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 foods high in fat, sugar or salt: FOI release

Copies of correspondence between (i) the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing; (ii) the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport; (iii) officials within the Population Health Directorate and external stakeholders on proposals to restrict the promotion and marketing of foods high in fat, sugar, or salt between ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202000063344
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation remit correspondence: FOI release

- All communication between John Swinney and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. -All communication between the Scottish Government and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139181
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation evidence submitted: FOI release

- All evidence submitted to James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. - Details of all meetings held by James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. Please include minutes, call logs, list of a...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139187
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

COVID-19 testing for university students: FOI release

Any briefing papers or advice to ministers concerning COVID-19 testing for university students,and any communications between Scottish Government officials regarding these briefings or advice. I would like this information from 15 September 2020 to 30 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28 s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-15
Reference
FOI/202000113889
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the launch of Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB): 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 official launch of the Scottish National Investment Bank on 23 November 2020. 2...

FOI transferred 80 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.17(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.39(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202000129473
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Government Audit and Assurance Committee (SGAAC): FOI release

"The minutes (and associated materials, such as, but not limited to agendas, papers, reports or presentations) for any meetings held between senior Scottish Government staff and nonexecutive directors and deputy directors of the Scottish Government. I am interested in records relating to any meetings that have taken pl...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.33 s.38(1) s.33(1) s.33(2) s.38(1)B s.34(1)
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202100134076
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport meeting with Care Home Relatives Scotland (CHRS): FOI release

Details of the meetings the Minister for Older People, Christina McKelvie, has had with each of the following since March 2020: Care home staff Care home residents Care home residents’ family members Care home resident or family member lobbying groups Representatives of Scottish care Please detail the date, length an...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38 s.30
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202000116009
Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Transport Scotland and Network Rail CP6 operations: FOI release

Correspondence between Transport Scotland and Network Rail regarding CP6 operations, maintenance and renewals funding for the dates between December 2019 and July 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000089813
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Places of worship COVID-19 guidance: FOI release

Information that was used in the preparation of guidance for the meeting of churches as we moved into phases 2 and 3. Specifically all information concerning the following matters: 1. Data/information concerning the decision of the Scottish Ministers a. that singing could not take place in churches and b. to what exten...

FOI withheld 80 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.5 s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000094719
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Internal briefings relating to shortcomings of Scottish Welfare fund: FOI release

You asked us to provide copies of any internal briefings prepared by civil servants regarding any shortcomings of the Scottish Welfare Fund.

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence briefings s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000096433
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Welfare fund: FOI release

You asked us to provide copies of any correspondence (briefings, emails, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, memos, texts and/or otherwise) between civils servants and/or Special Advisors and/or Scottish Government Cabinet members regarding the Scottish Welfare Fund being more or less effective dependent on the loca...

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000096504
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Money and tax, Public sector

Information relating to Police Scotland work with Sri Lanka: FOI release

Please provide copies of any records held by the Justice Directorate between 15 October 2020 and 8 December 2020 relating to Police Scotland's work with Sri Lanka. I expect your search to include records held by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and his team.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000121879
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Public sector

Correspondence regarding timing of publishing referendums bill: FOI release

From 1 September 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, minutes of calls, memos, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or Scottish Government Cabinet members on the timing of publishing the referendums bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000096516
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Cabinet Secretary for Finance containing the words “£8.2 billion”: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence sent to or by Kate Forbes MSP and/or her special advisors that contain the form of words “£8.2 billion” between 5 November and 11 November.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-01
Reference
FOI/202000110156
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Emails to and from Michael Russell with the word “independence” in them 2020: FOI release

Copies of all emails to and from Michael Russell with the word “independence” in them (including in the message, an attachment and/or otherwise), from 1 October 2020 to present.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-21
Reference
FOI/202000106675
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet on the Referendums Bill and Programme for Government 2020: FOI release

From 27 July 2020 to present (2 September 2020 - the date of requests): Copies of any correspondence (emails, hand-written notes, briefing, Whatsapp messages, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or any member of the Scottish Government cabinet on the refe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-20
Reference
FOI/202000083702
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence with Electoral Commission regarding the Referendums Bill: FOI release

Between 1 July 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, letters, hand-written notes, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and the Electoral Commission regarding the Referendums Bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-19
Reference
FOI/202000105330
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence pertaining to Sexual Harassment Complaints Committee between specific dates: FOI release

1) Correspondence between written by civil servants on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Sexual Harassment Complaints between July 1 and August 12. 2) Correspondence written by ministers on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scot...

FOI not held 70 score 109 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-01-14
Reference
FOI/202000074369
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Civil Servants preparation in giving evidence to Committee for Former First Minister inquiry: FOI release

Details of the preparation of civil servants for appearances ahead of witness sessions in the Alex Salmond Holyrood inquiry. I would like details of all civil servants to appear in person before the committee up to and including today's session [3 November 2020], including the Permanent Secretary. There is no need to i...

FOI not held 70 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.36(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-13
Reference
FOI/202000106713
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

COVID-19 related information regarding previous and future Health Protection Regulations: FOI release

1. What is the 14 (or 7)-day incidence of reported cases (per 100k) in the Council of Aberdeen City (7/14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100k) 2. What is the Scottish Governments benchmark for new local lockdown restrictions? It couldn’t be just arbitrarily. 3. On which facts is the dangerousness of the ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 97 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.4A s.17 s.17(1) s.30 s.25
Published
2020-12-21
Reference
FOI/202000072147
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Muftah Salem Eljamel, AKA Sam Eljamel: FOI release

You asked for: Please provide copies of the correspondence about Muftah Salem Eljamel, AKA Sam Eljamel, the former Neurosurgeon who worked for NHS Tayside, which were sent and received by the Scottish Government, Chief Medical Officer, or any government ministers and civil servants from January 2012 through to January...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-30
Reference
FOI/202000084805
Directorate
Health and Social Care Finance Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Vaccination Transformation Programme Board minutes: FOI release

The Agendas, meeting papers and minutes from all meetings of the Vaccination Transformation Programme Board since March 2019.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence meetings s.30
Published
2020-11-26
Reference
FOI/202000104176
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence concerning updating the ‘Scotland’s Future’ publication: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, written notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or members of the Scottish Government Cabinet regarding the need to update the ‘Scotland’s Future’ paper originally published in November ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30
Published
2020-11-25
Reference
FOI/202000096481
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence involving Joanna Cherry MP: FOI release

Any mention of Joanna Cherry in communications sent Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) by Scottish Government Ministers or Special Advisors to Scottish Government minist...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-16
Reference
FOI/202000087424
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Programme for Government 2020-21: FOI release

You asked for ‘From 1 August to 7 September 2020: Copies of any internal briefings from civil servants for the Scottish Government Cabinet and/or special advisors regarding the Programme for Government 2020-21.’

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-16
Reference
FOI/202000089239
Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector