Scottish Government FOI Index

21,863releases indexed

39,476attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,112partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,112 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-05 410 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 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days

Clear

1,279 matching releases

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

Ineos Grangemouth and Michael Matheson MSP correspondence: EIR release

1. Could you supply all correspondence sent and received by the Scottish Government, including internally, all briefings, all analysis, all minutes/notes from briefings, about Ineos Grangemouth, from the last two months? 2. Could you supply all correspondence sent and received by the Scottish Government, including int...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(5) s.10 s.38 s.30 s.27 4 attachments

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: EIR/202400415721
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Economy, Public sector

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

Scottish Ministerial Device Handover: FOI release

1) Whether the Scottish Government devices of George Adam, Emma Roddick, Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater were all handed in following their departure from the Scottish Government. 2) What will happen to the emails/WhatsApp/Instant/Text messages that were stored on those devices. For example, will they be stored on the...

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence ministers spending whatsapp

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: FOI/202400413101
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former First Minister's travel to London in March 2023: FOI release

In relation to FOI 202300372115 about the former First Minister's travel to London in March 2023 and followed up to ask: 1. Was the trip solely for the purposes of the previous First Minister to take part in a television programme called ‘Loose Women’? 2. If not, was the trip also for the purpose of matters which are...

FOI not held 40 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: FOI/202400412363
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Government marketing campaign and media spend: FOI release

Confirmation of every Scottish pound spent by Scottish Government or invested in Scottish and UK cross cutting media, without qualification and any related conflicts of interest.

FOI unclear 50 score 15 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: FOI/202400413331
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

The National newspaper and Newsquest publications spend: FOI release

1. How much has the Scottish Government spent on The National newspaper, including any grants, advertising contracts and paid subscriptions? Please also detail any other payments made to the newspaper. If possible, please provide this information since 2014. 2. How much has the Scottish Government spent on Newsquest p...

FOI not held 45 score 11 working days correspondence contracts spending s.2

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: FOI/202400413762
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Advertising costs - Pablo, London: FOI release

List of total costs incurred by Scottish Government/HM Government as a Client of Pablo.

FOI not held 40 score 4 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: FOI/202400421381
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Former First Minister Bute House guests lists: FOI release

A list of every visitor/guest to Bute House since Humza Yousaf became First Minister and the number of times each guest has visited.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400409833
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Impartiality of the Scottish Government with regards to political messaging: FOI release

All internal discussions on handling this (202400408775) request. This should include any email correspondence relating to it; any Teams messages relating to it; any documents produced which outlined the assessment made of the balance of public interest test; its inclusion in any summaries going to SCS, Special Adviser...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400413226
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Responses to Ministerial Code breach complaints: FOI release

Scottish Government's response to a previous FoI request (dated 15 March 2024, case reference: 202400401399) which had asked for the text of the 20 most recent complaints against Scottish Ministers that were reviewed against the Scottish Ministerial Code, and asked for: "copies of the Scottish Government's response and...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400420598
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government’s travel and subsistence policy information: FOI release

At last week's First Minister's Questions, The First Minister repeatedly said that Mr Matheson had paid back every penny of the expenses claimed (for roaming charges), so there was no cost to the taxpayer. Given this statement I wish to understand the total cost incurred for all investigations, parliamentary time, res...

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400415817
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Stewart Milne Group housebuilders, greyhound ban, holiday homes council tax, alcohol levy and Middle East Eye interview: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent about Stewart Milne Group housebuilders, including internally, briefings and minutes from any meetings about the company, from between November 1 2023 and the date of this FOI. 2. All briefings and analysis produced by or for the Scottish Government about the ban on greyhound ra...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 73 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.12 s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400402718
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Economy, Housing, International, +1 more … Public sector

Public Interest Tests: FOI release

1. Monthly, from January 2023 to present date, the number of Scottish Government FOI responses sent that invoked a public interest test in deciding whether to uphold an exemption. (A response that invoked more than one test would still count as a single instance) 2. Monthly, from January 2023 to present date, the numb...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 19 working days correspondence briefings 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400415303
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government and Parliament definitions: FOI release

1. What is the Scottish Government ? 2. How many elected individuals form part of the Scottish Government? 3. What is the difference between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament?

FOI unclear 55 score 4 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1)

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400418666
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Parliamentary Portfolio Questions session of 20th March 2024 on Constitution, External Affairs and Culture: FOI release

1. The date on which the Parliamentary Portfolio Questions session of 20th March 2024 on Constitution, External Affairs and Culture was entered into the Ministerial Diary of the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture 2. Any other engagements in the Cabinet Secretary's diary on 20th March 2024...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.27(1)

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400412097
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Freedom of Information guidance, monitoring the social media profiles of journalists and sex offender name changing: FOI release

1. Could you supply the full internal guidance/guidebook for dealing with FOIs which the Scottish Government abide by, including whether Special Advisers are given first look at them, and what details they are provided with? 2. Could you supply details about whether the Scottish Government monitor the social media pro...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-02
Reference: FOI/202400408156
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Law and order, Public sector

Ministerial responsibilities assigned to Former Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity: EIR release

1. The official list of Ministerial responsibilities assigned to Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity at September 2021. 2. The official list of Ministerial responsibilities assigned to Lorna Slater MSP, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity at April 2023...

FOI/EIR released 100 score 12 working days correspondence ministers s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-02
Reference: EIR/202400408234
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Letter to the Former First Minister from Ash Regan: FOI release

So it’s just been said on the radio and the tele that Ash Regan has written to the First Minister and that it has to do with the vote of no confidence that he could face. She apparently wrote it today. 1. I’d like to have a copy of that letter or whatever for it was delivered to the First Minister. Her words to him. I...

FOI unclear 75 score 19 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-02
Reference: FOI/202400411202
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Circular Economy Bill, oil and gas licences and Keir Starmer correspondence: EIR release

1. a) Could you supply minutes/notes from all meetings Lorna Slater has held about the circular economy bill this year? b) Could you also supply the risk register for the circular economy bill? 2. a) Could you supply a list of all meetings held by Humza Yousaf between October 7 2023 and October 31 2023? b) Could you s...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.5(1) s.10 s.11 s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-30
Reference: EIR/202400405191
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Energy, Environment and climate change, +1 more … Public sector

Scottish Budget, Former First Minister's Cabinet reshuffle and trip to Qatar: FOI release

1. All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Institute for Fiscal Studies about the budget, including internal correspondence, notes, briefings and minutes from any meetings, between December 1 2023 and the date of this FOI. 2. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including...

FOI already published 80 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) s.2(1) s.39 s.41 s.47 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-30
Reference: FOI/202400399489
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Economy, Public sector

Freedom of Information (FoI) requests for consideration by Special Advisers: FOI release

1) Since the start of 2024, 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, 2024. 3) Any correspondence between FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-30
Reference: FOI/202400406282
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector