Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,642releases indexed
40,482attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,387partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-09-16newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,387 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 701 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5151 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3728 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2995 s.17(1) 2923 s.25(1) 2521 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 3 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 962 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
8,387 matching releases

Scientific evidence to support the re-opening of certain sectors and activities: FOI release

"Indoor Play Centres for children under the age of 12-years old are one of a small group of businesses that as of October 2020 have been required by the Scottish Government to remain closed. It has been stated many times by the Scottish Government that their decisions as to which businesses and sections of the economy ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.27(1)
Published
2020-11-10
Reference
FOI/202000094720
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Meetings with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: FOI release

Since January 2018 how many meetings (including teleconferences or videoconferences) are recorded as having taken place between Scottish Ministers, Scottish Chief Medical Officers and Scottish National Clinical Directors and the founders or representatives of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 15 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.27
Published
2020-11-10
Reference
FOI/202000099775
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Scientific evidence which influenced the decision to restrict the opening of gyms: FOI release

I would like to ask for an FOI detailing the scientific reasons and facts for not allowing Scottish Gyms to open. Specifically information which contradicts or disproves the reasons that other countries (and WHO) must have considered before they decided it was safe, with mitigations, to open gyms. Included in the FOI ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 65 working days over deadline correspondence s.25(1) s.17(1) s.27(1)
Published
2020-11-10
Reference
FOI/202000077723
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Questions concerning the enforcement of the Ragwort Control Act: EIR release

1) a copy of the instruction set which DEFRA has agreed with the RPID for handling complaints raised under the Ragwort Control Act.in Scotland (in England such a document is called 'The Combined Instructions'). 2) for every complaint raised under this process in 2019 and 2020, the following information a) case refere...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence meetings s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-10
Reference
FOI/202000096207
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

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

Correspondence sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and the First Minister regarding the Hate Crime Bill. As requested this information covers the period of 23 April 2020 to 19 August 2020 (the date we received your email).

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-11-10
Reference
FOI/202000077510
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Valve Site 14 and the Forties Pipeline System: EIR release

You asked for:- All correspondence pertaining to the property known as Valve Site 14 and/or the Forties Pipeline System, between Transport Scotland and BP (and vice-versa) between 1 January 2016 – 26 August 2020. All correspondence pertaining to the property known as Valve Site 14 and/or the Forties Pipeline System, b...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) 8 attachments
Published
2020-11-09
Reference
FOI/202000081153
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills and SQA correspondence in early August 2020: FOI release

In your request you asked for: Any correspondence (including emails, letters, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls or otherwise) between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and the SQA. I would like this information from 02 August to 06 August.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-09
Reference
FOI/202000084793
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Success rate of windfarm development applications: EIR release

1. The percentage of applications for windfarm developments which have been approved by Scottish Ministers for the past five year? 2. For the approved windfarm developments in the last five years, how many sent to Public Inquiry? 3. Scottish Ministers approving percentage after Public Inquiry?

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 11 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2)
Published
2020-11-09
Reference
FOI/202000095942
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Woman’s Aid funding streams: FOI Appeal

The conditions of funding, which stipulate the exact criteria that is required from Woman’s Aid appertaining to each payment from the public purse.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 151 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.38(1) s.34(1) 18 attachments
Published
2020-11-09
Reference
FOI/202000016737 - Appeal
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence with EU Commission in 2020 to present: FOI release

Your request You asked for: 1) Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone or video calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between Scottish Government ministers and the EU Commission in the time period 1 January 2020...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) s.32(1) s.7 s.60 46 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000077292
Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Public sector

Landslide mitigation works and contract: EIR release

You asked for the following: "1. I asked who in contracts is responsible for the BEAR Scotland contract. My understanding of Treasury rules is if there is a significant change in the terms or scope of a contract then the whole contract should be reappraised. BEAR Scotland were contracted as a road maintenance company ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.3 s.20 s.39(2)
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000096254
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Correspondence related to Broadsands House: EIR release

You asked for information in connection to FOI 20200006601, the property in question is now known as Broadsands House. Do you have any correspondence not already sent that refers to this name for the property, rather than Dirleton New Mains.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000081424
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Resignations by special advisors working for the Scottish Government: FOI release

Your request was as follows: “May I request the following information under freedom of information legislation: 1. The number of resignations by special advisors working for the Scottish Government for the financial years of 16/17, 17/18, 18/19, 19/20 and the number so far in 20/21. 2. The reasons for these resignat...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers contracts s.38
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000087360
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) exam results and qualification awards: FOI release

I would like to request any correspondence (including letters or emails) to the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, on the subject of the 2020 SQA results/ qualification awards. I would like this information from 12:00 on 04 August until 23:00 on 04 August.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000090190
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Briefings analysing the UK Internal Market Bill: FOI release

From 1 July 2020 to present: • Copies of any civil servants briefings analysing the UK Internal Market Bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000089283
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence concerning pursuit of Independence and the Referendums Bill: FOI release

From 1 September 2020 to present: Copies of emails sent to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon from members of the public regarding their concern/anger/unhappiness and/or similar at: The announcement of the Referendums Bill in her Programme for Government 2020-21. The Scottish Government’s decision to actively pursue anoth...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000091118
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Programme for Government, +1 more … Public sector

Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill FOI legislation changes: FOI release

In relation to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill (https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/114929.aspx) I would like to request the following material: Any briefings or analysis documents outlining the need for / details of proposed changes to FOI legislation

FOI partially withheld 90 score 156 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000025366
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 guidance for universities, colleges and student accommodation: FOI release

“At the end of August 2020, the Scottish government distributed a draft document, entitled 'Coronavirus (Covid-19): Guidance for universities, colleges and student accommodation providers' to interested parties, to gather their comments, before the finished guidance was published on September 1. On the printed page, th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000092295
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the review into the 2020 SQA awards process: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls) on the subject of the review into the 2020 SQA Awards process that is to be led by Mark Priestley. I would like this information from 09 August 2020 to 23 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000090265
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Unacceptable behaviour at matches correspondence with Scottish Professional Football League: FOI appeal

A copy of the contract or agreement the Scottish Government made with the SPFL with regards to collecting and reporting on instances of unacceptable conduct at football games ahead of the start of the 2017-18 season. A copy of any earlier drafts of the contract or agreement aforementioned. Any communications between th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 305 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/19/01620-Appeal
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Vessels Monitoring System (VMS) data for 46E7, 47E7, 47E8 and 46E8: EIR release

Data type: Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and fishing sightings data. Area of interest: ICES rectangles 46E7, 47E7, 47E8 and 46E8 Period of interest: 2015 – 2018 Please provide: Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data for ICES rectangles 46E7, 47E7, 47E8 and 46E8 over the entirety of 2015 and 2018, including the following...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 8 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000083196
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Types of road fatalities which occurred on the A96: EIR release

With regard to your previous application (202000083106), you asked how many of the collisions identified involved pedestrians.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 5 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2)
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000090639
Directorate
Topic
Public safety and emergencies, Public sector, Transport

Correspondence concerning the pausing of new applications to the First Home Fund: FOI release

Information from 1 September 2020 to present, copies of correspondence (emails, minutes of meetings, texts, minutes of calls, and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or Housing Minister Kevin Stewart regarding the decision to temporarily stop applications to the pilot scheme of the First Ho...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000091486
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

COVID-19 Furlough scheme extension briefings: FOI release

1. Whether any briefings were provided for ministers or civil servants (prior to publication) about the production of the Scottish Government’s proposal to extend the furlough scheme as published here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19-analysis-extending-coronavirus-jobretention-scheme/ - Please provide copies...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000092822
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 impact on Attainment Scotland Fund and school closures: FOI release

Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding the impact of the Attainment Scotland Fund. I would like this information from 01 January 2020 to 15 September 2020. Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding t...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1)
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000089953
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector