Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,922releases indexed
40,952attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,507partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-11-04newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,507 unclear 7,460 not held 3,292 released 1,599 already published 716 cost limit 637 clarification 377 withheld 251 transferred 83

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5225 s.20 4485 s.34(1) 3789 s.39(2) 3640 s.30 3038 s.17(1) 2981 s.25(1) 2557 s.10(4) 2089 s.11(2) 1639 s.29(1) 1249 s.2 1245 s.3 980

Timeline

2026-11 48 2026-10 227 2026-09 8 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,336 releases · 27.8 avg days Marine Directorate 991 releases · 29.7 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 972 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 741 releases · 39.6 avg days Constitution Directorate 710 releases · 35.8 avg days Population Health Directorate 678 releases · 28.6 avg days People Directorate 667 releases · 25.5 avg days
Clear
3,038 matching releases

Correspondence regarding Universal Basic Income: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (briefings, emails, letters, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or members of the Scottish Government Cabinet discussing expanding the roll-out of a Universal Basic Income across Scotland.

FOI already published 80 score 15 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29 s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-10
Reference
FOI/202000110955
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding enhanced restrictions for places of worship: FOI release

“I would like to make an foi request with regards to the latest restrictions in place on places of worship. Can you provide details of any meeting minutes, or other recorded information, that pertains to any discussion or consideration made to ensure the regulations and guidance on places of worship comply with the Eu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100132535
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +1 more … Public sector

Electronic Counting for Local Elections tender: FOI release

A copy of the successful tender for the procurement, Electronic Counting for Local Elections, and, in addition, for the identity of all of the other organisations who tendered.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1)
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000126345
Directorate
Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefings referencing a Section 30 order: FOI release

Copies of all briefings prepared by civil servants which include reference to a Section 30 order. On 5 January 2021, you clarified that your request was information referencing a Section 30 order in the context of an independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.29(1)
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000121883
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

Support provided to animal health and welfare: FOI release

You asked for a breakdown of funding in support of animal health and welfare, how much is given to what organisations and on what grounds are the funds to be used for and are they fully transparent in disclosing these funds in the public’s interest. You requested information for the following financial years: 2012/2013...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000110416
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Farming and rural, Money and tax, Public sector

Internal emails on specific dates: FOI release

1. All emails sent by Liz Lloyd, Chief of Staff to the First Minister, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 2. All emails sent by any diary secretary or assistant who works for Liz Lloyd, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 3. All emails sent by Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government, to Liz Lloyd on 28 and 29 Janua...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100148280
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

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

Communications concerning Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill and changes to Freedom of Information rules: FOI release

All communication between ministers, officials and press officers regarding the proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 238 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000025358
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Extending response times to freedom of information requests: FOI review

Supply all correspondence/emails (including attachments) - to or from government ministers, special advisers or senior civil servants - dated on or prior to 2 April 2020 relating to the proposal to extend response times to freedom of information requests set out in Schedule 6 Part 2 of the [Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 153 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000068453
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs referendum correspondence: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of all emails to and from Michael Russell with the word ‘referendum’ in them (including in the email body, as an attachment, in the subject line and/or otherwise).

FOI already published 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-03
Reference
FOI/202000118630
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with Community Justice Scotland regarding unpaid work hours: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and Community Justice Scotland regarding the reduction of outstanding unpaid work hours issued as ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-02
Reference
FOI/202000107025
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Money and tax, Public sector

Minutes and material with Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills regarding Higher Qualifications: FOI release

Minutes of any meetings involving the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, regarding Higher or Advanced Higher National Qualifications in 2020-21. Please could I also have any briefing material issued for these meetings. I would like this information from 20 November 2020 to 4 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.27(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000121891
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Information regarding obligations to provide State Pension after independence: FOI release

"Can you provide me with any discussions or analysis conducted by the Scottish Government with respect to whether the Scottish Government or the U.K. Government has a legal obligation to provide state pensions after independence.”

FOI already published 80 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.25(1) s.29 s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000130448
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

COVID-19: cancellation of 2021 Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) exams: FOI release

Shouldn’t the Young People have a say in whether they think Scottish Exams should be cancelled? What was wrong with using community centre facilities such as halls etc to do exams? Or is that too much money out of your budget as a Government, or is it simply that young people do not matter to you? Send me a report of o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000121881
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Discussions held relating to the cancellation of exams 2021: FOI release

1. Can you please advise and assist in the provision of any written correspondence and comms, extant in email, written transcript, minutes of meetings or letters, which mentions the following: Cancellation of National 5 Exams in 2021 (or similar language and synonyms). Postponement of Higher and Advanced Higher Exams ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000098431
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Spending review: FOI release

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 UK Government’s Spending Review as announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ri...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000129463
Directorate
Public Spending Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Communications in relation to possible assessors in the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry: FOI release

All communications to the Scottish Government from Aamer Anwar or Aamer Anwar & Co in relation to the appointment of possible Assessors to the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry.

FOI withheld 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000119227
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communications regarding Rapid Review of National Qualifications Experience 2020: FOI release

Any minutes of, or briefings prepared for, the meeting held on 15 September 2020 between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and Mark Priestley, regarding the Rapid Review of National Qualifications Experience 2020. Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000104898
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19: Care home guidance: FOI Review

All correspondence between the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland on the issue of care home guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am seeking this information in relation to the 'Information and guidance of care home settings' document - last updates on June 15th, 2020. This should include all emails,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 96 working days over deadline correspondence s.21(4) s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000090557 Review of 202000048160
Directorate
Digital Health and Care Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the draft bill for an independence referendum: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence (emails, letters, hand-written notes, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, briefings and/or otherwise) between civil servants, Special Advisors and/or the Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell regarding the publishing of the draft bill for an independence referendum outlined in the Scottish Gove...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000122177
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) review submissions and correspondence: FOI release

1. A copy of any submissions (evidence, reports, opinions or similar) received to date by the Scottish Government or National Coordinator, sent to them for the purposes of being passed to the OECD, which were returned to the sender without being considered by the OECD (either not referred to the OECD, or referred to th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.27(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.30 s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-19
Reference
FOI/202000120876
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Scottish Parliament election contingency plan: FOI release

1. Any reports, documents or email correspondence from between 1 August and present day [13 October] between Scottish Government civil servants on the topic of the Scottish Parliament election in 2021 and contingency plans surrounding it. 2. During the same time period, any briefing reports, draft reports, emails, What...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25 s.27 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000097860
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Internal communication relating to British Sign Language Progress Report: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes, phone calls or otherwise), regarding the British Sign Language Progress Report. I would like this information from 01 June 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.36(1) s.29(1) s.30 10 attachments
Published
2021-02-17
Reference
FOI/202000096790
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Equality and rights, Public sector

Harassment Committee inquiry legal fees costs: FOI release

"£54,378 was the figure obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Daily Telegraph. This was used on external assistance with regards to the Alex Salmond enquiry. I would like to know who the money was paid to and in what capacity. I would also like any internal Government correspondence regarding the tra...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100137923
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector