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 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

Individuals shielding receiving food boxes during lockdown: FOI release

The following, broken down by month since the start of lockdown, starting from April 2020: 1. How many individuals were receiving Scottish Government food boxes? 2. How many of the above individuals were officially shielding? 3. How many individuals were eligible for a food box but did not receive one? 4. How many food...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence s.30
Published
2020-09-15
Reference
FOI/202000066398
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 Clinical Guidance: FOI release

Copy of all published versions of the national clinical guidance for nursing and residential care homes and COVID-19 and a copy of all correspondence with Scottish Ministers regarding the versions of the national clinical guidance for nursing and residential care homes.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-14
Reference
FOI/202000057544
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Briefings from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

All briefings received from the SQA by the Cabinet Secretary for Education or any other Scottish Minister. On 13 August 2020, you further clarified: I’m happy for you to narrow your search to correspondence and briefings between Scottish Government ministers and the SQA between 1 April 2020 and 5 August 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-09
Reference
FOI/202000074358
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Meetings with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

In your request, you asked: Details of any meetings (including typed or hand-written notes, any minutes or briefings produced for these meetings) between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and the SQA. I would like this information between 01 June 2020 and 30 June 2020, and for 30 July 2020...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-09
Reference
FOI/202000074442
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Association of Directors of Social Work (Social Work Scotland) contribution to Bar Reporters Working Group: FOI release

1. All recorded information you hold in relation to the Association of Directors of Social Work (subsequently known as Social Work Scotland) being invited to join or otherwise contribute to the Bar Reporters Working Group. (It may assist you to note the content of Appendix A here: https://www2.gov.scot/Resource/0043/00...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 12 attachments
Published
2020-09-07
Reference
FOI/202000063013
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Money and tax, Public sector

Social Work representative contributions to the Bar Reporters Working Group: FOI release

“1. All recorded information you hold in relation to any person from or representing or involved in the regulation of: the Social Worker profession and/or the profession of Psychologist and/or the profession of Psychiatrist, being invited to join or otherwise contribute to the Bar Reporters Working Group. (It may assis...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(2) s.38(6)(2) 18 attachments
Published
2020-09-07
Reference
FOI/202000062992
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Chief Social Work Advisers’ contributions to the Bar Reporters Working Group: FOI release

1. All recorded information you hold in relation to the Chief Social Work Adviser being invited to join or otherwise contribute to the Bar Reporters Working Group. (It may assist you to note the content of Appendix A here: https://www2.gov.scot/Resource/0043/00435549.pdf). 2. All recorded information you hold in relati...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-09-07
Reference
FOI/202000062999
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Minutes and correspondence pertaining to Health and Social Care Management Board: FOI release

Minutes, reports, agendas and other meeting papers for the Health and Social Care Management Board, relating to consideration whether or not to escalate a board. For clarity, this would include discussions about escalating a board that did not result in an escalation decision. You also indicated that you were intereste...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-03
Reference
FOI/202000064447
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Bifab (Burntisland Fabrications) meetings prior to 6 April 2020: FOI release

The last ten sets of minutes of meetings dated before the first one you sent me in foi 2020 00045872, relating to Bifab (Burntisland Fabrications).

FOI unclear 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-01
Reference
FOI/202000058749
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Coronavirus related questions: FOI Review

All information held relating to human rights reviews, considerations and scrutiny of Scottish Government imposed Coronavirus-related Acts, Regulations and Guidance (Part A) information held relating to the imposition of a “broadly five mile” “rule” relating to distance travelled for exercise/recreation as part of phas...

FOI cost limit 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers spending s.21(4) s.12 s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-31
Reference
FOI/202000060958
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Bifab (Burntisland Fabrications) meetings prior to 6 May 2020: FOI Review

You have deleted all the information from the minutes and the public have a right to know what is going on at Bifab.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-28
Reference
FOI/202000058783 Review
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Energy, Public sector

Air bridges and travel corridors: FOI release

Evidence used by the Scottish Government, Ministers and Advisers that led to the "travel corridors" only applying in England (those arriving in England) and not in Scotland up to Friday 3/7/20.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-27
Reference
FOI/202000056660
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund: FOI release

a) Why was the Pivotal Economic Resilience Fund (PERF) paused and then reopened and then refunded? b) What advice was provided to Fiona Hyslop with regard to pausing the PERF? c) Any correspondence between the Scottish Government and external agencies about the pausing and resumption of the PERF?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-19
Reference
FOI/202000044131
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Greater borrowing power briefings: FOI release

Any internal briefings, memo, notes or analysis produced for Kate Forbes, Fiona Hyslop or Nicola Sturgeon since 1 March on the impact greater borrowing powers would have on Scotland’s economy. How many meetings have been held where Kate Forbes, Fiona Hyslop or Nicola Sturgeon have taken part and Scotland’s borrowing po...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-19
Reference
FOI/202000054054
Directorate
Tax Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Deloitte report 2019: FOI release

A full copy of the commissioned Deloitte Report 2019 in relation to the current SG Estates, Facilities and Security Services Delivery Structure. You also asked to see all correspondence between Scottish Government and Deloitte on this matter.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-17
Reference
FOI/202000050911
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Business grants policy changes: FOI release

I would like to obtain the following information. The below questions/requests relate to the period 1 March 2020 to 15 April 2020 unless otherwise stated. Why did the Scottish Government change policies on business grants between 18 March and 24 March as detailed here and here. For clarity, on 18 March the Scottish Gov...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 68 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38 6 attachments
Published
2020-08-13
Reference
FOI/202000028410
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Postponed end of charitable tax relief for independent schools: FOI release

Documents between March-May 2020 to and/or from Scottish Government officials and/or ministers pertaining to the postponement of the end of charitable tax relief on business rates from September 1 2020 for independent schools in Scotland.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.30 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-11
Reference
FOI/202000048986
Directorate
Topic
Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Cancellation of the 2020 exam diet: FOI release

All correspondence or documentation (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 the SQA regarding the cancellation of the 2020 exam diet. I would like this i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) s.28(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-10
Reference
FOI/202000034452
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Documentation relating to FOI 201900009513 & subsequent review : FOI release

Written information held by the Scottish Government relating to FOI 201900009513. All case handling files regarding FOI 201900009513 (both the initial response and the subsequent review) All communication, internal and external, regarding FOI 201900009513 (both the initial response and the subsequent review) Any other...

FOI already published 80 score 17 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.25 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-04
Reference
FOI/202000049606
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Bifab (Burntisland Fabrications) meetings prior to 6 May 2020: FOI release

The last ten sets of minutes of meetings, held prior to 6 May 2020, relating to Bifab (Burntisland Fabrications).

FOI unclear 80 score 19 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-29
Reference
FOI/202000045872
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Hate Crime & Public Order (Scotland) Bill: FOI release

Any written records which contain or record discussions by Ministers or Civil Servants, of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill in relation to, or in comparison with, the now repealed, Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act, 2012.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-29
Reference
FOI/202000046860
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Justice Minister communications with Orange Order and Police Scotland: FOI release

In the period between 1 March 2020 and 21 June 2020: Any minutes or notes kept of meetings or calls between the Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and any representative of the Orange Order and/or Jim McHarg. Any written documents, such as a briefing, prepared for the Justice Secretary relating to any meetings/calls he has...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.35 s.38(1) s.35(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-07-21
Reference
FOI/202000049857
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Law and order, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Coronavirus Financial Relief for Sporting Businesses: FOI release

To ask the Scottish Government what the reasoning is behind the exclusion of businesses operating on ‘shootings’, ‘deer forests’ and ‘game larders’ from the small business support grant. To ask the Scottish Government what the reasoning is behind the decision to not give sporting businesses a 100% sporting rates relief...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 60 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38
Published
2020-07-20
Reference
FOI/202000026101
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Social Security Scotland assisting DWP with the Universal Credit process: FOI Review

I would like to request a review of the response provided. You did not provide an email address at which David Wallace could be contacted, so please pass this on. Specifically on the public interest test applied for the Section 30(b)(ii) exemption – I believe the test has been applied wrongly in this case. The decision...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-13
Reference
FOI/202000046646
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector