Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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
222 matching releases

Draft independence referendum correspondence: FOI release

Copies of the correspondence and/or set of correspondence (emails, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, letters and/or otherwise relevant) where the draft independence bill, published 22 March, was signed off by a member of the Scottish Government Cabinet.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-21
Reference
FOI/202100186137
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

European Union (EU) flags on Scottish Government buildings: FOI release

"Any information you hold on the recent reports that the Scottish Government will fly EU flags on Scottish Government buildings. In particular, i) any minutes of meetings with Ministers or officials where the above was discussed. ii) any emails relating to the issue above. iii) all advice to Ministers on the above i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-19
Reference
FOI/202100160401
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence received by Permanent Secretary relating to second referendum: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-16
Reference
FOI/202100164037
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence received by Permanent Secretary regarding independence: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202100164057
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to independence referendum: FOI release

From 1 April 2020 to 1 July 2020: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-06
Reference
FOI/202100155174
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Referendums Scotland Bill Team: FOI release

Copies of all emails that include the phrase ‘Referendums Scotland Bill Team’ (including in the message, email signature or an attachment) from: 1 September 2020 to 8 September 2020 8 September 2020 to 15 September 2020 15 September 2020 to 22 September 2020 22 September 2020 to 29 September 2020 29 September 2020 to 6...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000106129
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Communications concerning Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill and changes to Freedom of Information rules: FOI release

All communication between ministers, officials and press officers regarding the proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 238 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000025358
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Extending response times to freedom of information requests: FOI review

Supply all correspondence/emails (including attachments) - to or from government ministers, special advisers or senior civil servants - dated on or prior to 2 April 2020 relating to the proposal to extend response times to freedom of information requests set out in Schedule 6 Part 2 of the [Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 153 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000068453
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Extension of Freedom of Information requests response times: FOI review

"All internal communications regarding the handling of a FOI request, case reference 202000068453, "Extension of FOI response times""

FOI partially withheld 90 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000108300
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

FOI statistics and overdue responses: FOI release

Can you please provide all reports (or lists) provided by the government's central FOI unit to government ministers in the period from 1 September 2020 to date that (a) contain a list of overdue FOI requests (b) shows FOI response performance. Please provide all correspondence that was sent to Ministers along with the ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000099262
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the Referendum Scotland Bill: FOI review

Copies of all emails that include the phrase ‘Referendums Scotland Bill Team’ (including in the message, email signature or an attachment).

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence s.25 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000129218 review of 202000106129
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the draft bill for an independence referendum: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence (emails, letters, hand-written notes, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, briefings and/or otherwise) between civil servants, Special Advisors and/or the Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell regarding the publishing of the draft bill for an independence referendum outlined in the Scottish Gove...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000122177
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Scottish Parliament election contingency plan: FOI release

1. Any reports, documents or email correspondence from between 1 August and present day [13 October] between Scottish Government civil servants on the topic of the Scottish Parliament election in 2021 and contingency plans surrounding it. 2. During the same time period, any briefing reports, draft reports, emails, What...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25 s.27 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000097860
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation remit correspondence: FOI release

- All communication between John Swinney and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. -All communication between the Scottish Government and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139181
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation evidence submitted: FOI release

- All evidence submitted to James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. - Details of all meetings held by James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. Please include minutes, call logs, list of a...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139187
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Referendums (Scotland) Bill team correspondence: FOI release

You asked for the following - From 1 June 2020 to present: Copies of any correspondence (emails, hand-written notes, briefings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from the Referendums Scotland Bill Team that include reference to Scottish independence.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-14
Reference
FOI/202000106515
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence concerning pursuit of Independence and the Referendums Bill: FOI release

From 1 September 2020 to present: Copies of emails sent to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon from members of the public regarding their concern/anger/unhappiness and/or similar at: The announcement of the Referendums Bill in her Programme for Government 2020-21. The Scottish Government’s decision to actively pursue anoth...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000091118
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Programme for Government, +1 more … Public sector

Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill FOI legislation changes: FOI release

In relation to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill (https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/114929.aspx) I would like to request the following material: Any briefings or analysis documents outlining the need for / details of proposed changes to FOI legislation

FOI partially withheld 90 score 156 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000025366
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the Scottish Government withdrawal from UK wide joint work on the internal market: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters, hand-written notes, whatsapp messages, internal briefings, minutes and details of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or special advisors and/or Scottish Government Cabinet members regarding the Scottish Government’s decision to withdraw from UK wide joint w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-20
Reference
FOI/202000072459
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Economy, Public sector

Coronavirus legislation, rules and regulations and ongoing reviews: FOI release

Coronavirus legislation and rationale for continuation of rules and regulations regarding lockdown must be reviewed every twenty one days by law. Please provide me with following. Dates , times of each meeting to date since the start. Policy decisions, with rationale and minutes determining outcomes informing continua...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 71 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-29
Reference
FOI/202000043924
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Changes to FOI in Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill – meetings: FOI release

This is an FOI request in relation to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill. I would like to request the following material: 1. Details (dates, attendees etc) of all meetings where proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules were discussed 2. Any associated documents from the above meetings (NB this should include minut...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-17
Reference
FOI/202000025364
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Coronavirus infection and abortion care services: FOI release

A full copy of any and all communications between the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates and the below listed persons and organisations concerning the UK Governments recent allowance of home abortions under the guise of counter Coronavirus measures: Matt Hancock MP UK Department of Health British G...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-05-28
Reference
FOI/202000025985
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Citizens’ Assembly & Citizens’ Assembly co-convener correspondence: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence between former Citizens’ Assembly co-convener David Martin and the Citizens’ Assembly/Scottish Government in 2019 and 2020.

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-02-19
Reference
FOI/202000012832
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Citizens’ Assembly for the purposes of FOISA correspondence: FOI release

You asked: I have been informed by the Citizens Assembly that they are outside the scope of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. This is an extremely concerning state of affairs. I will be obliged if you would provide all information held by the Scottish Government that discusses the status of the Citizens’...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-12-30
Reference
FOI/201900007851
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector