Scottish Government FOI Index

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

Correspondence regarding Scottish Golf Open and Ministerial communications: FOI release

1. All correspondence, including internal correspondence, between the Scottish Government and organisers of the Scottish Golf Open about ministerial appearances at the event between July 13 and 16. 2. All briefings for ministers prepared for the event in question one, plus all minutes from meetings held there and the ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.38(1) s.12 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-14
Reference: FOI/202300381827
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Various meetings and correspondence relating to former First Ministers: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government to Back Off Scotland and all briefings written for ministers about the group between March 2023 and the date of this FOI. 2. Did Humza Yousaf issue an instruction to his cabinet to support Nicola Sturgeon in June after her arrest and all written minist...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) 8 attachments

Published: 2024-08-12
Reference: FOI/202300374275
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

BBC Question Time Programme: FOI release

Any emails sent from Scottish Government email addresses, between 27 March 2023 and 21 June 2024, containing references to the BBC Question Time programme.

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence ministers s.30 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-08
Reference: FOI/202400420003
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Redactions in WhatsAPP/text message documents: FOI Review

Original request 202400404999 All of the "out of scope" redactions in the document at https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi[1]202100255908/ 2. The extent of the redacted material within the 106 page document by using black block within the released document over the redacted content.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.36(1) s.38(2A) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-07
Reference: FOI/202400410703 Review of 202400404999
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Travel and itineraries for funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: FOI release

1. Did the Scottish Government pay for Nicola Sturgeon to head to London for the Queen's funeral and if so, how much did it cost, how did she get there and where did she stay? Breakdown of these costs. 2. Did the Scottish Government pay for Lorna Slater to head to London for the Queen's funeral and if so, how much did...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 17 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.3

Published: 2024-08-05
Reference: FOI/202200322855
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Salaries and number of ministers, special advisors and civil servants in 2003, 2013 and 2023: FOI release

For each of the years 2003, 2013 and 2023 can you provide please the following information: 1. The total number of Ministers in post at The Scottish Government/The Scottish Executive. 2. The total salaries for these Ministers for the year in question. 3. The total number of civil servants dedicated to the Private Of...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.4 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.27(1)

Published: 2024-08-01
Reference: FOI/202400421758
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public Sector

Number of times Hydrogen and Heat Pumps have been discussed at Cabinet: FOI release

The number of times that hydrogen has been discussed at cabinet since 29 March 2023; The number of times that heat pumps and heat networks have been discussed at cabinet since 29 March 2023.

FOI unclear 50 score 4 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2024-07-30
Reference: FOI/202300359854
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

BBC Scotland's The Sunday Show - Deputy First Minister's interview 19th November 2023: FOI release

All emails, correspondence, WhatsApp messages, text messages and notes in relation to the Deputy First Minister's interview appearance and subsequent cancellation for BBC Scotland's The Sunday Show episode of Sunday 19 November.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2024-07-18
Reference: FOI/202300385699
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Former First Minister's interests correspondence: FOI release

Any internal or external correspondence, including any attachments, WhatsApp messages, text messages, instant messaging, memos, OneNotes, minutes, agendas, appendixes or other correspondence relating to Aamer Anwar being included as a "personal friend" in the First Minister's interests.

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

Published: 2024-07-04
Reference: FOI/202300390913
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence relating to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry sent to the Former First Minister between 26 June 2023 – 2 July 2023: FOI release

A copy of correspondence (email, letter and informal messages) including references to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry sent to the First Minister or his office between 26 June 2023 – 2 July 2023 (inclusive). For each request please provide all copies of attachments sent alongside this correspondence.

FOI partially withheld 85 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers 4 attachments

Published: 2024-06-18
Reference: FOI/202400394928
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

First Minister attending the memorial service for the late Alistair Darling: FOI release

Any electronic or postal correspondence that the Scottish Government holds regarding the First Minister attending the memorial service for the late Alistair Darling on 19 December 2023.

FOI released 100 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.31 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2024-06-05
Reference: FOI/202300390476
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Ministerial Preferences: FOI release

I would like to request the most up to date version of the document that states Ministerial preferences for how briefings, speeches and correspondence are prepared and handled.

FOI partially withheld 85 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings 2 attachments

Published: 2024-05-14
Reference: FOI/202300386996
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity - Mobile phone: FOI release

I have read that on Martin Geissler's BBC Sunday Show Lorna Slater the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, revealed that she does not have a government phone. Was that statement true? If she does not have a government phone and urgent contact by telephone by or from the Minister is required, ...

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2024-05-13
Reference: FOI/202300386824
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Bute House Agreement meetings: FOI release

How many Scottish Government Cabinet meetings Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater have attended since the Bute House Agreement and the present day and when each of these meetings were attended for each of the two Greens ministers. I would also like to know why they attended each Cabinet meeting and what was discussed.”

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.30

Published: 2024-04-30
Reference: FOI/202400402561
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Records of Ministerial decisions: FOI release

How decisions taken by Scottish ministers are recorded and specifically: The system used. The information recorded for each decision (eg: date, minister’s name, summary of decision) and a summary of categories (eg positive policy decision, negative funding decision). What other information is recorded on this system (...

FOI unclear 50 score 4 working days correspondence ministers briefings

Published: 2024-04-24
Reference: FOI/202400408757
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Social Media Management Platforms used: FOI Release

1. Do you use a Social Media Management platform? 2. If so, what tools do you use? 3. What is your annual spend on a Social Media Management tool? 4. What dates does your contract with your current supplier end (month & year)? 5. Do you use a tool for Social Listening and/or a Media Monitoring platform? 6. If so, ...

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending

Published: 2024-04-22
Reference: FOI/202400405449
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Photograph of First Minister, and Scottish Green Party Co-Leaders: FOI release

Information relating to a photograph of First Minister Humza Yousaf, Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, as linked here: https://x.com/HumzaYousaf/status/1640418687915106309?s=20.

FOI released 75 score 16 working days correspondence ministers s.17

Published: 2024-04-18
Reference: FOI/202400391510
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner: FOI release

All emails, text messages, WhatsApp's, minutes and other forms of communications of/between Ministers, SPADs, civil servants and other Scottish Government officials regarding/referencing/discussing the court case known as The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (case reference number XA10/23) up ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-04-18
Reference: FOI/202300388336
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister's family moving into Bute House: FOI release

Please provide me with any correspondence, briefing notes and memos concerning Humza Yousaf’s family moving into Bute House.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-04-16
Reference: FOI/202300384069
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Meetings the First Minister has attended between and including - 1st October 2023 and 31st January 2024: FOI release

1. A list of meetings the First Minister of Scotland has attended between and including - 1st October 2023 and 31st January 2024. 2. A list of these meetings that have minutes available as to their content. 3. A list of these meetings that do not have minutes available or minutes are not being provided for public vie...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.4

Published: 2024-04-15
Reference: FOI/202400396967
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade trip to Los Angeles: FOI release

1. A breakdown of the costs of Richard Lochhead's trip to Los Angeles in October 2023. 2. A breakdown of the costs related to the officials accompanying Mr Lochhead to Los Angeles in October 2023.

FOI unclear 50 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending

Published: 2024-04-10
Reference: FOI/202400400044
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

First Minister's trip to Qatar: FOI release

1. Were any costs incurred to the taxpayer by the First Minister's recent trip to Qatar and if so what were these costs? 2. Did the First Minister have any meetings as First Minister while he was on the trip? 3. What arrangements were in place during the First Minister's trip for him to stay in touch with Government ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.39(1)

Published: 2024-04-09
Reference: FOI/202400402828
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Number of FOIs submitted regarding Education and Skills: FOI release

The number of FOIs submitted to the Scottish Government regarding Education and Skills from 1 to 30 November 2023. By Education, I am referring to any subject that may fall under the remit of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, the Minister for higher and further education and the Minister for children, you...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 8 working days correspondence ministers s.20

Published: 2024-04-03
Reference: FOI/202400392433
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Scottish Government staff associated with Ministers: FOI release

"The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for all of the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-03-28
Reference: FOI/202400392767
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

NHS funding social media message correspondence: FOI release

This request concerns the following tweet/post on Twitter/X: https://x.com/scotgov/status/1736370730051195272?s=46&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? And who pr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.1 s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2024-03-25
Reference: FOI/202300390033
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector