Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,640releases indexed
40,478attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,386partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-09-02newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,386 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 700 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5149 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3727 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2994 s.17(1) 2922 s.25(1) 2520 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 1 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 961 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
369 matching releases

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and the LINCO consultancy company: FOI release

“Copies of all correspondence between the Scottish Government and the LINCO consultancy company set up by Catriona Matheson.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-11-13
Reference
FOI/202500479446
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Public sector

Ministerial Diaries relating to internal meetings, parliamentary business and events: FOI release

“I am writing under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2000 to request the full diaries of the Ministers outlined below, accounting for the past three months (15/04/2025-15/07/2025). Please outline what type of engagement it is, alongside where/with whom the engagement took place, and broadly what the theme of ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-11-03
Reference
FOI/202500476126
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Overseas trips conducted by the First Minister: FOI release

1. Overseas trips conducted by the first minister since 01 January 2024 including all countries visited on each trip. 2. The number of officials who accompanied the first minister on each trip. 3. The total cost of flights and accommodation for each trip, including for officials. 4. The class of flight tickets purch...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.4 s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1)
Published
2025-11-03
Reference
FOI/202500478455
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and Cabinet Secretary for Housing ministerial diaries: FOI release

I am writing under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2000 to request the full diaries of the Ministers outlined below, accounting for the past three months (15/04/2025-15/07/2025). Please outline what type of engagement it is, alongside where/with whom the engagement took place, and broadly what the theme of th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-10-23
Reference
FOI/202500476124
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care engagements: FOI release

I am writing under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2000 to request the full diaries of the Ministers outlined below, accounting for the past three months (15/04/2025-15/07/2025). Please outline what type of engagement it is, alongside where/with whom the engagement took place, and broadly what the theme of t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-10-23
Reference
FOI/202500476128
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Government Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) hybrid working policy: FOI release

1. Please provide an unredacted version of the Scottish Government’s full equality impact assessment (EQIA) for its new hybrid working policy, where staff should spend 40% of their contracted hours working in an office or community. 2. Please provide any correspondence or documentation published about this on the Scot...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence contracts spending s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-10-14
Reference
FOI/202500484788
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

Engagements held in Bute House: FOI release

Any and all engagements hosted in Bute House between 5th to 9th May 2025. The First Ministers diary of engagements for the week of 5th to 9th May 2025. Any and all communication from or to the First Minister for the week of 5th to 9th May 2025. A list of attendees, visitors or other persons signed into Bute House for t...

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2025-09-23
Reference
FOI/202500466941
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

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

Pay rise for Scottish Government ministers: FOI release

1. All correspondence between the First Minister, the First Minister’s staff, and the Scottish Parliament relating to the recent pay rise for Scottish Government ministers. 2. Confirmation of whether the First Minister has received a pay rise as part of this change. If so, please provide details of the amount and effe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-17
Reference
FOI/202500465280
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Diary engagements: FOI release

Can you provide a copy of the ministerial diary for Jenny Gilruth on April 24, 2025? Can you provide a copy of any amendments made in regards to this document? Can you provide a list of ministerial engagements scheduled for Ms Gilruth on that date? Can you also provide any emails related to Ms Gilruth's diary schedulin...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-17
Reference
FOI/202500463953
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice ministerial engagements: FOI release

I am writing under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2000 to request the full diaries of the Ministers outlined below, accounting for the past three months (15/04/2025-15/07/2025). Please outline what type of engagement it is, alongside where/with whom the engagement took place, and broadly what the theme of t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-09
Reference
FOI/202500476125
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Details of Deputy First Minister's visit to City Holdings Ltd Housing Development: FOI release

A previous FOI response (202500472116) showed that Kate Forbes attended a ministerial visit to City Holdings Ltd Housing Development on 29 January 2025 with a friend. Please provide more details about the name of this friend, what role they played in the visit, and what sector they work in.

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17 s.17(1)
Published
2025-09-04
Reference
FOI/202500475609
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Government Executive Team correspondence regarding home and hybrid working: FOI release

Correspondence in the last year (i.e between June 2024 and June 2025) between any member of the Scottish Government Executive Team and any Scottish Government Minister regarding home and hybrid working.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-12
Reference
FOI/202500472911
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

Viva Engage posts containing certain phrases: FOI release

Any posts on the Scottish Government All-Company group on Viva Engage since 1 November 2024 that contain any of the following phrases: Tories Trump Supreme Court Elon Starmer Transgender Terf Conservatives Labour SNP Farage Reform Woke Regan Netflix Work from home WFH Working from home

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-31
Reference
FOI/202500468506
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

Former Independent Adviser to the Scottish Government and Chief Executive of Transport correspondence: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence between James Hamilton and Alison Irvine. To note that we have assumed James Hamilton to mean the former Independent Adviser to the Scottish Government on the Ministerial Code.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 6 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-28
Reference
FOI/202500467995
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Splitting request cases pilot queries: FOI release

1. Can I see any and all emails, messages, intranet stuff etc about this change, any stuff about what the process will be, who will be doing it and all that. 2. When does the pilot end? What are the criteria for success? When will these be published? 3. How many FOIs have been asked about how many FOIs have been aske...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-28
Reference
FOI/202500464288
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