Scottish Government FOI Index

8,100releases indexed

12,778attachments found

26.3avg calendar days

3,233partially withheld

2024-04-15oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 3,233 unclear 2,138 not held 1,271 released 577 already published 335 cost limit 300 clarification 127 withheld 93 transferred 26

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 2197 s.20 1678 s.34(1) 1655 s.39(2) 1422 s.30 1343 s.17(1) 1138 s.25(1) 1033 s.10(4) 875 s.11(2) 707 s.29(1) 577 s.2 501 s.3 379

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 535 releases · 27.5 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 486 releases · 27.5 avg days Population Health Directorate 333 releases · 25.2 avg days Marine Directorate 321 releases · 26.4 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 311 releases · 25.6 avg days People Directorate 268 releases · 24.4 avg days Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate 247 releases · 31.4 avg days Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate 221 releases · 24.0 avg days

Clear

99 matching releases

Palestine flag costs and communications: FOI release

1) The amount of money spent on Palestine flags by the Scottish Government since January 1, 2025, and the number purchased. 2) Any internal communications including briefings for ministers on the decision to raise the Palestine flag outside government buildings from the same date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.38 s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500490123
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Cost of raising of Palestinian flag on Scottish Government buildings: FOI relase

I requested to know who ordered the flag to be flown, especially with anniversary of 7th October pogrom fast approaching. What was the cost of the flag and where was it purchased from and from which funds or budget? Was any risk assessment performed to ascertain whether the flag could damage Scotland’s reputation, up...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.33(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500484830
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Raising of the Palestinian flag outside St Andrew’s House: FOI release

This should be treated as a single request and not aggregated with others. Please supply all items of information held by the Scottish Government related to the decision to raise the Palestinian flag outside St Andrew's House on 3 September 2025. https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/searc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.30 s.36(1) s.33(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2026-01-14
Reference: FOI/202500484291
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector

Communications regarding members of the Scottish Parliament: FOI release

1) Any communications - including texts, WhatsApps, emails, Teams messages, or any other sort of written communications - from Wednesday September 17 to Wednesday September 24 on the topic of Jamie Hepburn. 2) Any communications - including texts, WhatsApps, emails, Teams messages, or any other sort of written communi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-13
Reference: FOI/202500486016
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Information related to Scottish Information Commissioner decision notice: FOI release

1. What is the name of the individual whose role in the redaction process of the Hamilton Report was under investigation by the Scottish Information Commissioner and who wrote a signed statement to the Commissioner's office, as noted in Decision Notice 144/2025 and pages 15-18 of the below FOI release? 2. Why has this...

FOI transferred 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.6 4 attachments

Published: 2026-01-06
Reference: FOI/202500480860
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Raising of Palestinian flag on Scottish Government buildings: FOI Review

Original Request - 202500483555 “Publish all correspondence (including those of the First Minister and his advisors and “spin doctors”) relating to the raising of the Palestinian flag. These communications should include all warnings and impact assessments done into the repercussions (especially from the Jewish/Israel...

FOI not held 70 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-10
Reference: FOI/202500488559 Review of 202500483555
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Expenditure and authorisation of Palestinian and Israeli Flags: FOI release

Please provide the following information for the period 1 January 2024 to 5 September 2025: 1. The total expenditure by the Scottish Government on purchasing or displaying Palestinian flags. This should include, but not be limited to, the Palestinian flags that were raised in front of Scottish Government buildings suc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence meetings spending s.3 s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-12-08
Reference: FOI/202500483502
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications related to Scottish Information Commissioner decision notice: FOI release

"For thoroughness, and to eliminate any need for any investigation of the Authority under section 65 of FOISA, the Authority was invited to assist the Commissioner by requesting a voluntary affidavit from the named Special Adviser. It was requested that this clarify the named Special Adviser’s role in the redaction pro...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.65 s.30 s.36(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-09-25
Reference: FOI/202500470557
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence regarding former First Minister's Memoir: FOI release

Regarding Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir ‘Frankly’ that is to be published: Any internal Scottish Government correspondence between 1 January 2023 and present discussing Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir, including any involvement by civil servants, special advisers, or ministers. All communications between the First Minister’s priv...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-09-18
Reference: FOI/202500465697
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

External legal fees for Court of Session appeal XA10/23: FOI release

How much money has the Scottish Government spent in total on appealing freedom of information requests about James Hamilton's report into Nicola Sturgeon during the Salmond Inquiry, with a full breakdown of costs?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.30

Published: 2025-09-17
Reference: FOI/202500464784
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Evidence for Scottish Government hybrid working policy decision: FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am submitting a refined request for information regarding the decision to transition from full-time remote work to a hybrid working policy, as referenced in the Saltire article “Next Phase of Hybrid Working” (7 May 2025) and your response to FOI/202500465200. The ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings spending s.2 s.3 s.30 s.5 s.38(1) s.27(1) s.27 2 attachments

Published: 2025-09-17
Reference: FOI/202500470884
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence regarding written questions lodged by Douglas Lumsden MSP: FOI release

All correspondence between Scottish Government Special Advisors regarding written questions lodged by Douglas Lumsden MSP from January 2025 to present

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-09-16
Reference: FOI/202500463135
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Activities and communications of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government: FOI Review

Original Request - 202500453893 All information held by the Scottish Government relating to the activities and communications of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (‘CabSec’) on Monday 17 February 2025 (from 0:00 AM to 24:00 PM). This should include but not necessarily be limited to the following ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.6 s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2025-09-04
Reference: FOI/202500459058 Review of 202500453893
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government correspondence with the MSP for Dundee City East: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and the following email: “dundee@shona.robison.scot”. Information should include but not be limited to a detailed timelin...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-08-07
Reference: FOI/202500471344
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government's news release on the UK Government's Spending Review: FOI release

1. All government correspondence (including Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers and Press Officers) involved in the drafting of the Scottish Government's news release on the UK Government's Spending Review: https://www.gov.scot/news/spending-review-presents-challenges/ 2. A full list of all people inside the S...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-08-05
Reference: FOI/202500470477
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Ministerial correspondence regarding "Debate Night": FOI release

Any emails sent to Ministerial emails or SPAD emails since 1 January 2025 that contain the phrase “Debate Night” and/or “Stephen Jardine”.

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

Published: 2025-08-05
Reference: FOI/202500470408
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Ministerial salary increase timing and messaging records: FOI Review

Original request 202500462016 Access to records related to the timing and public messaging of the recent ministerial salary increase. Specifically: 1. **Internal Communications:** - Emails, meeting minutes, and memos between the Office of the First Minister and the Public Relations teams discussing how the timing of ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.2 s.25 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-30
Reference: FOI/202500466490 Review of 202500462016
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner correspondence: FOI release

All correspondence sent to and from the Government to the Covid Corruption Commissioner, and/or his office, as well as minutes/notes from meetings between the same organisations, from the last six months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.28 s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-24
Reference: FOI/202500464426
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Queries regarding draft responses to Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

1. Between 1 January 2025 and present date, on how many occasions, broken down by Scottish Government Minister/Cabinet Secretary, has a Scottish Government Minister or Cabinet Secretary, when presented with a draft response to a Freedom of Information Request, responded with any other decision than approving of that dr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.3 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-23
Reference: FOI/202500464096
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Ministerial salary increase timing and messaging records: FOI release

Access to records related to the timing and public messaging of the recent ministerial salary increase. Specifically: 1. **Internal Communications:** - Emails, meeting minutes, and memos between the Office of the First Minister and the Public Relations teams discussing how the timing of the announcement was chosen. - ...

FOI not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-21
Reference: FOI/202500462016
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government request responses and use of free & frank advice exception: FOI release

In this request, when I refer to ‘free and frank advice exceptions’ I mean to refer to the application of a exemption from disclosure of requested information from a public body as an FOI or EIR request on the grounds that disclosure would inhibit the free and frank provision of advice, inhibit the free and frank excha...

FOI clarification 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2A s.25(1) s.6(1) s.12 s.29(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-17
Reference: FOI/202500461547
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Ministerial Code Former Advisor correspondence: FOI release

Copies of all the correspondence between Helen Webster & James Hamilton including any correspondence from Helen Webster that references James Hamilton in them.

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

Published: 2025-06-18
Reference: FOI/202500456798
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government and Ministerial Code Former Advisor communications: FOI release

Any and all communications between the Scottish Government (officials, SPADs, ministers, everyone) and Mr James Hamilton, the then advisor on the ministerial code from April 1st 2021 to December 31st 2023.’

FOI already published 80 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.25(1) s.26 s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-06-16
Reference: FOI/202500452188
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Government hybrid working policy: FOI release

“Can I please all communications between all directorate directors and permanent secretary regarding the Scottish Government new hybrid working policy. Can I also have copies of all assessments, including, but not limited to, fairer scotland duty impact assessment, equality and human rights impact assessment, island c...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.27(1) s.30 8 attachments

Published: 2025-06-12
Reference: FOI/202500465073
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government hybrid working policy evidence and findings: FOI release

“In the Saltire article "Next Phase of Hybrid Working" published on the SG intranet on 7th May 2025 it says "In coming to this decision, the Executive Team weighed evidence gathered by a small internal hybrid working review team." “Please can I have a copy of this evidence. I'd like to see any materials that were give...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.30 s.27(1) 12 attachments

Published: 2025-06-12
Reference: FOI/202500465200
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills