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

White privilege tests: FOI release

"Has the First Minister and the cabinet taken ‘white privilege tests’, as she said they would on the Trevor Phillips on Sunday politics show 12 September, 2021? https://news.sky.com/video/trevorphillips-on-sunday-the-highlights-from-todays-show-with-sajid-javid-nicola-sturgeon-jonathan-ashworthand-jack-straw-12406056 I...

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2022-05-16
Reference
FOI/202200289067
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Syrian and Ukrainian Refugees: FOI release

"A few years ago you loudly said that you would take in some Syrian Refugees into your personal home. Did You? Also as Bute House has many facilities will you take Ukrainian Refugees there or at your personal house? Mr Harvie spends 90% of his time in Edinburgh hotels so his house is empty a lot of the time Mr Harvie w...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2022-05-09
Reference
FOI/202200287856
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector, Ukraine

Breakdown of First Minister expenses and staffing costs: FOI release

The following information regarding Nicola Sturgeon’s expenses from The Scottish Government. 1. Please provide a full breakdown and details of office costs for years 2021-2022 and 2020-2021. This should include, staffing, postage and couriers, stationary and printing, shredding, software and applications, advertising a...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.3 s.17(1) s.25(1)
Published
2022-03-16
Reference
FOI/202200278934
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Guidance on official communications: FOI release

Copies of any style guides or documents used to advise Scottish Government employees or ministers on how to write communications going out internally or to the public.

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-03
Reference
FOI/202100268306
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Communications with Lorna Slater MSP regarding workload and duties during COP26: FOI release

Please provide any communications between minister Lorna Slater and officials in October/November where Ms Slater raises: The scope and nature of her workload/duties; The number of engagements she will have to undertake per day; Her preferences about any limits of numbers of engagements carried out during COP26;

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100262420
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

First Minister overseas travel: FOI release

Was the first minister on holiday abroad anytime from December 1st 2021 to January 7th 2022. If so what were her travel plans?

FOI unclear 50 score 13 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2022-02-15
Reference
FOI/202200271194
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Total cost of First Minister Christmas cards: FOI release

I would like to know using FOI act how much this Xmas card cost to design and print to the Scottish taxpayers.

FOI unclear 50 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2022-02-09
Reference
FOI/202100266101
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Meetings attended by First Minister week commencing 18 October 2021: FOI release

For the week beginning October 18, 2021, for any meeting attended by the First Minister, the location, topic, attendees, time and date, alongside all minutes, notes, agendas, memos, handouts, linked to each meeting.

FOI withheld 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-27
Reference
FOI/202100255927
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

First Minister official meetings on 2 November 2021: FOI release

Email traffic between the First Minister's staff and: The staff of the Prime Minister of Belgium, regarding their meeting on the 2nd of November The staff of EIB president Werner Hoyer, regarding their meeting on the 2nd of November Associates of Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate, regarding their meeting on the 1st of...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-01-18
Reference
FOI/202100252780
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

All events held in Bute House in the last five years: FOI release

A list of all events held in Bute House, hosted by a Scottish Government Minister (including the First Minister) in each of the past 5 financial years, including the current financial year to date. Please include the number of guests invited and the total itemised cost of the event.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-05
Reference
FOI/202100257159
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Guidance on display flags on official cars overseas: FOI release

The protocol / guidance used for displaying flags on official cars used by the First Minister on her visits to foreign countries.

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2022-01-05
Reference
FOI/202100253807
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Process for on-boarding a new Ministerial appointment: FOI release

Could you please set out the process followed when a new government minister is appointed? I would like to know the following: 1. Who contacts the newly nominated minister to invite them to Bute House, how they are contacted and when they are contacted 2. What information is provided to the newly nominated minister ahe...

FOI unclear 55 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.17(1)
Published
2021-12-21
Reference
FOI/202100249378
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Media campaign fronted by Janey Godley: FOI release

With reference to the recent media campaign fronted by Janey Godley (JG), I am seeking the following information: (1) Who initially proposed JG to front the campaign? (2) All internal communications proposing and discussing the proposal for JG to front the campaign. (3) All communications with the creative services age...

FOI not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.5 s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-21
Reference
FOI/202100248293
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Communications including the words 'Janey Godley' between 13th August to 3rd September 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications that include the words ‘Janey Godley’ between 13 August 2021 and 3 September 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100236902
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Information regarding Janey Godley appearance on Covid-19 advert: FOI release

1. An overview of the procurement process used for this communications campaign. 2. All communications between officials in regards to the selection process in which Ms Godley was identified as the face of this campaign (or indeed any other), including any concerns raised at any level within the Scottish Government as ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 51 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.3 s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100237091
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Appointment of Janey Godley in recent Covid-19 advertisement campaign: FOI release

1. All communications (email, telephone, written) relating to the appointment and arrangement of Janey Godley to the recent NHSS marketing campaign. 2. How much Janey Godley was compensated for said campaign.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100238371
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

NHS Scotland Covid-19 advertisement campaign: FOI release

Minutes of meetings and discussions, and relevant emails, which concern the process for procuring the services of Ms Godley. Specifically, please provide documentation, or appropriate commentary, to cover: 1. How Ms Godley was selected - what process was used, and over what timeframe. 2. Whether other options, e.g. oth...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 70 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100238627
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Engagement with Republic of Media: FOI release

I would like to submit a Freedom of Information Request on the government’s engagement with Republic of Media. I would like a record of all government spending on contracts with Republic of Media up to the present as well as a breakdown of these costs and which projects they were spent on. I would also like a full list...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-15
Reference
FOI/202100230217
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Information regarding Janey Godley appearance on Covid-19 advert: FOI release

1. Whether Scottish Government funds were used to pay Ms Godley? 2. If payment was taken out of the bike SNP party funds? 3. Will Ms Godley be reported to the police for hate crime?

FOI unclear 50 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-11-01
Reference
FOI/202100238775
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Cost relating to Ministerial roles for Green MSPs: FOI release

It is about the SNP Green Coalition and the cost to the British Taxpayer. It would be normal have two jobs out when two jobs are added to the costs of government but it seems in this case two jobs have been added …. Which adds to the costs of government. So my simple questions are 1 What is the total costs of adding tw...

FOI unclear 50 score 10 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-10-19
Reference
FOI/202100235571
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Budgeted cost of Patrick Harvie MSP and Lorna Slater MSP: FOI release

What is the budgeted cost of Patrick Harvie MSP and Lorna Slater MSP, in their Ministerial roles. Specifically broken down by: Additional Government salary and pension Extra staff costs including salaries and pension Additional administrative costs Ancillary running costs Expenses including travel and accommodation

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-10-14
Reference
FOI/202100235109
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Ministerial briefings provided between 18th May 2021 and 2nd June 2021: FOI release

All briefings provided to the new Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, the Minister for Children and Young People and the Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training between 18th May 2021 and 2nd June 2021.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 74 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.38(1)
Published
2021-10-11
Reference
FOI/202100208478
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication between Kenny MacAskill MP and Neale Hanvey MP: FOI release

Any email/whatsapp communications or meetings between Kenny MacAskill MP and Neale Hanvey MP and Scottish Government Ministers from Feburary 27th 2021 to March 28th 2021.

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38 s.38(1)
Published
2021-08-26
Reference
FOI/202100224533
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Publication of information in the media about civil servants: FOI release

Any policy or guidance you have on how the Scottish Government deals with the publication of information in the media about civil servants”. You noted a particular interest in “understanding the approach to the media seeking to publish damaging information about junior civil servants i.e. non-senior civil service grade...

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2021-08-10
Reference
FOI/202100218105
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Communications regarding Freedom of Information request: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes or any other documents) regarding an FOI request that sent on the 5th of May 2021 (reference number 202100199466). I would ask for correspondence between the lead official and/or Scottish Government ministers and/or the SG FOI Unit and/or special advis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202100217275
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills