Scottish Government FOI Index

21,792releases indexed

39,278attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,073partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

Timeline

2026-05 339 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

53 matching releases

Transfer of devolved powers to the UK Government queries: FOI release

1. Confirmation of whether any Section 30 Order has ever transferred devolved powers from the Scottish Government or Scottish Parliament to the UK Government Please confirm: Whether any Order in Council made under Section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 has ever had the effect of reducing the legislative competence of the...

FOI transferred 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.1 s.4 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600500071
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Money spent on third-party or legal costs connected to independence: FOI release

Since 2011, the amount of money spent by the Scottish Government on third-party or legal costs connected to in any way (advisory, consultancy or legal advice or other) to any question of policy around independence. This should include but not be limited to - consultancy connected to the Building a New Scotland papers, ...

FOI released 75 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2024-10-04
Reference: FOI/202400425678
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Independent Scotland: FOI release

1.All meetings held or attended by Jamie Hepburn between July 1 2023 and the date of this FOI, including minutes/notes from them, and a list of attendees. 2. How many social media videos about independence have been created by the Scottish Government so far this year? List of these videos and the costs of creating the...

FOI not held 70 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.2 s.5T s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.12 4 attachments

Published: 2024-08-14
Reference: FOI/202300377797
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

State Pension Payments: FOI release

Since 5th May 2011, has the Scottish Government ever sought legal advice on who would be legally responsible for paying the state pension in an independent Scotland? In other words: has advice been sought on the question of whether a continuing UK Government would have a legal obligation to pay the state pension to peo...

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2024-04-08
Reference: FOI/202400403372
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Building a new Scotland, Public sector

Independence money legal advice: FOI review

Has the Scottish Government taken legal advice about whether they can spend any more money on independence following the Supreme Court judgment? If so, can you supply that legal advice or when it will be announced? If not, why have you not sought legal advice on this matter? Has the Scottish government been threatened ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.36(1)

Published: 2024-01-24
Reference: 202200333048
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Referendum Plans: FOI review

Does the Scottish Government have a planning date in 2023 on which it intends that a referendum will be held? If there is a planning date, what is that date? (Please note: I am asking for a specific date, not a deadline; but if at this stage this has only been planned as a month rather than a specific day, please let m...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.25(1) s.30

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI/202200309934 Review of 202200302128
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Costing for the referral made to Supreme Court and internal predication: FOI release

The total Scottish Government (including civil service) costings for the referral, and case due to be made at the Supreme Court this October on the legality of holding another independence referendum. This should also encompass legal advice costings. If there is any internal prediction as to how much the Lord Advocates...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.27 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-12
Reference: 202200316878
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner's ruling No.004/2023: FOI release

In relation to the Scottish Information Commissioner's ruling No.004/2023 and the decision by Scottish Ministers to appeal this ruling: Which Scottish Minister(s) decided to appeal the above ruling and/or gave the the go-ahead to appeal? Any and all internal and external correspondence including emails, letters, Whats...

FOI already published 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.36(1)

Published: 2024-01-11
Reference: 202300347350
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner's Decision Notice: FOI release

Any internal or external correspondence, including any attachments, WhatsApp messages, text messages, instant messaging, memos, OneNotes, minutes, agendas, appendixes or other correspondence, relating to the Scottish Information Commissioner's Decision Notice, reference number 048-2022, and related FOIs.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 6 attachments

Published: 2023-12-21
Reference: 202200297190
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Supreme Court decision on the independence referendum: FOI release

Has there been any change in the policy in relation to the allocation of resources and support to Ministers for the purposes of developing the case for Scottish independence in light of the decision in last week’s Supreme Court case? If so, what is that change? If not, please set out the legal and policy basis upon whi...

FOI released 100 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.30 s.5 s.7 s.51 s.1 s.14 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-16
Reference: 202200332779
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Independence Referendum Bill Supreme Court Correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence between special advisers, senior civil servants within either the constitution or legal directorate, and ministers within the Scottish Government and SNP party officials around the Supreme Court reference of the independence referendum bill. This should cover the calendar year of 2022 and exclude MSP...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200332044
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Background information on S6W-11314: FOI release

Please provide all internal memos, advice, procedural notes and other communications prepared in response to question S6W-11314, asked by Gordon MacDonald on 30 September and answered by George Adam on 3 October.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-07
Reference: 202200323491
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications between the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information team and Michael Matheson: FOI release

Copies of communications between the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information team and Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport. Please include communications with his office and his Special Advisers, and restrict the search the dates between 4th April 2022 and 15th November 2022

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-07
Reference: 202200330329
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Lord Advocate statement to Parliament on her referral to the Supreme Court on the matter of an Independence Bill being within the competence of the Scottish Parliament: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Lord Advocate from June 2022 in relation to requests for the Lord Advocate to provide a statement to Parliament on her referral to the Supreme Court on the matter of an independence Bill being within the competence of the Scottish Parliament.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2023-11-30
Reference: 202200309710
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal advice on independence referendum: FOI release

The amount spent on legal advice regarding the Scottish Government’s prospectus for an independent Scotland between 07 September 2021 and the date of response to this inquiry? Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, brief...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.17 s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-27
Reference: 202200287065
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal advice provided regarding independence referendum: FOI release

Please provide me with the legislative advice and reference provided to the Scottish Government and First Minister relating to the proposed Independence Referendum as referred to by the Information Commissioner in recent media.

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-10
Reference: 202200299367
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

External legal advice incurred relating to Referendum: FOI release

1) The cost of all external legal advice incurred by the Scottish Government producing the Lord Advocate’s written case to the Supreme Court on the question of whether a referendum on Scottish independence relates to reserved matters. 2) If possible, the lawyers/firms in receipt of the funds the Scottish Government pro...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.2 s.27 s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-10-05
Reference: FOI/202200312733
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

Questions regarding work on "Building a New Scotland" document: FOI release

1. How many civil servants worked on these documents and for how long and what the total cost of this was? 2. How many special advisers worked on these papers and what exactly their role was. I would also like to know if any of the special advisers have authority over civil servants. 3. Has the advice of the Permanen...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.3 s.17(1)

Published: 2022-07-27
Reference: FOI/202200306418
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Government staff dedicated to dealing with Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

The number of Scottish Government staff dedicated to dealing with freedom of information requests for the last five financial years. The total salary costs for Scottish Government staff dedicated to dealing with freedom of information requests for the last five financial years. The number of external consultants e.g. l...

FOI not held 40 score 20 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2022-07-21
Reference: FOI/202200303320
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Breakdown of legal advice provided to Ministers: FOI release

The number of times [not the actual advice] that the Law Officers of the Scots Govt have published [i.e. made publicly available ] formal legal advice given to Ministers acting for the SCOTTISH GOVT on any particular matter that has arisen & publicly released since the inception of Devolved Govt in Scotland ? Corollary...

FOI/EIR cost limit 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.36 s.29(1) s.12

Published: 2022-06-22
Reference: 202200300906
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal advice to Ministers or provided by the Civil Service on the topic of a second independence referendum in 2020: FoI Appeal

"any legal advice to Ministers or provided by the Civil Service on the topic of a second independence referendum in 2020"

FOI partially withheld 90 score 295 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-06-08
Reference: FOI/202100164143
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