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
7,460 matching releases

COVID-19 restrictions related to congregational singing: FOI release

In relation to "Singing, chanting and the playing of instruments" it is stated that "Scientific studies indicate that it is the cumulative aerosol transmission from both those performing in and attending events that involve singing and the playing of wind and brass instruments, that is likely to create risk" Can you t...

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.20
Published
2020-12-23
Reference
FOI/202000116835
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Law and order, +1 more … Public sector

Certification process of a persons death by a doctor: FOI release

You asked how the difference between influenza and Covid on a death certificate is arrived at by the certifying doctor and/or pathologist carrying out the investigation.

FOI unclear 50 score 5 working days correspondence
Published
2020-12-23
Reference
FOI/202000124513
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Questions concerning the Scottish Governments response to COVID-19 and testing: FOI release

1. the number of covid infections for sept 2020 oct 2020 and to this date nov 2020 2. out of 100 000 case how many were false positives 3. are false positives added to the daily count 4. if they are not then how do you know so quickly 5. out of the all the cases since just after the snp took no notice of the nike confe...

FOI unclear 75 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-23
Reference
FOI/202000111728
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Transmission rate of COVID-19 within gyms and self catering accommodation: FOI release

You asked for the transmission rate of Covid infection from gyms and also from self catering accommodation.

FOI unclear 50 score 8 working days correspondence contracts
Published
2020-12-21
Reference
FOI/202000120905
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Meetings between Lord Advocate and First Minister on specific dates: FOI release

1. All meetings between the Lord Advocate and the First Minister between the dates of the 3 June 2018 and 23 August 2018. 2. The details of these meetings - including minutes, written notes, texts, emails and attachments etc or any other documented information regarding these meetings.

FOI unclear 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1)
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000111985
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

COVID-19 funding allocation and Care home residents date of hospital discharge: FOI release

1. A full and detailed breakdown of where the £8.2 billion allocated by the UK government has been spent, how much has been retained and the reason for doing so. 2. What exact date did the First Minister find out that care home residents were being sent back from hospital and without test, or known positives.

FOI unclear 50 score 3 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000124506
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, +2 more … Money and tax, Public sector

Questions concerning Scottish Government budget and Barnett consequentials: FOI release

1. What share of £8.2 billion guaranteed to the Scottish budget by the UK Government has each portfolio within the Scottish Government received to date. 2. How much of the £8.2 billion guaranteed to the Scottish budget by the UK Government has been allocated and how much is yet to be allocated. 3. Any documents produ...

FOI unclear 50 score 8 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000110208
Directorate
Financial Management Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Police Scotland budget allocated to iVPD: FOI release

You asked for the total funds provided by the Scottish Government to Police Scotland for the establishment of the iVPD (likely called the VPD at the time) i.e. the set up costs. The additional yearly funds that were provided to Police Scotland for the maintenance of the iVPD since 2014, including the costs for “weeding...

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence spending
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000105514
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Law and order, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Civil servant redeployment to support COVID-19 response: FOI release

The number of civil servants redeployed from the Constitution and Cabinet Directorate during the COVID-19 pandemic to work in other government departments. Broken down by month from April 2020 to present.

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000105326
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Former First Minister allegations: FOI release

"The date on which the First Minister was first notified by Sky News of allegations about Alex Salmond’s behaviour. To clarify, in her written submission to the Scottish Parliament’s Committee on the Handling of Harassment, Nicola Sturgeon stated that she was told of these allegations during November 2017 but I am requ...

FOI unclear 55 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1)
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000099508
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Private Rent Sector Landlord (non-business) COVID-19 Loan Scheme questions: FOI release

1. The total number of applications made to the Private Rent Sector Landlord (non-business) COVID-19 Loan Scheme. 2. The total number of successful applicants to the Private Rent Sector Landlord (non-business) COVID-19 Loan Scheme. 3. The total Scottish Government funding that has been given to applicants through the...

FOI unclear 50 score 12 working days correspondence
Published
2020-12-15
Reference
FOI/202000115141
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Housing, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector

COVID-19 and organised classes for children: FOI release

Question 1 - any evidence or investigation undertaken pertaining to the risk assessment or relative infection rates and spread of Covid-19 in the following settings overall and by age breakdown if available; 1. Indoor classes for children 2. Hospitality settings 3. Nursery schools 4. Supermarkets 5. Parks and recreatio...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2020-12-15
Reference
FOI/202000093059
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 cases by local authority area statistics: FOI release

You asked for the breakdown of Covid cases by local authority area that has been used to inform decision making in terms of the introduction of tiers and the ongoing management of the tier system.

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence s.25(1)
Published
2020-12-15
Reference
FOI/202000112839
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Referendums Scotland Bill Team - date of formation: FOI release

You asked for: a) The date on which the Referendums Scotland Bill Team was formed. b) The date on which the first civil servant started working as part of the Referendums Scotland Bill Team.

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000106096
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Questions concerning COVID-19 in Scotland: FOI release

1. Full Disclosure of ACTUAL deaths caused only by SARS-nCov-2, In particular, make sure anything regarding ‘pollution liability’, ‘policy enhancement’ and ‘schedules of exclusions’ documents in relation to the commercial public liability insurance policy held by Ayrshire and Arran Health Boards hospitals and clinics. ...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.2 s.5 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000111355
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Questions concerning legislation and police powers in enforcing restrictions: FOI release

1. Copies of all the scientific evidence used to determine the efficacy of Scotland's 4 tiers rules. 2. Details of devolved legislative powers being used by Scotland to enforce these 4 tiers. 3. Details of devolved legislative powers being used or will be used to prevent travel in / out of Scotland and around Scotlan...

FOI unclear 55 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.4 s.6 s.25(1) s.20 s.49
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000103347
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Law and order, +1 more … Public sector

Question regarding COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings: FOI release

“Please provide any scientific evidence which justifies the fact that in level 4 restriction only 15 people can attend a wedding and wedding receptions are not allowed while funeral wakes, christenings, Bar Mitzvah’s etc are allowed for up to 20 people. Please also provide any evidence justifying why a distinction is m...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000111732
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Law and order, Public sector

Effectiveness of COVID-19 testing and antibody testing in Scotland: FOI release

You asked for: "I would like if you could confirm please what constitutes covid 'cases' the cases you report to the public every day/week?" Then you stated - "obviously your number of cases that you report are from the pcr test ie the number of positive pcr test results. Its just I notice on public health England's i...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 12 working days correspondence s.17
Published
2020-12-10
Reference
foi/202000115064
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

NHS Lothian member appointment applicants: FOI release

You asked for: “What was the field?” in respect of the NHS Lothian members round advertised from 4 September 2020 with a closing date for applications of 25 September 2020.

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence
Published
2020-12-10
Reference
FOI/202000111178
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government provision of Interim IT and Interim Professional staff services: FOI release

In relation to the Scottish Governments current Framework for the Provision of Interim IT Staff Services and Provision of Interim Professional Staff Services. 1. How many jobs filled by each agency on each framework.

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence s.1
Published
2020-12-10
Reference
FOI/202000106058
Directorate
Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government public body placements in situ: FOI release

In relation to the Scottish Governments current Framework for the Provision of Interim IT Staff Services and Provision of Interim Professional Staff Services. 1. Number of placements currently in situ who have been with the same public body since before Apr 2019.

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence s.1
Published
2020-12-10
Reference
FOI/202000106060
Directorate
Topic

External Affairs expenditure in current financial year 2020/2021: FOI release

How much of the international/external relations budget has been spent in FY2020/2021? How much of the same budget has been reallocated towards COVID support measures and spend? How much of any spend of the external relations fund has been spent on travel in FY2020/21?

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence spending
Published
2020-12-10
Reference
FOI/202000111488
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, +2 more … Programme for Government, Public sector

COVID-19 Test and Protect app : FOI release

1. How many individual app users have been alerted that they have been in close contact with another app user who tested positive for coronavirus since the app was launched on 10 September 2020? 2. What proportion of app users does this represent? 3. How many close contact alerts in total have been sent out via the app...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence
Published
2020-12-10
Reference
FOI/202000111596
Directorate
Digital Health and Care Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation remit: FOI release

Does the remit of the Investigation being conducted by James Hamilton officially include whether there has been ANY breach of ANY part of the Ministerial Code by the First Minister - including section 1.3(c) - or is his brief restricted to the narrower aspects of the Code specified in the remit published by the Scottis...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.1
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000108998
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former First Minister investigation and trial: FOI release

1. The name(s), job title(s) and employer(s) of the person or persons who decided what charges should be brought in the criminal proceedings against the former First Minister. 2. The name(s) of any SNP MSP who had an input to the charges brought against the former First Minister. The name(s) of any SNP member(s) of sta...

FOI unclear 55 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000107081
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector