Scottish Government FOI Index

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

146 matching releases

Breakdown of spend on social media videos featuring First Minister since May 2024: FOI release

1. Could you supply all correspondence sent and received (including internal), which is to/from or mentions the Scottish Information Commissioner, between February 15 2026 and March 25 2026? 2. How much has the Scottish Government spent on social media videos involving John Swinney since May 2024, with a breakdown per...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.12(1) s.20 s.12 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-08-25
Reference: FOI/202600515097
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

First Minister and former First Ministers' correspondence with former Lord Advocate: FOI release

I would like the following information under the FOI (Scotland) Act: When did John Swinney last speak with Dorothy Bain? When did Nicola Sturgeon last speak with Dorothy Bain?

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1)

Published: 2026-08-17
Reference: FOI/202600519017
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Administrative records and metadata of Principal Private Secretary for the First Minister communication: FOI release

I am requesting factual, administrative records held by the Scottish Government relating to the text message received by the Principal Private Secretary for the First Minister John Webster on 30 April 2026 at 19:32, as referenced in the official transcription note. For clarity, I am not requesting any content of commu...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1)

Published: 2026-08-13
Reference: FOI/202600519688
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Social media spend: FOI release

With regards to a) The Scottish Government as a whole and b) Individual Ministers, for the financial year 2025-26: 1) The total amount spent by a) and b) on paid subscriptions to social media platforms including but not limited to X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, YouTube etc. 2) The total amount spent by a) and b) on ...

FOI not held 45 score 8 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.2 s.17(1) s.27(1)

Published: 2026-08-10
Reference: FOI/202600521350
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government and Transport Scotland advertising expenditure: FOI release

How much money the Scottish Government (and bodies within its accounting boundary excluding NHS Health Boards) are spending on adverts in 2026 so far. The cost of each advert should be provided (both production and the cost of buying the airtime on the TV channel/social media platform etc). Please also state which bod...

FOI not held 40 score 16 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600508168
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government’s position regarding public holidays awarded for sporting events: FOI release

Clarification on the Scottish Government’s position regarding public holidays awarded for sporting events, and the principles guiding these decisions. Specifically, you requested a clear explanation of how decisions on public holidays are made, and whether the Scottish Government intends to adopt a more equitable appro...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600505927
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information regarding filming activity on Scottish Government premises: FOI release

Information on any filming activity your organisation has facilitated, hosted, supported, approved, or otherwise been directly involved in on your premises or in your area. This includes activity where a fee was charged as well as activity where no fee was charged, but where the organisation was aware of and involved i...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.20

Published: 2026-07-28
Reference: FOI/202600505731
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Home and hybrid working policies for Scottish Government staff: FOI release

I am writing to make a request for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. I would be grateful if you could provide the following information: 1. What is the Scottish Government's current hybrid working policy, including the minimum number of days per week or month that staff in hybrid roles...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence meetings s.5 s.8 s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-07-15
Reference: FOI/202600515340
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence with the PCS union and the FDA unions in relation to the hybrid working policy: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence, unredacted, relating to the Scottish Government’s correspondence with the PCS union and the FDA unions in relation to the hybrid working policy. Please provide these details from October 22, 2025 until March 3, 2026. Please provide any correspondence relating to the hybrid working pol...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2026-04-29
Reference: FOI/202600509259
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence between the First Minister, Director General Economy relating to Global Counsel: FOI release

(1) Can you please send me copies of any and all correspondence, including texts, whatsapps, emails, deleted emails, voicenotes, minutes of meetings, exchanged between Gregor Irwin and Peter Mandelson, or any employee of the firm Global Counsel, or mentioning Global Counsel or Peter Mandelson/Lord Mandelson held by the...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-23
Reference: FOI/202600506640
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Economy, 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

Demographic proportionality in "We Are Scotland" campaign: FOI release

To understand the policy and decision-making process behind the We are Scotland campaign, you requested the following information: The Creative Brief: A copy of the creative brief provided to the advertising agency/agencies responsible for the "We Are Scotland" campaign, specifically any sections detailing requirement...

FOI not held 70 score 13 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-30
Reference: FOI/202600502212
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

Ministerial obligations, conflict-of-interest advice and decision-making in relation to the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry: FOI release

1 — Ministerial Code Compliance and Conflict-of-Interest Assessment All documents, communications, emails, internal notes, records of meetings, briefings, drafts, or advice: concerning any potential, declared, undeclared, perceived or actual conflict of interest arising from Mr Anwar’s relationship with Mr Yousaf, an...

FOI not held 70 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.5 s.38(1) s.17 s.40(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500496961
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

AGB Resourcing documentation: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, analysis, which is to/from or mentions AGB Resourcing and/or Naz Anis-Miah, from the last three months.

FOI not held 70 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500494592
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

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

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

Interests of independent advisers on Scottish Ministerial Code: FOI release

Please supply all items of information in the list of professional roles supplied to the First Minister by the independent advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code in line with their terms of reference; all information in any 'relevant changes' notified by any adviser to the First Minister; all information notified by...

FOI not held 70 score 7 working days correspondence ministers s.17 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500493373
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, 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

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

Former First Minister’s engagements and financial transactions with NEON (New Economy Organisers Network): FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am requesting the following information regarding Nicola Sturgeon’s engagements and any financial transactions with NEON (New Economy Organisers Network) during her tenure as First Minister of Scotland (from November 20, 2014, to March 28, 2023) or in any official...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2 s.3 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-06
Reference: FOI/202500482305
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Consultation queries: FOI release

Information relating to consultations over the last 5 years. In particular, information relating to: The average time taken over the last 5 years between closing a consultation and publishing an analysis of responses, as well as publishing the responses themselves The longest time taken, over the last 5 years, between...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.12(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-24
Reference: FOI/202500483584
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

Correspondence between Novara Media and Scottish Government: FOI release

You asked for records relating to any connections, interactions, or links between the Scottish Government (including its ministers, officials, and departments), Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), and Novara Media (a UK-based media organization, also known as Novara Media Ltd or operating under the trading name ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: FOI/202500482885
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Hybrid working policy alignment with climate commitments, infrastructure Costs, and senior leadership discussion: EIR release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am requesting access to materials regarding the Scottish Government’s hybrid working arrangements, their alignment with Scotland’s climate targets, and associated infrastructure costs. I am particularly focused on how internal discussion has evolved under differen...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.3 s.4 s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(5) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: EIR/202500478223
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector, Work and skills