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

483 matching releases

Direct communication between the First Minister and Permanent Secretary and their associated offices: FOI Review

Original Request 202600508787 Under FOI, I would like to request all documentation exchanged between the (1) First Minister and his office, and (2) Joe griffin and his office from 01 December to the date of this FOI. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not where either party have been copied to a chain of emails. Thi...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-14
Reference: FOI/202600513029 - Review of 202600508787
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

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

Number of Freedom of Information requests which have proceeded to a review: FOI release

I would like statistics on the number of FOIs which were dealt with by Ministerial Private Pffice staff and the number of those FOIs which then needed to be reviewed in 2025. For avoidance of doubt, this is an FOI Review. I would also like stats on the overall number of FOIs received by Scottish Government in 2025 and...

FOI unclear 50 score 6 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600505303
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

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

Sensitive and routine Freedom of Information request statistics: FOI release

In reference to the express article linked here: https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-special-advisers-oversawhundreds-35647218 1) How many FOI requests from January 16th 2025 to January 15th 2026 were deemed "routine" 2) How many FOI requests from January 16th 2025 to January 15th 2026 were deeme...

FOI unclear 50 score 13 working days correspondence ministers special advisers

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600513776
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Minutes sent by Lord Advocates to First Minister and government staff advising of upcoming court cases: FOI release

Please send me all minutes sent by Lord Advocates to First Ministers and government staff advising them of high profile cases due in court. The Lord Advocate said the minute on the Murrell case on 19 January 2026 was part of a routine series of minutes and these minutes do not contain any privileged information that w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.26 s.35(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600507614
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, 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

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

A copy of any email in the First Minister’s inbox relating to the Lord Advocate or Peter Murrell that was received on 20th February, 21st February , 22nd February and 23rd February. (2026)

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600508331
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Permanent Secretary correspondence: FOI release

Under FOI I would like to request all correspondence and notes of meetings between Joe Griffin and ministers in January 2026 to date.

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

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600509753
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture work attendance information: FOI release

Could you supply me with how many working days Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture has spent in Scotland and how many days he has spent outwith Scotland on government business in 2023.

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600501566
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture working days information: FOI release

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600501543
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Ministers mobile phone and laptop query: FOI release

How many SNP Ministers have work phones, and how many don't? Could you supply a full list of Ministers and a full list of work devices they have?

FOI unclear 50 score 8 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600502746
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: 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

Communications discussing the Scottish Information Commissioner's statement relating to Hamilton Inquiry: FOI release

All communications discussing the SIC's statement (published here - https://www.foi.scot/preposterous-excuses-given-latest-scottish-government-non-compliance).

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

Published: 2026-05-07
Reference: FOI/202600511015
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Expenses of artwork in Ministerial Offices: FOI release

The total cost involved in purchasing, selecting, moving, removing, and installing artwork in Minister’s offices in the Scottish Parliament and St Andrew’s House since 6 May 2024.

FOI unclear 50 score 15 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending

Published: 2026-05-07
Reference: FOI/202500498533
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector, Work and skills

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

Lord Carloway and Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian retirement function information: FOI release

Information contained in documents, discussions meetings & communications held by & between the Scottish Government and any other organisation, including courts & judiciary, legal representative bodies & any other party and including information contained in any arrangements, preparations, costs, work & hire, supplies,...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-06
Reference: FOI/202600510775
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

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

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

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

Number of staff allocated to each Cabinet Secretary and Minister: FOI relaese

The total number of staff allocated to each Cabinet Minister and Minister. Please include how the composition of staff is arrived at- I.e what evidence informs staffing decisions for each Minister.

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-29
Reference: FOI/202600509308
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence from Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise’s Private Office 26 November 2025 to Thursday 27 November 2025: FOI release

“For the period Wednesday 26 November 2025 to Thursday 27 November 2025, please provide: All sent email chains from the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise specifically the minister's @gov.scot email account”

FOI partially withheld 85 score 4 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-29
Reference: FOI/202600508761
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Emails sent from the Cabinet Secretary for Education’s official address on 25 February 2026: FOI release

I'd like to FOI all send emails of the Cabinet Secretary for Education sent from her address on the 25 of February 2026.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-28
Reference: FOI/202600508574
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Roles of ministerial private office staff: FOI Review

Original Request 202600504042 Copies of job descriptions and roles and responsibilities of all Scottish Government “ministerial private office” staff at pay scale grade C1, C2, C3 and SCS. For the avoidance of doubt, this should include what is expected of individuals at these grades in relation to “Ministerial engag...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers s.21(4) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-28
Reference: FOI/202600508829 - Review of 202600504042
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills