Scottish Government FOI Index

22,640releases indexed

40,478attachments found

29.5avg calendar days

8,386partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-09-02newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,386 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 700 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5149 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3727 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2994 s.17(1) 2922 s.25(1) 2520 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 1 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,312 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 978 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 961 releases · 30.9 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 737 releases · 39.7 avg days Constitution Directorate 702 releases · 35.9 avg days Population Health Directorate 665 releases · 28.5 avg days People Directorate 657 releases · 25.6 avg days

Clear

1,312 matching releases

Scottish Government spend on social media advertising to promote “Your Right to Decide": FOI release

How much the Scottish Government spent on social media advertising to promote the constitutional paper published on 4 September 2025 entitled “Your Right to Decide” and asked that costs were broken down by spending on different social media platforms. You also asked for details on any other spending on advertising/mark...

FOI unclear 50 score 3 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500485197
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Advertising costs from the last 5 years on STV North: FOI release

How much a) the Scottish Government, and b) Scottish Government Executive Agencies, have spent in each of the last five financial years - a) 2024-2025, b) 2023-2024, c) 2022-2023, d) 2021-2022, and e) 2020-2021 - on advertising with STV North [described by STV Commercial as North (Aberdeen and Dundee)].

FOI withheld 55 score 6 working days correspondence contracts spending s.33 s.33(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-08
Reference: FOI/202500487213
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Permission to seek nomination as Aberdeen Central candidate for the 2026 election correspondence: FOI release

All internal correspondence (including by direct messaging application) and notes of phone calls or meetings (in person or virtual) discussing Jack Middleton’s request for permission to seek the nomination to become the SNP’s candidate in Aberdeen Central at the 2026 election for the Scottish Parliament.

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-07
Reference: FOI/202500484041
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information related to Scottish Information Commissioner decision notice: FOI release

1. What is the name of the individual whose role in the redaction process of the Hamilton Report was under investigation by the Scottish Information Commissioner and who wrote a signed statement to the Commissioner's office, as noted in Decision Notice 144/2025 and pages 15-18 of the below FOI release? 2. Why has this...

FOI transferred 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.6 4 attachments

Published: 2026-01-06
Reference: FOI/202500480860
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Former First Minister’s engagements and financial transactions with NEON (New Economy Organisers Network): FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am requesting the following information regarding Nicola Sturgeon’s engagements and any financial transactions with NEON (New Economy Organisers Network) during her tenure as First Minister of Scotland (from November 20, 2014, to March 28, 2023) or in any official...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2 s.3 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-06
Reference: FOI/202500482305
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Consultation queries: FOI release

Information relating to consultations over the last 5 years. In particular, information relating to: The average time taken over the last 5 years between closing a consultation and publishing an analysis of responses, as well as publishing the responses themselves The longest time taken, over the last 5 years, between...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.12(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-24
Reference: FOI/202500483584
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government legal fees contesting Scottish Information Commissioner: FOI release

How much has the Scottish Government spent on defending itself against the Scottish Information Commissioner over the last five years, with a breakdown per year and what the money was spent on?

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence ministers spending

Published: 2025-12-10
Reference: FOI/202500483660
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Raising of Palestinian flag on Scottish Government buildings: FOI Review

Original Request - 202500483555 “Publish all correspondence (including those of the First Minister and his advisors and “spin doctors”) relating to the raising of the Palestinian flag. These communications should include all warnings and impact assessments done into the repercussions (especially from the Jewish/Israel...

FOI not held 70 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-10
Reference: FOI/202500488559 Review of 202500483555
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Correspondence between Novara Media and Scottish Government: FOI release

You asked for records relating to any connections, interactions, or links between the Scottish Government (including its ministers, officials, and departments), Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), and Novara Media (a UK-based media organization, also known as Novara Media Ltd or operating under the trading name ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: FOI/202500482885
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Hybrid working policy alignment with climate commitments, infrastructure Costs, and senior leadership discussion: EIR release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am requesting access to materials regarding the Scottish Government’s hybrid working arrangements, their alignment with Scotland’s climate targets, and associated infrastructure costs. I am particularly focused on how internal discussion has evolved under differen...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.3 s.4 s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(5) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: EIR/202500478223
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector, Work and skills

Eid Al-Fitr reception correspondence and hosting costs: FOI release

“Could you supply the full costs of John Swinney hosting the Eid Al-Fitr gathering on April 14, with a breakdown of costs? Could you also supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government surrounding this event, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefi...

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

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: FOI/202500481337
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Expenditure and authorisation of Palestinian and Israeli Flags: FOI release

Please provide the following information for the period 1 January 2024 to 5 September 2025: 1. The total expenditure by the Scottish Government on purchasing or displaying Palestinian flags. This should include, but not be limited to, the Palestinian flags that were raised in front of Scottish Government buildings suc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence meetings spending s.3 s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-12-08
Reference: FOI/202500483502
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Government's Freedom of Information (FOI) compliance statistics: FOI release

Statistics for the Scottish Government's Freedom of Information (FOI) compliance for January 2021 through December 2024, including the number of FOI requests received, the number responded to within statutory deadlines, and the number of those delayed beyond 20 working days.

FOI/EIR released 70 score 18 working days correspondence

Published: 2025-12-03
Reference: FOI/202500482087
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

World Media Awards 2025 information: FOI release

Information regarding any potential use of public funds (including Scottish taxpayer money) in relation to the "World Media Awards 2025," organized by the World Media Group (with ceremony on September 18, 2025, at the Ham Yard Hotel, London). 1. Any records, emails, memos, or correspondence (from January 1, 2024, to t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence briefings contracts spending s.3 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-03
Reference: FOI/202500481893
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence and meeting notes in relation to the handling of request 202500472911: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence and meeting notes etc. in relation to the preparation, handling and clearance of the response to FOI 202500472911. Notably, this should include FOI response clearance comments from the Scottish Government Executive Team, SG Communications, SpAds and Ministers.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.25(1) s.15 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-02
Reference: FOI/202500481037
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Consideration of Section 5 FOISA Designation of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other bodies: FOI release

1. Has the Scottish Government considered, since 1 January 2020, the designation of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) as a Scottish public authority under section 5 of FOISA? Please provide any internal or external legal advice, ministerial submissions, policy papers, or correspondence on this subje...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.5 s.3 6 attachments

Published: 2025-12-02
Reference: FOI/202500481032
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister's government & political diary information: FOI release

First Minister’s full diary (government and political for the 11th to 13th August 2025 (date inclusive)).

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-11-18
Reference: FOI/202500479614
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Parliament Bureau correspondence regarding parliamentary business: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister and the Scottish Parliament Bureau regarding parliamentary business for the Scottish Parliament in September 2025. Information should include but not be li...

FOI not held 40 score 8 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp

Published: 2025-11-18
Reference: FOI/202500482332
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Events at Bute House residence: FOI release

“A list of all events held in Bute House from 29 March 2023 to date, how much they cost to hold, and who or what person/organisation paid these costs.”

FOI unclear 50 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending

Published: 2025-11-17
Reference: FOI/202500475367
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and the LINCO consultancy company: FOI release

“Copies of all correspondence between the Scottish Government and the LINCO consultancy company set up by Catriona Matheson.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-11-13
Reference: FOI/202500479446
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Public sector

Ministerial conflict of interest declarations: FOI release

You asked "As a follow up request, can you advise if the existence of such relationships, of which I have evidence, should mean that an MSP and/or serving minister should declare a conflict of interest prior to agreeing to engaging on a constituent’s behalf, and then failing to make representations they offered to make...

FOI unclear 50 score 3 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2025-11-11
Reference: FOI/202500482360
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Ministerial media activity information: FOI release

For the six-month period in 2025 from January 1 to June 30, please disclose the following: The number of press conferences held. For each, please give its date; location; subject; and the minister(s) taking questions. The number of pressers held. For each, please give its date; location; and the minister(s) taking que...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-11-06
Reference: FOI/202500477986
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Citizen Engagement platform queries: FOI release

1) Do you use a Citizen Engagement platform? 2) If so, what tools do you use? 3) How much do you spend annually on a Citizen Engagement tool? 4) Which month & year does your contract with your supplier end?

FOI unclear 50 score 13 working days correspondence contracts spending

Published: 2025-11-06
Reference: FOI/202500480407
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications staffing within the Scottish Government: FOI release

1. The number of press and communications staff. 2. A breakdown of these staff by job title (e.g. number of press officers, heads of press office, directors of communications, social media staff, etc). 3. The overall spend on salaries for these staff in the year 2024/25.

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending

Published: 2025-11-05
Reference: FOI/202500477988
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government spend on billboard advertising in last 5 years: FOI release

Total annual expenditure, from 2019 to present (covering the last five years), annually, on billboards and billboard advertising, including a breakdown per year what the money was spent on

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2025-11-05
Reference: FOI/202500478571
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector