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

Information pertaining to WhatsApp messages: FOI Appeal

Request 1: I am writing to you to request the following information. For the month of August 2021, any WhatsApp messages or text messages sent or received by any government minister on government business. Request 2: I am writing to you to request the following information. For the entire month of March, 2021 (inc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 88 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17 s.26 s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.19 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-03-15
Reference: FOI Appeal of 202100255908 / 202100255912
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Bute House Interview on 8 November 2023: FOI release

1. On the 8th November 2023, the ‘Middle East Eye’ released an interview with Ms Nadia el-Nakla, the wife of the First Minister Humza Yousaf, as part of their ‘Real Talk Interview’ series. The location for this interview (30 minutes long and available online) was Bute House. Please provide information on whether staff ...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.7

Published: 2024-03-04
Reference: FOI/202400393606
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Climate emergency clothing and accessories: FOI release

1. The number of climate emergency scarves, masks, and any other relevant clothing and accessories bought, produced or commissioned by the Scottish Government in the last five years, divided by the calendar year of acquisition and the type of clothing or accessory acquired. 2. The cost of these materials.

FOI unclear 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.20

Published: 2024-03-04
Reference: FOI/202300389887
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister's COP 28 travel: FOI release

1) What class of flight the first minister has booked to take him to and from COP28. 2) The cost of travel for the first minister to and from COP28. 3) If any of the first minister’s flights were chartered or private aircraft.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.25(1)

Published: 2024-02-28
Reference: FOI/202300387839
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Cost of legal actions incurred regarding investigation into Former First Minister: FOI release

Can I request the total cost of all the Scottish Government legal action regarding the FOI request to see evidence submitted by SG to James Hamilton’s investigation into Nicola Sturgeon? Can you give a breakdown of how this cost was incurred?

FOI unclear 50 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending

Published: 2024-02-28
Reference: FOI/202300388343
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Use of Bute House for interviews by the First Ministers wife: FOI release

Can you confirm what the rules are in regards to the first ministers wife, who is not a member of the government, using the taxpayer funded bute house address to film media interviews with the BBC today? Can you also share the rules on the first minister taking his family to government work events (children and wife) w...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-27
Reference: FOI/202300380502
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

SG corporate and ministerial branding: FOI release

What is the current Identity/Branding Guidelines used by the Scottish Government, and when is it dated? What is the logo of the First Minister of Scotland's office, and if any, what Identity/Branding Guidelines are currently, or have previously been in use? How much the Scottish Government spent in the year 2022-23 on ...

FOI unclear 75 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending 4 attachments

Published: 2024-02-27
Reference: 202300365546
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister amount of correspondence regarding official record to MSPs: FOI release

"Please provide the number of times when as First Minister Humza Yousaf has written to individual MSPs to advise that he will correct the Official Record".

FOI unclear 50 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence ministers

Published: 2024-02-27
Reference: FOI/202400391476
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government officials authorised to post on X/Twitter account: FOI release

A list of those persons authorised to tweet from the @scotgov X/Twitter account. If there is a person (or persons) who must approve any tweet from the account, please identify who those persons are.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1)

Published: 2024-02-26
Reference: FOI/202300390046
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Education and Skills Freedom of Information statistics: FOI release

In your email, you requested the following information: 1. The number of FOIs submitted to the Scottish Government regarding Education and Skills from 1 to 31 December 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 hig...

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

Published: 2024-02-23
Reference: FOI/202400392468
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

First Minister’s Christmas Media Reception: FOI release

Regarding the First Minister’s Christmas Media Reception, held at Bute House last night 14/12/23: A number of civil servants could be overheard discussing being "asked to go and buy booze at the last minute". Was alcohol or "booze" always going to be served at the Christmas Media Reception? If not, when was it decid...

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts spending s.17(1) s.7 s.10 s.4 s.27(1) s.17

Published: 2024-02-23
Reference: FOI/202300389912
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Jason Leitch WhatsApp messages: FOI release

Correspondence on the topic of how to respond to a media enquiry from The Times newspaper about Jason Leitch deleting his WhatsApp messages each day and any resulting follow-up enquiry by other journalists or publications. This should include, but not be limited to, discussions between civil servants, special advisers,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.30 s.38 s.36 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-20
Reference: FOI/202400394859
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise trip to Norway: FOI release

Ivan McKee flew to Norway on 9 June 2022 and returned 10 June 2022: 1. On 9 June 2022, from what airport in Scotland did he fly from? And what airport in Norway did he fly to? 2. On 10 June 2022, from what airport in Norway did he fly from? And what airport in Scotland did he fly to?

FOI unclear 50 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers

Published: 2024-02-19
Reference: FOI/202300388565
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector, Transport

Referral to the independent advisers by First Minister: FOI release

Has the First Minister made any referrals to the independent advisers on the ministerial code since his appointment? If so, can you provide any details?

FOI unclear 50 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers

Published: 2024-02-19
Reference: FOI/202400392691
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government legal case costs: FOI release

In reference to the court case known as The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (case reference number XA10/23) what were the Scottish Governments legal costs associated with defending this case which they lost?

FOI unclear 50 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending

Published: 2024-02-15
Reference: FOI/202300388330
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Freedom of Information statistics for Education and Skills: FOI release

1. The number of FOIs submitted to the Scottish Government regarding Education and Skills from 1 to 30 October 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, y...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20

Published: 2024-02-14
Reference: FOI/202300388008
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector, Work and skills

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care meetings November 2023: FOI release

A list of meetings attended by / or scheduled to be attended by Michael Matheson between 8 November 2023 and 20 November 2023, including who was attending, subject of meeting etc. Did Michael Matheson or his office have to reschedule, cancel or fail to turn up to any of the above meetings?

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

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: FOI/202300386135
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Interview held at Bute House on 8 November 2023: FOI release

1. On the 8th November 2023, the ‘Middle East Eye’ interviewed Nadia el-Nakla, the wife of the First Minister Humza Yousaf, as part of their ‘Real Talk Interview’ series. The location for this interview (30 minutes long and available online) was Bute House. Please provide information on whether Scottish government civi...

FOI unclear 55 score 10 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.7

Published: 2024-01-26
Reference: FOI/202300387693
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Michael Matheson expenses in his capacity as a Government Minister: FOI release

A full list of expenses accrued by Michael Matheson and members of his staff in relation to his duties as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport and Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care. Could this data please be provided for the period 20 May 2021 to 16 November 2023.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1)

Published: 2024-01-26
Reference: FOI/202300385475
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Former First Minister trip to Iceland 2021: FOI release

Nicola Sturgeon flew to Iceland on 14 October 2021 and returned 16 October 2021: On 14 October 2021, from what airport in Scotland did she fly from? And what airport in Iceland did she fly to? On 16 October 2021, from what airport in Iceland did she fly from? And what airport in Scotland did she fly to?

FOI unclear 50 score 5 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2024-01-25
Reference: FOI/202300388481
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport during Christmas and New Year recess in 2022/23: FOI release

It is my understanding that when a Cabinet Secretary is on annual leave, another Cabinet Secretary or Minister provides cover. As such, can I ask who was on duty to cover for Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, when he was on leave during Christmas and New Year recess in 2022/23.

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2024-01-24
Reference: FOI/202300385407
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Health's scheduled meetings that have been cancelled since 19 February: FOI review

How many meetings and engagements originally scheduled within the window of 20 February 2023 - 27 March 2023 in the Cabinet Secretary for Health's Ministerial diary have been cancelled since 19 February?] I have concluded that a different decision should be substituted. Information is exempt under section 29(1)(d) if...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1)

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI/202300345923 Review of 202300344594
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Discussions between First Minister and Glasgow City Council Leader: FOI release

The total list of subjects of topics that were discussed between First Minister Humza Yousef and Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken and Glasgow City Council Deputy Leader Ricky Bell on June 2nd. The total list of attendees at the meeting between First Minister Humza Yousef and Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Ai...

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-09
Reference: 202300363675
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Social Media Management and Listening platforms: FOI release

Do you use a social media management platform? If so, what tools do you use? How much do you spend annually on a Social media management tool? Which month & year does your contract with your supplier end? Do you use a social listening / media monitoring platform? If so, what tools do you use? How much do you spend annu...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending

Published: 2024-01-08
Reference: FOI/202300380947
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Alleged ministerial code breach by Jenny Gilruth: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish government, Humza Yousaf and Jenny Gilruth over her allegedly breaching the ministerial code over delaying rail works in her constituency, 2. Has an investigation been started by the First Minister into this incident after he promised to do so on 18 May? 3. If s...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38 s.36 s.30 s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-01-05
Reference: 202300361845
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector