Scottish Government FOI Index

11,099releases indexed

19,072attachments found

28.7avg calendar days

4,403partially withheld

2023-10-02oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 4,403 unclear 3,109 not held 1,663 released 816 already published 409 cost limit 376 clarification 166 withheld 123 transferred 34

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 2824 s.20 2437 s.34(1) 2118 s.39(2) 1920 s.30 1721 s.17(1) 1465 s.25(1) 1326 s.10(4) 1159 s.11(2) 933 s.29(1) 703 s.2 586 s.6(1) 478

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 743 releases · 28.1 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 632 releases · 29.1 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 437 releases · 29.3 avg days Marine Directorate 406 releases · 26.4 avg days Population Health Directorate 404 releases · 25.8 avg days Environment and Forestry Directorate 354 releases · 34.0 avg days Economic Development Directorate 334 releases · 41.5 avg days People Directorate 332 releases · 23.9 avg days

Clear

53 matching releases

First Minister emails relating to Lord Advocate and former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party: FOI release

A copy of any email in the First Minister’s inbox (sent by him or received by him) relating to the Lord Advocate or Peter Murrell that was received or sent on 16th, February, 17th February, 18th February and 19th February.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.28(1) s.35(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600512647
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Emails sent from the Lord Advocate's work email on the 25 of February 2026: FOI release

I’d like to FOI all send emails of the Lord Advocate work email on the 25 of February 2026.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600508695
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: 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

Freedom of Information department's correspondence that contains any reference to a “third intervention”: FOI release

Three requests summarised below with the relevant reference numbers we have used to process them: 202600509939 – “All correspondence sent or received (including internal correspondence) by members of the Scottish Government Freedom of Information department that contains any reference to a “third intervention” within ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-30
Reference: FOI/202600509939
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Special Advisor communications: FOI release

You asked for all communications that Senior Special Advisor Davie Hutchison sent and received the week of Monday 20 October.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25 s.25(1) s.27 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.17 s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-24
Reference: FOI/202500491193
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Measurement of Scottish Government staff productivity and employment tribunal costs: FOI release

1. How many requests for ministerial direction have been made in the last two years, and can you disclose what they were and whether they were accepted or rejected? 2. Could you supply the latest copy of the internal Scottish Government's working from home policy? 3. For those who work mainly from home, how is their ...

FOI already published 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1)

Published: 2026-03-09
Reference: FOI/202500499757
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

Football World Cup bank holiday proposal information: FOI release

The content of all emails, briefings and reports regarding the First Minister's proposal for a new bank holiday to commemorate Scotland's opening match in this year's football World Cup. Please provide any assessment of the economic impact of having another bank holiday and how many employers would give their staff th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202600500265
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Correspondence which mentions former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party: FOI release

Firstly, a copy of all WhatsApp messages sent by the First Minister today (19th January) And then: A copy of all WhatsApp messages sent to First Minister today (19th January). A copy of any email sent from the first minister’s inbox that contains name Peter Murrell (in January 2026) A copy of any email sent from Fi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers contracts whatsapp s.17 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-18
Reference: FOI/202600502246
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, 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

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

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

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

Consideration of Section 5 FOISA Designation of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other bodies: FOI release

1. Has the Scottish Government considered, since 1 January 2020, the designation of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) as a Scottish public authority under section 5 of FOISA? Please provide any internal or external legal advice, ministerial submissions, policy papers, or correspondence on this subje...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.5 s.3 6 attachments

Published: 2025-12-02
Reference: FOI/202500481032
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: 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

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

Legal advice given to the Scottish Government/ministers in reference to The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner: FOI Review

Original request - 202300390057 All legal advice given to the Scottish Government/ministers in reference to the court case known as The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (case reference number XA10/23). This includes legal advice given in relation to the decision to appeal, as well as advice i...

FOI cost limit 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.21(4) s.60 s.12

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202400445371 review of 202300390057
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Documents and legal advise relating to decision notice (193/2024): FOI release

In relation to decision notice (193/2024), you asked for: 1) In regards to the legal advice that was released. When were the last edits made to the documents that were released? 2) Any communications (whatsapps, emails, texts anything) by ministers, spads, civil servants discussing when to release the legal advice, w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38 s.26 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202400445520
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Legal advice in response to Scottish Information Commissioner’s decision 193/2024: FOI release

In regards to FOI 202400445520, the following passage exists within the information released: "For information at this stage, I am attaching a copy of all the legal advice that we will release in response to the Scottish Information Commissioner’s recent decision 193/2024. There are 25 separate documents (named A-Y), ...

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202500448605
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Information regarding the decision not to give the Scottish Information Commissioner legal advice: FOI release

1) Any and all communications, meetings, minutes, records discussing/referencing the decision not to give the Scottish Information Commissioner the legal advice requested from FOI 202300390057 during his investigation that resulted in decision notice 193/2024. 2) Who within the Scottish Government made the decision no...

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

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202500448762
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Information regarding the Ministerial Statement: Legal Advice Relating to Scottish Information Commissioner Decision: FOI Review

Original request 202400445432 1) All briefing notes provided to ministers (e.g. John Swinney, Jamie Hepburn) in preparation of the statement to the Scottish Parliament on the 29th of October: Ministerial Statement: Legal Advice Relating to Scottish Information Commissioner Decision by civil servants, SPADs and anyone ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 2 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.21(4) s.25 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.30 6 attachments

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202500452157 Review of 202400445432
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector