Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,793releases indexed
39,280attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,073partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-18newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,053 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4253 s.34(1) 3568 s.39(2) 3456 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1972 s.11(2) 1560 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

Timeline

2026-05 340 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

Covid-19 breakdown of media expenditure: FOI release

1. How much has the SNP spent on media for covid 19 everyday? 2. How much is the budget? 3. Have the SNP used money that could have fed homeless and poorer families just to talk about a virus with a 99.9% survival rate?

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-06-11
Reference
FOI/202100199714
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to former Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work: FOI release

Please provide all Scottish Government correspondence (internal or external) related to Derek Mackay MSP for the one-month period from Monday, February 3, 2020 to Tuesday, March 3, 2020. This would include correspondence involving ministers, MSPs and civil servants.

FOI cost limit 70 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100190045
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Bute House refurbishment costs: FOI release

"Given recent media coverage on Downing Street spending, over last 14 years how much has been spent by SNP Government on refurbishments of Bute House? What were sources of that financing and was that in excess of the annual public budget? If so where did that funding come from?"

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-06-01
Reference
FOI/202100197363
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister Bute House maintenance allowance: FOI release

Does the First Minister of Scotland receive an allowance for costs associated with maintaining and furnishing her official residence – Bute House? If yes: How much is that allowance? And is it an annual payment? Please can I receive a breakdown of what has been spent from that budget, from November 20th 2014 to the pr...

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-06-01
Reference
FOI/202100198297
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Renovations or decorating work at Bute House: FOI release

1) Between May 2007 and November 2014 inclusive, how much money was spent by the Scottish Government on renovations or decorating work at Bute House? 2) Between December 2015 to date, how much money was spent by the Scottish Government on renovations or decorating work at Bute House?

FOI not held 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-10
Reference
FOI/202100171833
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Money and tax, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs meetings: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: 1. A list of all meetings that Michael Russell has conducted with foreign officials. Including details of the date of the meeting and who was present at the metting. 2. Copies of the minutes from all the above meetings.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-09
Reference
FOI/202100136000
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Details regarding First Minister's Scottish Government website biography photograph: FOI release

"Who paid for this photograph? Who owns the copyright or licensing rights? It has been used in the recent past on the side of a bus, on a helicopter and in advertising material specifically for political and campaign purposes. Can I please ask whom in the Scottish Government decided it can be used in a publicly funded ...

FOI unclear 50 score 6 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-04-01
Reference
FOI/202100168781
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications relating to drug deaths statistics: FOI release

All emails, letters, minutes of meetings, briefings, hand written notes, records of phone or other conversations and messages on encrypted phone apps between any permutation of the following people - The Public Health Minister, The Cabinet Secretary for health, the First Minister and the Chair of the Drugs death task f...

FOI unclear 75 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-31
Reference
FOI/202100157878
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Margaret Ferrier between September and October 2020: FOI release

Any communications, correspondence, be it email, text message, whatsapp or of any kind available relating to Margaret Ferrier MP between the Scottish Government Ministers/Special Advisors and people external to the Scottish Government between September 14th and October 14th.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000118037
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Repair and maintenance works carried out at First Minster's residence: FOI release

Can you please give details of the repair and maintenance works carried out at Bute house (official residence of the first minister) since the 2021 lockdown provisions were announced including but not limited to a detailed breakdown of any repairs and maintenance carried out, the areas of Bute house that have been subj...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending
Published
2021-03-24
Reference
FOI/202100143539
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

First Minister interview with James Hamilton QC: FOI release

In a recent FOI response, with the reference number: 202100150391 an annex was attached which contained an email from the First Minister’s office that stated the afternoon of 1 February 2021 would be held for a video interview between the First Minister and James Hamilton regarding the Ministerial Code investigation. P...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100159382
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence concerning First Minister meetings in August 2020: FOI release

1) For the month of August, a list of any meetings involving the First Minister not listed on the information published here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/ministerial-engagements-travel-andgifts-august-2020/ which was considered to include the discussion of government business. 2) For all of the meetings in Augus...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-12
Reference
FOI/202100134861
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence with Minister for Justice containing the word Trump 2021: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence sent and received by Humza Yousaf between January 1, 2021 and January 12, 2021 containing the following keyword: "Trump".

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-11
Reference
FOI/202100135747
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Deputy First Minister's appearance on Politics Scotland: FOI release

From 1 January 2020 to present: Copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, memos, briefings and/or otherwise) from and/or to Special Advisors regarding John Swinney’s appearance on Politics Scotland on Sunday 10 January 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-11
Reference
FOI/202100136050
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Internal emails on specific dates: FOI release

1. All emails sent by Liz Lloyd, Chief of Staff to the First Minister, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 2. All emails sent by any diary secretary or assistant who works for Liz Lloyd, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 3. All emails sent by Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government, to Liz Lloyd on 28 and 29 Janua...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100148280
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Scottish Conservative Conference: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the Scottish Conservative Conference, held between Friday 20 November and Saturday ...

FOI not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000129480
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

James Hamilton QC correspondence: FOI release

1. Any Scottish Government Cabinet Meetings where James Hamilton QC’s Ministerial Code investigation was discussed. If it was discussed, please provide any minutes or notes on these discussions. Please limit time period to 1 January 2019 and the present date. 2. Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 9 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202100150391
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing drug deaths statistics communications: FOI release

"All emails, letters, minutes of meetings, briefings, hand written notes, records of phone conversations and messages on encrypted phone apps between The Public Health Minister, The Cabinet Secretary for health, the First Minister and the Chair of the Drugs death task force or anyone in their private office or Minister...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-19
Reference
FOI/202100134969
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Government Audit and Assurance Committee (SGAAC): FOI release

"The minutes (and associated materials, such as, but not limited to agendas, papers, reports or presentations) for any meetings held between senior Scottish Government staff and nonexecutive directors and deputy directors of the Scottish Government. I am interested in records relating to any meetings that have taken pl...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.33 s.38(1) s.33(1) s.33(2) s.38(1)B s.34(1)
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202100134076
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Cabinet Secretary for Finance containing the words “£8.2 billion”: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence sent to or by Kate Forbes MSP and/or her special advisors that contain the form of words “£8.2 billion” between 5 November and 11 November.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-01
Reference
FOI/202000110156
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Face masks worn by the First Minister: FOI release

Who supplies Ms Sturgeon's face masks, how much do they cost and does she pay for them herself?

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-01-29
Reference
FOI/202000131456
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Questions regarding @ScotGovFM and First Minister Twitter accounts: FOI release

A copy of any guidance and/or instructions issued to Scottish Government ministers for their use of both official government and personal social media accounts. If 1. does not answer this point, why the @ScotGovFM account is used so infrequently (during the month preceding this request, October 7 – November 7 it posted...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1)
Published
2021-01-27
Reference
FOI/202000108984
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Topics

First Minister daily media briefings' associated costs: FOI release

How much STV/BBC are being paid of Scottish tax payers money on daily briefings by the SNP.

FOI unclear 50 score 6 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending
Published
2021-01-11
Reference
FOI/202000125533
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Statistics on Scottish Government Car Service: FOI release

You asked for: The amount the Scottish Government spent on the Government Car Service in each year from 2010/11 to 2020/21 (to the date of this request). Number of cars in the Scottish Government, Government Car Service in each year from 2010/11 to 2020/21 (to the date of this request). The number of FTE staff working...

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.27(1)
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000103801
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Justice portfolio briefing notes for FMQs session on 17 September 2020: FOI release

You asked for: ‘The First Minister’s Briefing for the FMQs session which took place on 17 September 2020. More specifically with regards to victims of crime, crime statistics or any other part of the briefing relevant to the justice portfolio’.

FOI partially withheld 60 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000100246
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector