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
317 matching releases

Intranet poll regarding pronouns in email signatures: FOI release

I understand that a recent poll on the Scottish Government’s intranet asked users about the use of pronouns in their email signature. Can I ask for the question used, and results of this poll, and all other data collected. Can I also ask for any correspondence relating to this poll.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) s.1(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-08
Reference
FOI/202100210730
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Freedom of Information request sent by Scotsman journalist: FOI release

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by Scotsman journalist Martyn McLaughlin in the period 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021. 2. Please give a rough breakdown of requests by subject matter. 3. Please give a breakdown of how many were appealed and reviewed internally and externally,...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 11 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.38(2A)
Published
2021-06-18
Reference
FOI/202100208819
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) relating to cyber-attack: FOI release

For all correspondence between Scottish Ministers and the SEPA senior management team that relates to the Christmas 2020 cyberattack. To include sms, WhatsApp, Signal and other messages, and briefings received by ministers, dated from the date the hack started to 31st March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.35(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-16
Reference
FOI/202100202192
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Questions regarding Scottish border: FOI release

Any analysis or assessment made by the Scottish Government on whether independence would require a border between Scotland and the rest of the UK or the EU.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-14
Reference
FOI/202100196894
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Freedom of Information request submitted by former Times journalist: FOI release

Regarding the particular Times journalist, the one who no longer works as a journalist, can you please send me any other fois made by that person from late 2017 to the time when the journalist left journalism. Can you send me any correspondence between him or her and the SG in that period. This was implied in my foi, a...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-10
Reference
FOI/202100202372
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications between Special Advisors and civil servants relating to independence: FOI release

From 1 March 2021 to present. Copies of all correspondence (emails, attachments, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise relevant) between Special Adviser and civil servants regarding the draft independence referendum bill that was published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-27
Reference
FOI/202100186120
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affair referendum correspondence: FOI release

From 8 March 2021 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, whatsapp messages, texts, letters, handwritten notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) to and/or from Mike Russell with any reference to the draft independence referendum bill published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-27
Reference
FOI/202100186146
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

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

Briefings relating to draft independence bill published 22 March: FOI release

From 1 January 2021 to present: Copies of all briefings prepared by civil servants on the draft independence bill published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-20
Reference
FOI/202100186097
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding potential timing for independence referendum: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, whatsapp messages, texts, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) from/between/to civil servants and/or Special Advisers on the appropriate timing for an independence referendum to take place once the legislation for it would be passed in the next parliamentary term.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-20
Reference
FOI/202100187817
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding draft bill on another independence referendum: FOI release

Copies of correspondence from/to and/or between members of the Constitution and Cabinet Directorate on the draft bill on another independence referendum announced in the 2020-21 Programme for Government.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-18
Reference
FOI/202100174032
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

COVID-19 Advice regarding restrictions ahead of Royal visit to Scotland: FOI release

The correspondence (in whatever form it takes) between the Scottish Government and representatives of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge relating to their December 2020 visit to Scotland on the royal train. Could I please have all documentation relating to this visit including the advice the Scottish Government gave on ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence s.38 s.30 s.41 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-10
Reference
FOI/202000121424
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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 regarding Government Business and Constitutional Relations Policy budget allocation: FOI release

From 1 December 2020 to present: Copies of any correspondence (emails, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, briefings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors regarding the budget allocation for 2021-22 for Government Business and Constitutional Relations Policy.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.38 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202100148496
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector, Scottish Budget

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 with Permanent Secretary regarding Scottish 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 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-01
Reference
FOI/202100154699
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

All written evidence to James Hamilton QC's investigation: FOI release

- All written evidence to James Hamilton's QC investigation into the FM under the ministerial code. This includes evidence from the FM, her chief of staff Liz Lloyd and any other individuals within the Scottish Government who have submitted evidence.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100161098
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections correspondence: FOI release

From 1 August 2020 to present: Copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp message, briefings, memos, notes, handwritten notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) from and/or to Special Advisors and/or civil servants regarding using the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections as a mandate f...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100140697
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefings referencing a Section 30 order: FOI release

Copies of all briefings prepared by civil servants which include reference to a Section 30 order. On 5 January 2021, you clarified that your request was information referencing a Section 30 order in the context of an independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.29(1)
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000121883
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

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

Four nation discussions of COVID-19 and alignment of restrictions: FOI release

1. Minutes from any formal four nations discussions with Michael Gove and other representatives from UK, Welsh Governments and Northern Ireland executive between October 1 and January 15 on the topic of Covid-19 and four nations alignment on restrictions/measures. 2. Notes taken by Scottish Government staff or ministe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.28(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/20210014372
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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