Scottish Government FOI Index

7,100releases indexed

11,002attachments found

26.0avg calendar days

2,867partially withheld

2024-09-02oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 2,867 unclear 1,842 not held 1,127 released 500 already published 296 cost limit 255 clarification 112 withheld 82 transferred 19

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 1974 s.20 1461 s.34(1) 1456 s.39(2) 1227 s.30 1195 s.17(1) 1022 s.25(1) 898 s.10(4) 763 s.11(2) 607 s.29(1) 519 s.2 448 s.3 342

Timeline

2026-05 339 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263 2025-10 217

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 491 releases · 27.4 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 425 releases · 27.5 avg days Marine Directorate 274 releases · 26.7 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 267 releases · 25.4 avg days People Directorate 243 releases · 23.7 avg days Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate 229 releases · 31.2 avg days Population Health Directorate 228 releases · 24.7 avg days Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate 199 releases · 23.6 avg days

Clear

93 matching releases

Ministerial expenses of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: FOI release

In light of the information pertaining to Peter Murrell it is clear that there might have been some fraudulent activity with regards to SNP accounts. Can you please advise and reassure us that the expenses of the former first minister Nicola Sturgeon have been thoroughly checked to ensure that the same invoices were no...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600506652
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

First Minister Branchform update correspondence: FOI release

The Lord Advocate has shared a list of other occasions in which she informed the First Minister of details of criminal cases. The list revealed that on 20th March 2025 the First Minister was informed about Peter Murrell appearing in court, the charge of embezzlement, and an estimated amount of alleged embezzlement amo...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600508326
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Freedom of Information vexatious or repeated requests data: FOI release

1) Please provide the number of Freedom of Information requests refused by the Scottish Government for being vexatious since John Swinney became First Minister. Also provide the same for the time Humza Yousaf was First Minister and the same for when Nicola Sturgeon was First Minister. 2) For each of the above provide ...

FOI transferred 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.14(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.14V 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-06
Reference: FOI/202600510718
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information regarding the diary and schedule of selected Ministers: FOI release

For each of the following individuals: Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Natalie Don, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety For each of the following dates: 2 April 2025 10 June 2025 14 July 2025 1 October 2025 8 O...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-06
Reference: FOI/202500495808
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Independence in Scotland: FOI release

Could you supply all briefings written for John Swinney's interview with Laura Kuenssberg on March 8 as well as all correspondence setting up the interview. He said in the interview: "I think it's now pretty clear in opinion polls that there is a sustained majority support for independence in Scotland." Could you provi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-30
Reference: FOI/202600509980
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

First Minister’s 2025 Christmas card information: FOI release

1. The original image file The original, unedited photograph used on the First Minister’s 2025 Christmas card, including any available metadata (EXIF data). 2. Authorship and provenance Any documents, emails, or internal communications confirming who took the photograph. Any documents recording when and where the phot...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-29
Reference: FOI/202600509098
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy COP expenses: FOI Review

Original request 202600500549 All communications exchanged by staff, Special Advisers and Ministers relating to FOI 202500497042 relating to Gillian Martin’s COP expenses. For the avoidance of doubt, please include all email, WhatsApp, Teams, Webex conversations or messages.

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-14
Reference: FOI/202600503947 Review of 202600500549
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Bute House press conference documentation: FOI Review

Original request 202500483012 Information and documentation relating to the Bute House Press conference on 14 April 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-13
Reference: FOI/202500485766 Review of 202500483012
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice correspondence relating to Path To Balance: FOI Review

Original request 202500494932 All correspondence mentioning Path To Balance between Shirley-Anne Somerville and the Director General of Communities. Sight of all correspondence mentioning Path To Balance between Shirley-Anne Somerville and Shona Robison.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-31
Reference: FOI/202600502600 Review of 202500494932
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Freedom of Information request statistics: FOI release

For the years 2024 and 2025, for each of the ten people who have made the most FOI-EIR requests in each of those years. 1. Name of requester 2. Capacity of requester (eg media, journalist, political party researcher, academic researcher, campaigner, private individual). If the person's name cannot be disclosed for wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence spending s.1 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 s.10(4) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-30
Reference: FOI/202600502420
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Update on Civil Service Pension Scheme news article and comments: FOI release

1. Corporate News article: Update on Civil Service Pension Scheme. 2. ALL comments under the article.

FOI released 100 score 14 working days correspondence s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-18
Reference: FOI/202600501850
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Minister media training: FOI release

Please confirm all media training, voice coaching, public speaking coaching or presentational training provided to Scottish Government ministers in each of the last five full financial years, including 2025-26 to date. In each individual case, please confirm which minister received the training, how much it cost, who t...

FOI not held 45 score 16 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-03-10
Reference: FOI/202600500672
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' July 2025 diary: FOI release

“Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I would like to request the following information... Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' full diary (government and political) for July 2025.”

FOI unclear 80 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-25
Reference: FOI/202500496298
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' September 2025 diary: FOI release

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.27(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-25
Reference: FOI/202500496292
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Documentation for meetings attended by Former first Minister and Aamer Anwar and Co: FOI release

Copies of any minutes of meetings attended by both Humza Yousaf and Aamer Anwar, between May 3, 2015, and the point at which Mr Yousaf stood down as first minister. Details of any meetings (location, purpose, attendees) at which Mr Yousaf and Mr Anwar were both in attendance and for which minutes were not taken. Copi...

FOI already published 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500496562
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

First Minister’s social media channels: FOI release

I would like to ask a question about a number of videos which the First Minister has taken to posting from his private Social Media profiles. These videos appear to be taken inside Scottish Government property and look to be professionally filmed and edited, but there is nothing to say whether these are privately funde...

FOI unclear 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500496893
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' diary for November 2025: FOI release

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' full diary (government and political) for November 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.39(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500494315
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' diary for October 2025: FOI release

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' full diary (government and political) for October 2025.

FOI unclear 80 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500494317
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Hybrid working 40% target statistics: FOI release

Under FOISA please can I know the percentage of the civil service that meet the government’s target of 40% of time spent in the office. If possible, can you also let me know how many staff come in 1 day or less each week, if any staff expected to be coming in 40% of the time have been working remotely this entire calen...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence meetings contracts spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500492578
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Affidavit in relation to the Hamilton Report: FOI release

From the legal advice released in October 2024 following SIC decision notice 193/2024 on page 87: “An affidavit from [redacted – section 38(1)(b)] as former head of the Secretariat about the arrangements was provided to OSIC as additional evidence.” 1) I request the above affidavit, as well any other affidavits provi...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.36(1) s.14(2) s.14 s.14O s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-04
Reference: FOI/202500491548
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Government 'A Fresh Start with Independence' publication costs and access statistics: FOI release

How many times has the publication 'A Fresh Start with Independence' been downloaded since it's launch. You asked if this could be broken down: by day country from which is was accessed You also asked if we could provide the overall costs involved in producing the document, including any printing and design costs, or...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 13 working days correspondence spending s.8 s.27(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-04
Reference: FOI/202500492880
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Classification and ancillary costs of former First Minister's travel to Qatar: FOI release

I am requesting information regarding the decision-making process, classification, and public expenditure related to trips undertaken by the former First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to Qatar between 29 March 2023 and 7 May 2024. Please provide: 1. Trip Classification Protocol: Any internal correspondence, briefing notes,...

FOI not held 45 score 12 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.39 s.30 s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-03
Reference: FOI/202500496383
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Release of legally privileged information and use of WhatsApp on Scottish Government phones: FOI release

1. Could you provide how many occasions in the last two years that the Scottish Government has been forced to publicly release legally privileged information, and include what this info was and why it had to be released? 2. Could you supply how many incidents have been recorded of government staff, officials or minist...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491146
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Diary events for Minister for Parliamentary Business on 18th September 2025: FOI release

The reasons for Jamie Hepburn MSP’s non-attendance at First Minister’s Questions on 18 September 2025. Please provide details of any meetings, events, or other commitments scheduled during that period. Whether Jamie Hepburn MSP was present in the Scottish Parliament at any point on 18 September 2025, and whether he was...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500485183
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Meetings held between Scottish Government ministers and the Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP): FOI release

1. All correspondence between Scottish Government Ministers and their special advisers and Keith Brown MSP. This should include all email correspondence with and from his MSP email, SNP email and any other email accounts used by Keith Brown since 6 May 2025. 2. All meetings (including virtual) Keith Brown MSP has atte...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500487575
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector