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

Staff structure and pay grades for the Deputy First Minister's office: FOI release

(i) The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the Deputy First Minister's Office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay grades for each st...

FOI unclear 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-29
Reference
202200335612
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Angus Robertson and Lorna Slater's trip to Brussels (2022): FOI release

How long were Angus Robertson and Lorna Slater in Brussels for? Dates of this. Full breakdown of how much the trip cost and what money was spent on what? Full itinerary of the trip? How many Scottish government officials accompanied both ministers on the trip? Where did they stay?

FOI unclear 75 score 18 working days correspondence ministers spending 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-28
Reference
202200304296
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister declined meetings: FOI release

A copy of correspondence sent from the First Minister’s office over the past six months declining to attend meetings of government and public bodies, advisory boards and other such forums.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-28
Reference
202200315578
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister's trip to United States: FOI release

1. Full itinerary for Humza Yousaf's trip to America, including minutes/notes from all meetings and speeches he gave while there. 2. How many civil servants/advisers accompanied him on the trip, and their job titles? 3. Full cost of this trip to America, including a breakdown of these costs, like accommodation and tr...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.4
Published
2023-11-28
Reference
FOI/202300378694
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for the Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The ...

FOI unclear 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-28
Reference
202300358413
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

External legal firms: FOI release

Can I ask how much the Scottish Government has spent on external legal firms to advise and handle FoI inquiries for each year from 2012 to 2022 an so far in 2023. Can you in your answer articulate for each year which legal firms have benefitted and how much each legal firm has received. Can you explain what work the ex...

FOI cost limit 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.12
Published
2023-11-27
Reference
FOI/202300377404
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Ministers and the Press office regarding the Scottish Green Conference or party in general: FOI release

Internal correspondence between the press office and from the press office to Scottish Ministers and special advisers in March 2022 on the Scottish Green conference or the Scottish Greens generally.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38 s.38(1) s.30 s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-23
Reference
202200291466
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Nicola Sturgeon’s visit to Dr Bell’s Family Centre: FOI release

The Scottish Government is included as one of the ‘Funders’ of ‘Dr Bell’s Family Centre’ in Leith (details included on their website). Please provide information of all funding and grants that have been awarded to ‘Dr Bell’s Family Centre’ during the period April 2015 until April 2023. On September 5th 2022 First Minis...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2023-11-23
Reference
202300348494
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

All correspondence relating to resignation of the First Minister: FOI release

Please provide me with all correspondence, briefing notes, internal communications, memos and other relevant information held by the Scottish Government in relation to the resignation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon from the beginning of 2023 until 15 February 2023.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 43 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.41 s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-23
Reference
202300343617
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

The possible resignation of the First Minister: FOI release

Please provide copies of all emails and other communication between Scottish ministers, officials and staff between Saturday 11 February and Wednesday 15 February 2023 on the subject of the possible resignation of the First Minister and the setting up of a press conference which took place at Bute House at 11am on 15 F...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1)O s.41 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-22
Reference
202300344558
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity organogram and grades: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity office, including both civil service and political staff The wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. Th...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-22
Reference
202300358411
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise organogram and grades: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for the Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise office, including both civil service and political staff. The wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. Th...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-22
Reference
FOI/202300358410
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Salary and costs for the Cabinet Office assigned to the Minister for Independence: FOI release

The monthly/annual running costs for the Cabinet Office assigned to the Minister for Independence. Broke down into following. Minister’s salary. Staff(s) salary. Estimated office costs (office space and relevant office supplies, running costs for phones/postage and equipment).

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2023-11-21
Reference
202300349523
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Judiciary Committee members: FOI release

You requested information about the 'Judiciary Committee', 'when was it formed who was the first minister and who was the justice minister and the person /people who proposed it.'

FOI unclear 50 score 5 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2023-11-21
Reference
202300350269
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Freedom of Information (FOIs) cases discussed at Cabinet: FOI release

During the Scottish Parliament's Convener's Group meeting on September 27, 2023, Humza Yousaf said that certain FOIs had been brought to cabinet to discuss. Which FOIs were they, why were they brought to cabinet, and what was the resulting decision? Please also provide the responses to the FOIs that were brought to Cab...

FOI not held 45 score 10 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.17(1)
Published
2023-11-21
Reference
FOI/202300378309
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Staff numbers and pay for Scottish Government corporate communications department with duties involving health and social care: FOI release

How many staff are employed within the Scottish Government corporate communications department (or equivalent) with duties involving the health and social care portfolio? What pay banding do each of the staff members within the department with duties relating to the health and social care portfolio fall into? Please ad...

FOI released 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.5 s.10 s.2
Published
2023-11-21
Reference
202300352626
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Travel by Ministers for Party Political Occasions: FOI release

In Section 9.23 of the Ministerial Code, Travel by Ministers – Party Political Occasions, it states that; ‘Where a visit is a mix of political and official engagements, it is important that the Government and the party each meet a proper proportion of the actual cost’. Please provide information on whether or not the S...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.9 s.17(1) s.39(1)
Published
2023-11-20
Reference
FOI/202300373939
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

System for Ministerial Advice: FOI release

Is there a system to ensure that the advice which ministers receive is appropriate? If so, is there a record of whether they chose to act upon it?

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings
Published
2023-11-13
Reference
FOI/202300374187
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister Christmas cards: FOI release

Please provide me with a list of recipients for the First Minister's Christmas card.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-12
Reference
202200332512
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister face covering incident - Police Scotland correspondence: FOI release

The method through which police officers spoke ‘to the First Minister to remind her of the importance of wearing a face covering when there is a legal requirement to do so’ as per Police Scotland’s statement on 18 April 2022. All correspondence (including WhatsApps, phone calls, text messages, emails and meetings) betw...

FOI unclear 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-09
Reference
202200295176
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Nicola Sturgeon's access to chauffer driven cars since leaving office: FOI release

Does Ex FM Nicola Sturgeon have access to chauffer driven cars from the Scottish Government? When did Ex FM Nicola Sturgeons access to Scottish Governments chauffer driven cars cease?

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2023-11-08
Reference
202300349395
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Nicola Sturgeon diary between February 2022 and April 2023: FOI release

Nicola Sturgeon's ministerial car journeys between February 2022 and the date of this FOI, including where she went and the return journey. If you cannot supply this, explain why not? - If this costs too much, can it be between August 2022 and the date of this FOI Has Nicola Sturgeon used a ministerial car since she of...

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2023-11-08
Reference
202300351941
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Which official body is empowered to investigate: FOI release

The Scottish Government’s procedures in the following circumstances: If a minister in the Scottish Government misleads the Scottish Parliament, and does not voluntarily make a correction, which person or official body is empowered to investigate whether parliament has been misled? Are they also empowered to investigat...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2023-11-08
Reference
202300342786
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Angus Robertson's trip to Paris: FOI release

How long did Angus Robertson stay in Paris? How did Angus Robertson travel to Paris? In what class did he travel (i.e. first class or economy)? And how much did this travel cost? What accommodation did Angus Robertson stay in? How much did this cost? How much did Angus Robertson spend on food and drink on his trip in P...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.27(1)
Published
2023-11-07
Reference
202200323434
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

SNP leadership event attendance: FOI release

The number, names and job titles of Scottish Government officials who were in attendance at the SNP’s event at Murrayfield announcing their leader on 27 March 2023. This should not include Scottish Ministers (although if the Lord Advocate and/or the Solicitor General attended, please state). Please provide the number o...

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers
Published
2023-11-07
Reference
202300349068
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector