Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,792releases indexed
39,278attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,073partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

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 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
766 matching releases

Breaches of the Ministerial Code: FOI release

1. The text of the 20 most recent complaints submitted against Scottish Government Ministers that were reviewed against the ministerial code. 2. The text of the 10 most recent complaints of minsters that were upheld i.e it was judged they had broken the ministerial code.

FOI not held 70 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-17
Reference
FOI/202400401399
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner: Court of Session case costs : FOI release

Could you please provide me with all costs the Scottish Government incurred in relation to the Court of Session case Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner, which was heard on December 6. https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/the-courts/supreme-courts/about-the-court-of-session/livestream-hearings/case-xa1...

FOI unclear 50 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2024-09-13
Reference
FOI/202300388530
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former First Minister’s engagements in London in March 2023: FOI Review

Original request 202400412363 Information relating to the former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon’s engagements in London in March 2023.

FOI unclear 80 score 18 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-12
Reference
FOI/202400417846 Review of 202400412363
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Budget for the First Minister’s visit to Germany: FOI release

Regarding the First Minister’s visit to Germany (202400419244), can I ask what budget that would come out of?

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2024-09-12
Reference
FOI/202400423097
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cost of First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture's trip to Germany for the Euros: FOI release

How much of taxpayers money was used by John Swinney, Angus Robertson et all to go to Germany for the Euros.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.39(1)
Published
2024-09-12
Reference
FOI/202400422831
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

First Minister's trip to Germany and Euro 2024: FOI release

So what official business was he there for? Very strange that a failed First Minister of devolved assembly happened to be in Germany at the same time as a football game!!! But attending a Scotland football match so who paid for that ticket? Also you spelled something rong###.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.27(1)
Published
2024-09-12
Reference
FOI/202400423100
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Data costs incurred by Former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care of Scotland: FOI Review

Original request 202300384550 Correspondence (including WhatsApps, phone calls, text messages, emails and meetings) related to roaming charges racked up by Michael Matheson.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending whatsapp s.30 s.29(1) s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2024-09-12
Reference
FOI/202300389191 Review of 202300384550
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Spring Budget communications campaign: FOI Review

Original request (202400403341) You recently engaged in a communications campaign, e.g. https://x.com/scotgov/status/1766116922909692407 The text reads: “The UK Spring Budget has failed to deliver the funding Scotland needs for public services. National Insurance cuts in the Spring Budget and Autumn Statement have ...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38 s.17(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-11
Reference
FOI/202400413228 Review of 202400403341
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Scottish Budget

Freedom of Information request response statistics: FOI release

The top 10 longest waits for currently outstanding FOIs, including information about the department handling it and subject of the FOI.

FOI/EIR released 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending whatsapp s.20
Published
2024-09-11
Reference
FOI/202400422720
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Ministers and staff who visited Germany during Euro 2024: FOI release

1. List of all ministers and staff (grade/profession if not SCS) who visited Germany during the Euros 2024. 2. The total cost of these trips (broken down by spend).

FOI partially withheld 65 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.27(1)
Published
2024-09-09
Reference
FOI/202400422955
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Cost of First Minister's trip to Germany: FOI release

Who paid for your trip to Germany?

FOI unclear 50 score 10 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400421044
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cost of First Minister and his team to attend the Euros 2024: FOI release

How much public money was used for our First Minister, and his team, to attend the Euros football game in Germany in June 2024?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.39(1)
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400419221
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cost of travel and accommodation for the First Minister’s visit to Germany: FOI release

1. Total cost of travel and accommodation for the full duration of FM’s visit to Germany over the weekend of Friday 14 June. 2. Correspondence between private office and officials around the visit planning, agenda etc. 3. Correspondence between private office, officials and stakeholders which FM met including invites...

FOI cost limit 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.4 s.39(1) s.12
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400419226
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Costs relating to John Swinney's trip to Germany: FOI release

A breakdown of costs relating to John Siwnney's [sic] trip to Germany in June 2024. A full list of SG staff in attendance and associated costs. Any correspondence held by the Government in relation to the trip. Notes of the meeting that took place between Mr Swinney and the Bavarian Minister of State for Europe and ...

FOI cost limit 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.39(1) s.12 s.32(1) s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400419227
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cost of John Swinney and company to attend the Euros24: FOI release

Who is paying for John Swinney and company to attend the Euros24 and what is it costing?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.39(1)
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400419244
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Ministerial decisions taken by former Minister for Parliamentary Business: FOI release

Further to 202400410545, would you please send comparable figures for George Adam. For ease, you can send from 1 April 2023 - 31 April 2024, so 13 months. For reference, in FOI 202400410545 which you are referring to, you asked: “Would you please provide the number of decisions recorded on eRDM for the above minister...

FOI unclear 75 score 16 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400421331
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Angela Constance's Oslo trip and Angus Robertson's Tartan Week trip: FOI release

The full costs of Angela Constance's trip to Oslo in March, including how many officials she took with her, their expenses, and cost of hotels/travel there, including the name of the hotel she stayed in. The full itinerary from her time in Oslo, and all minutes/notes from meetings she held there. All correspondence sen...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400412095
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Former Health Secretary's resignation and the Former Deputy First Minister's attendance at tax advisory meeting: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including internal correspondence, briefings and notes, about Michael Matheson's resignation, and whether he will take his severance payment, between February 5 2024 and March 5 2024. 2. The reason behind Shona Robison missing the Scottish Government ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400404652
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Money and tax, Public sector

Journalist requests for interview with First Minister: FOI release

A list of all requests made by print journalists for a sit-down interview with the First Minister from 29 March - date. You also asked for an indication of the response (i.e. declined or agreed) against each listed request.

FOI released 95 score 17 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400404744
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Spring Budget communications campaign: FOI release

You recently engaged in a communications campaign, e.g. https://x.com/scotgov/status/1766116922909692407 The text reads: “The UK Spring Budget has failed to deliver the funding Scotland needs for public services. National Insurance cuts in the Spring Budget and Autumn Statement have cost £20 billion. This means Scotl...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.17 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400403341
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

UK Spring Budget post on Twitter/X: FOI release

This request concerns the following tweet/post on Twitter/X: https://x.com/scotgov/status/1766116922909692407?s=48&t=y9v1mXDn2DQJqjCpgZcKXg Please answer the following questions. In answers where the person or persons concerned cannot be named, please state their positions. (1.) Who composed the post/tweet? (2.) Who...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-05
Reference
FOI/202400403346
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Internal correspondence regarding the Scottish Government from the First Minister: FOI release

All internal correspondence including, emails, letters, minutes and messages regarding the publication of the First Minister's speeches on the Scottish Government website for the last 18 months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-04
Reference
FOI/202400412231
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Chief of Staff to the First Minister: FOI release

All Chief of Staff to the First Minister, and who the First Minister was they were Chief of Staff to The tenure of duration of each chief of staff General duties, roles and responsibilities of the Chief of Staff to the First Minister Engagements of the Chief of Staff within the Scottish Government, office of the First ...

FOI not held 45 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1)
Published
2024-09-04
Reference
FOI/202400411404
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Resignation of Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care: FOI release

All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including internal correspondence, minutes, notes and briefings held, about the resignation of Michael Matheson between January 15 2024 and the date of this FOI?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-04
Reference
FOI/202400397967
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Former First Minister meeting cancellations and resignation: FOI release

1. All correspondence, including internally, briefings and notes about Humza Yousaf cancelling his appearance at the Colleges Scotland conference on Wednesday 24 April, and him being subsequently replaced by Jenny Gilruth, held from between April 22 until the date of this FOI. 2. All correspondence, including internal...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.29 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.41 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-04
Reference
FOI/202400412001
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector