profession as a freelance hair and make-up artist.

FOI unclear 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence meetings contracts s.17(1)
Published
2021-01-19
Reference
FOI/202000126684
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy

Information on Lochaber Delivery Group: FOI release

You asked for the following information on the Lochaber Delivery Group: 1. its remit 2. its membership 3. the dates of its meetings 4. for which of those meetings Mr Ewing was present and in the chair (physically or virtually), 5. the latest agreed minutes.

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.3 s.5
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000104371
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Business Resilience Centre financial support and correspondence: FOI release

1) Detail of any financial support provided to the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) in the last three financial years including 2020/21 so far and anticipated further funding. 2) Any correspondence between Jude McCorry, the chief executive of SBRC, and Scottish Government officials between January 1 and June...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.38(1) s.2 s.34(1) 10 attachments
Published
2020-11-24
Reference
FOI/202000085097
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Economy, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector

COVID-19 Restrictions Fund applications: FOI release

1. How many applications have been received in total for the COVID-19 Restrictions Fund? 2. How many applications were (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful in receiving the COVID-19 Restrictions Fund? 3. How much money has been awarded in total from the COVID-19 Restrictions Fund? a) If any money is remaining from th...

FOI unclear 50 score 8 working days correspondence
Published
2020-11-12
Reference
FOI/202000098836
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, Money and tax

COVID-19 Restrictions Fund: FOI release

1. How many applications have been received in total for the COVID-19 Restrictions Fund? 2. How many applications were (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful in receiving the COVID-19 Restrictions Fund? 3. How much money has been awarded in total from the COVID-19 Restrictions Fund? a. If any money is remaining from the £...

FOI unclear 50 score 8 working days correspondence
Published
2020-10-28
Reference
FOI/202000098836
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

South of Scotland Enterprise funding: FOI release

Can you please advise the level of funding given by the Scottish Government to South of Scotland Enterprise in the last two financial years, 2018-2019 and 2019 – 2020?

FOI unclear 50 score 5 working days correspondence
Published
2020-10-22
Reference
FOI/202000085840
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Highland and Islands Enterprise financial management report redactions: FOI release

“Please provide me with an unredacted copy of the report featured on this page https://www.gov.scot/publications/highlands-islands-enterprise-financial-management-review-cairngorm-mountain/ There are 16 redactions. It appears that three of these are reference to an individual whose name is openly documented with Compan...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence contracts s.37 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-28
Reference
FOI/202000060534
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Scotcoin: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings or otherwise) between members of the Scotcoin company and officials working for or in the Scottish Government.”

FOI already published 80 score 11 working days correspondence meetings s.25 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-17
Reference
FOI/202000057929
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Investment returns for Government business interventions: FOI release

“For each of the government business interventions in Prestwick Airport, Ferguson Marine, Bifab and Lochaber Aluminium smelter please can you give me the investment returns actually received by the government in each of the fiscal years 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20. For each can you give me the nature of the return - i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence s.33 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-11
Reference
FOI/202000055209
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Garden centre, construction business and recycle centres representatives’ correspondence: FOI release

Correspondence received by Kate Forbes (from 1 March to date) by representatives of garden centres, construction businesses or recycling centres.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38 s.33 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-07-22
Reference
FOI/202000047709
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Grants awarded to Agencies, Charitable organisations and Community companies or societies: FOI release

“For the below questions please use the most up to date available figures at the time of your reply and note which date range has been included in your figures. 1. For each of the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, please can you detail the total number and value of grants using public money awarded to any o...

FOI unclear 55 score 7 working days correspondence briefings s.1
Published
2020-07-02
Reference
FOI/202000046678
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Money and tax, Public sector

Replacement of European Structural Funds In Scotland Post EU-Exit Consultation: FOI release

“The online consultation was a success with 155 responses and around 200 citizens, businesses and communities attended one of the regional or thematic events. Not really a success was it, there are around 5.4 million people in Scotland. What would be a success is if you told the public how much the consultation cost th...

FOI unclear 50 score 4 working days correspondence spending
Published
2020-06-30
Reference
FOI/202000047517
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Covid-19 Construction guidance: FOI release

“The SG published guidance for the construction sector immediately after lockdown on 23 March. That guidance included a provision that construction projects that could be completed within 5 days could be completed whilst other sites should close. After 6th April this guidance was superseded but we need this guidance. R...

FOI unclear 75 score 6 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-15
Reference
FOI/202000044080
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Financial questions on hydro plant and aluminium smelter at Lochaber: FOI Review

I. the size of the total gross liability of the Scottish Government under the 25-year financial guarantee relating to the hydro plant and aluminium smelter at Lochaber entered into in December 2016; II. the methodology that was used to value the asset at the time of the agreement in 2016/17; III. documents and correspo...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.33(1) s.33(2)
Published
2020-05-28
Reference
FOI/202000032186
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Communications on potential use of satellite launch facilities: FOI release

"Any documents detailing communications between members of the Scottish Government and the following agencies pertaining to potential use of the proposed satellite launch facility on the Melness Crofting Estate in Sutherland for defence, security or military purposes: Highlands and Islands Enterprise Lockheed Martin U...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence meetings s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-05-11
Reference
FOI/202000028641
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Financial questions on hydro plant and aluminium smelter at Lochaber: FOI release

You requested the following information: i. the size of the total gross liability of the Scottish Government under the 25-year financial guarantee relating to the hydro plant and aluminium smelter at Lochaber entered into in December 2016; ii. the methodology that was used to value the asset at the time of the agreem...

FOI clarification 55 score 13 working days correspondence contracts s.3 s.33
Published
2020-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000017138
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

QI Consulting contract with Scottish Government for independent operational expert advice: FOI release

Your request is noted below: “To ask Scottish Ministers to provide the contract that was drawn up and agreed between both parties that enabled Commodore van Beek to commence his review. In addition, Mr van Beek states in his letter above that the review would be carried out with a colleague, Bert Niven, a director of ...

FOI already published 80 score 12 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.38 s.33 s.25(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-12
Reference
FOI/202000017467
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Suspension of European Social Fund: FOI release

“I understand that the ESF and ERDF programmes in Scotland have both been forced into a period of suspension following an audit by the European Commission on Scottish Government in their capacity as Managing Authority. Can you please provide the following specific pieces of information: 1. Audit report(s) which outline...

FOI cost limit 45 score 15 working days correspondence ministers spending s.26 s.12 s.1(1) s.20 s.12(1)
Published
2020-03-05
Reference
FOI/202000015876
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Questions concerning Scottish Minister mobile phones and resignation salaries: FOI release

You asked for: "1. Do yours Ministers use taxpayer funded mobile phones, social media accounts and traffic. Or do they use for those uses their personal and personally paid for accounts. 2. Will Mr McKay pick up a £12 k or more tax free bonus for resigning. Aye or No."

FOI released 75 score 10 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2
Published
2020-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000015988
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector, Work and skills