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

120 matching releases

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

Senior Special Adviser communications: FOI release

Communications sent and received by Senior Special Adviser Jeanette Campbell during the week commencing Monday 2 February 2026.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.25 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-21
Reference: FOI/202600505102
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: 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

Correspondence and activity involving Special Adviser emails: FOI release

1. Since the start of 2025, please provide a list of the FOI's which have been subject to consideration by the FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot email address and/or Special Adviser emails. 2. Any correspondence between FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot and the FOI Unit since January 1, 2025. 3. Any correspondence between FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot a...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.2 s.12 s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-30
Reference: FOI/202600501632
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

Emails between Scottish Government and GB News: FOI release

All email correspondence between the Scottish Government and GB News from 16 September 2025.

FOI released 100 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-03
Reference: FOI/202500498807
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding GB News: FOI release

All internal Scottish Government email correspondence about GB News from 1 November 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-03
Reference: FOI/202500498808
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister’s social media channels: FOI release

I would like to ask a question about a number of videos which the First Minister has taken to posting from his private Social Media profiles. These videos appear to be taken inside Scottish Government property and look to be professionally filmed and edited, but there is nothing to say whether these are privately funde...

FOI unclear 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500496893
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

Senior Constitution Special Adviser communications: FOI release

All recorded communications sent to or from Senior Constitution Special Adviser Ewan Crawford during the period 24 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive. This includes emails, letters, briefing material, and messages held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI already published 80 score 15 working days correspondence special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.25 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496219
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Special Adviser to the First Minister communications: FOI release

All recorded communications sent to or from Senior Special Adviser David Hutchison during the period 24 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive. This includes emails, letters, briefing material, and messages held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.28(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496223
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: 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

Communications regarding members of the Scottish Parliament: FOI Review

Original request 202500486016 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 an...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500491541 Review of 202500486016
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications sent and received from Senior Constitution Special Adviser: FOI release

All communications that Senior Constitution Special Adviser Ewan Crawford sent and received the week of Monday the 20 October.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers s.27(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500491195
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Senior Special Adviser communications: FOI release

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

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.27 s.27(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 s.32 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-04
Reference: FOI/202500491194
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Documentation which mentions former First Minister Chief of Staff and former Special Adviser: FOI release

1. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government that mentions Liz Lloyd, or is from/to her, including correspondence (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, or briefings, from the last three months? 2. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government that mentions Kev...

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

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500456581
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Diary events for Minister for Parliamentary Business on 18th September 2025: FOI release

The reasons for Jamie Hepburn MSP’s non-attendance at First Minister’s Questions on 18 September 2025. Please provide details of any meetings, events, or other commitments scheduled during that period. Whether Jamie Hepburn MSP was present in the Scottish Parliament at any point on 18 September 2025, and whether he was...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500485183
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

Correspondence regarding editing First Minister’s media release after publication: FOI release

This request relates to the following news release: https://www.gov.scot/news/challenging-poverty-with-family-friendly-policies/ When first published on 6th October 2025, the above news release included the following statement: The cost-of-living guarantee: Lower income tax than in the rest of the UK for the majori...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending whatsapp 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488097
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Ministerial and Special Adviser private office structure: FOI release

For each of the following: Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs’ Private Office Minister for Victims and Community Safety’s Private Office Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans’ Private Office Special Advisers’ (SpAds) Private Office Please provide: A breakdown of all posts/roles within each off...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 7 working days correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-19
Reference: FOI/202500490036
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Special adviser expenses: FOI release

The details of the special adviser expenses that were published by the Scottish Government here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/special-advisers-gifts-hospitality-media-meetings-and-expenses-april-june-2025/ By details, I mean what accommodation was booked, where the accommodation was, what iExpenses refers to and ...

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence special advisers meetings spending

Published: 2026-01-13
Reference: FOI/202500486812
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence and meeting notes in relation to the handling of request 202500472911: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence and meeting notes etc. in relation to the preparation, handling and clearance of the response to FOI 202500472911. Notably, this should include FOI response clearance comments from the Scottish Government Executive Team, SG Communications, SpAds and Ministers.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.25(1) s.15 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-02
Reference: FOI/202500481037
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: 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

Costs of creating the new position of Cabinet Secretary for Housing: FOI release

The cost of creating the new position of Cabinet Secretary for Housing. Please break down all costs involved, including, for example, creating new office space, buying new stationery, hiring new staff or special advisers, purchasing new signage or business cards, etc.

FOI unclear 55 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2025-10-22
Reference: FOI/202500476510
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Freedom of Information (FOI) statistics: FOI release

1) The total number of FOI responses issued by the Scottish Government. 2) The number of FOI responses that were referred to a Special Adviser for review or comment prior to release. 3) The number of FOI responses that were referred for Ministerial approval or sign-off prior to release. 4) If recorded, the number of...

FOI/EIR clarification 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.20 s.12

Published: 2025-09-25
Reference: FOI/202500471350
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector