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

Road worker fatalities or serious injuries on the network: EIR release

A copy of the text of the case filed by the Lord Advocate in relation to the Reference to the Supreme Court made by her on 28 June 2022.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-31
Reference
FOI/202200314022
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Constitutional Futures Division: FOI release

A breakdown of the monthly headcount in the Constitutional Futures Division for each month from July 2020 to July 2022. For each month, please also confirm how many staff were employed in the division at each pay grade level and also what the total wage cost of the division was for each month.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-25
Reference
FOI/202200311928
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence with Lord Advocate regarding the Supreme Court: FOI release

1) Any correspondence, including meetings, notes, memos, agendas, ministerial briefings and minutes, between the Scottish Government and the office of the Lord Advocate on the topic of the Lord Advocate's reference to the Supreme Court between January 1, 2022 and June 28, 2022. This should include any emails, letters, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-22
Reference
FOI/202200312193
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Independence referendum and prospectus resources: FOI release

Given the rapidly increasing likely resources now being employed on another independent referendum, please supply me with exact details of that resource and the expected total budget, the Scottish Government is providing for the First Minister's referendum and independence planning, communications and public engagement...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1)
Published
2022-08-02
Reference
FOI/202200308344
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications regarding Sinn Fein visit to Bute House: FOI release

I would like to see any email correspondence sent from May 6 2022 to May 20 from Bute House staff relating to the Sinn Fein visit to Bute House on May 20.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-28
Reference
FOI/202200302139
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Updated version of Bill Handbook: FOI release

Does the Bill Handbook from 2011 remains the most recent version, and if not, please provide a copy of the most recent version of that document or the nearest equivalent.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-25
Reference
FOI/202200306018
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Referendum Budget: FOI release

The following information: (1) A breakdown of how that £20 million was calculated - including all documents which shows how the figure was calculated and all details of how the money would be predicted to be spent. In other words, all documents which show the rationale of the final figure. (2) All correspondence betw...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.17 s.17(1)
Published
2022-07-25
Reference
FOI/202200303499
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Policy meetings regarding potential Independence Referendum: FOI release

I am looking for a list of meetings that the First Minister has attended with civil servants and external stakeholders regarding a) a potential Independence Referendum and b) policy issues relating to the case for Independence between August 2021 and the present day. Can you please provide a list of dates, the attendee...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-20
Reference
FOI/202200306028
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Ministers and the Law Officers salary: FOI release

Information relating to Ministerial pay.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-06-22
Reference
FOI/202200276229
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Scottish Budget

The term ‘English Government’ within Scottish Government correspondence: FOI release

Any mention of the term ‘English Government’ within Scottish Government correspondence in the period 6 May 2021 to 3 May 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-06-22
Reference
FOI/202200298309
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Preparations for a future independence referendum: FOI release

1. How many hours are being used each week/month by Scottish Government civil servants working on preparations for an independence referendum and on preparation for independence? 2. What is the cost in salaries per week/month of this work? 3. Which departments of the Scottish Government has each individual civil servan...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2022-03-24
Reference
FOI/202200281545
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Preparations for referendum on Scottish independence: FOI release

What level of resource is the Scottish Government providing for referendum and independence planning, communications and public engagement during 2022 and 2023? Please include specific information on: Number of Scottish Government officials (full-time equivalent), job grades and cost; Freelance, Legal and Consultancy ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1)
Published
2022-03-09
Reference
FOI/202200278056
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Lord Advocate Scottish Cabinet meetings attendance dates: FOI release

1. "Please list all the dates when the current Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain QC, attended Scottish Government Cabinet. Please provide this information from 6 May 2021 to the present date." 2. "When the Lord Advocate has attended Cabinet, the Cabinet’s agenda for that meeting as well as the reason the Lord Advocate was in...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.30
Published
2022-03-03
Reference
FOI/202200276393
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Preparations for a second independence referendum: FOI release

Please may you provide me with: The name of the unit within the Scottish Government working on preparations for a second independence referendum. The budget allocated to the unit for the rest of the parliamentary term, and if possible, could this be broken down by year. The date on which the unit was established. How ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-01
Reference
FOI/202200275282
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Independence prospectus post budget announcement: FOI release

In September, the First Minister announced that Scottish Government civil servants would start work on a detailed prospectus for independence (as reported here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58478187). On 4th November 2021, I submitted a Freedom of Information request which asked for informat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-27
Reference
FOI/202100264359
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Green agreement: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government and Patrick Harvie on the Green agreement and his subsequent Ministerial appointment from 7 May 2021 to 31 August 2021 (our reference – 202100239912) 2. Correspondence between the Scottish Government and Lorna Slater on the Green agreement and her subsequent Ministerial...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-11-09
Reference
FOI/202100239912
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence received regarding Scottish independence: FOI release

1. How many emails or letters have the Scottish Government received since 7 May 2021 to the date of responding to this request, wherein the subject of Scottish Independence and/or a second independence referendum is a topic covered. Please outline how many of these correspondence are either in favour of Scottish Indepe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.32 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-08
Reference
FOI/202100240474
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to each FOI request which contains ‘journalist’ or ‘reporter’: FOI release

For every FOI request received by the Scottish Government between 01/01/2021 and 01/03/2021, please search correspondence relating to each individual request for the word "journalist" or "reporter" and provide any correspondence which results to me.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.10(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-09-16
Reference
FOI/202100225813
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Number of Freedom of Information request submitted by journalist: FOI review

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist Conor Matchett in the period 1 May 2020 to 30 April 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 with a brea...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.38(1) s.10(1) s.20 s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)
Published
2021-07-16
Reference
FOI/202100215149 review of 202100202671
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Breakdown of number of request made by journalist: FOI review

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist Conor Matchett in the period 1 May 2021 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 with a breakd...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers s.38(1) s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)
Published
2021-07-16
Reference
FOI/202100215144 review of 202100208816
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Communication relating to Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100202671.All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100208816.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-15
Reference
FOI/202100215169
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Discussion held relating to First Minister attending British-Irish Council meeting: FOI release

Internal communications (email, WhatsApp, text or any other form of electronic communication, as well as handwritten notes and minutes of any in-person, video or telephone meetings) between civil servants, special advisers, ministers and health officials about the prospect of the first minister travelling to the June 2...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-13
Reference
FOI/202100212995
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Government policy on redaction of names: FOI release

How the Scottish Government decides on the names to be redacted from documents released under a FOI request. In addition for any names left, does permission to publish need to be sought from the named individuals.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence s.38 s.38(1) s.38(2A) s.34(1) s.7
Published
2021-07-08
Reference
FOI/202100212587
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence with Scottish Green Party regarding co-operation agreement: FOI release

Any correspondence the Scottish Government has had with the Scottish Green Party regarding a co-operation agreement for the Scottish Greens to join or support the Scottish Government. This correspondence should include emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-08
Reference
FOI/202100211039
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector