Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

17,099releases indexed
27,856attachments found
30.0avg calendar days
6,297partially withheld
2020-01-10oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 6,297 unclear 5,710 not held 2,434 released 1,096 already published 565 cost limit 491 clarification 264 withheld 186 transferred 56

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 3926 s.20 3344 s.34(1) 3080 s.39(2) 2635 s.30 2273 s.17(1) 2227 s.25(1) 1918 s.10(4) 1572 s.11(2) 1292 s.2 942 s.29(1) 927 s.3 712

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 1,007 releases · 28.2 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 813 releases · 30.8 avg days Marine Directorate 678 releases · 28.5 avg days Learning Directorate 617 releases · 35.4 avg days Population Health Directorate 557 releases · 29.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 532 releases · 36.5 avg days Economic Development Directorate 516 releases · 40.0 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 513 releases · 29.3 avg days
Clear
29 matching releases

Lord Mandelson communications: FOI release

Any and all emails, WhatsApps, texts, or other forms of communications currently held by the Scottish Government sent to, or received from, Peter Mandelson.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2026-05-11
Reference
FOI/202600509305
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding "A Fresh Start with Independence": 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 office of the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture regarding the “A Fresh Start with Independence” policy paper. Inform...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.30 s.38 s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-01-20
Reference
FOI/202500488712
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government Officials mentioning Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse: 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 any Scottish Government Official with a rank of Deputy Director or higher regarding the following terms “Hamilton”, “Larkhall”, “Stonehouse” or “Hamil...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-25
Reference
FOI/202500470140
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Culture in an Independent Scotland white paper correspondence: FOI release

Can you please disclose emails, and WhatsApps, sent between Scottish Government ministers and Scottish Government officials regarding the independence white paper entitled, 'Culture in an independent Scotland' sent/received on the following dates - February 2, 2024 February 3, 2024 February 4, 2024 February 5, 2024 Fe...

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-30
Reference
FOI/202400406120
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Correspondence between First Minister, Humza Yousaf and Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak since Mr Yousaf became First Minister: FOI release

Provide any and all correspondence between First Minister Humza Yousaf and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since Mr Yousaf became First Minister on March 28? This might include emails, letters or details/minutes of meetings, telephone calls, SMS/Whatsapp messages between Mr Yousaf and Mr Sunak. Can details/minutes of thei...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.28 s.38(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202300364253
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Press conference at Bute House about Supreme Court ruling: FOI release

All correspondence between ministers, special advisers and civil servants regarding the prospect of holding a press conference at Bute House on 23/11/22 about the Supreme Court ruling. This should include emails, text, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Messenger or other electronic communications, and handwritten notes.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-11-28
Reference
202200332116
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

£20m independence fund: FOI release

What is the Scottish Government now doing with its £20m independence fund due to the Supreme Court ruling? If they are using it for independence how are you justifying it considering the Supreme Court ruled the government cannot legally legislate for a referendum? Any correspondence (including emails, WhatsApps) betwee...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-11-28
Reference
202200331939
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

Withdrawal from Westminster – a New Partnership Agreement: FOI Release

Has the Scottish Government or officials begun work preparing the Withdrawal from Westminster – a New Partnership Agreement framework announced by the First Minister at the SNP independence convention in Dundee last month? If work has begun, how many officials have been assigned to work on the document? Could you ple...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-05
Reference
FOI - 202300367110
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

FOI responses which included the release of WhatsApp messages: FOI release

This is a follow up request to a previous FOI response. Your ref: 202300348653 The response to the above referenced request includes this remark: “The Scottish Government has previously released messaging exchanges in response to Freedom of Information requests.” Please provide information held by the Scottish Gover...

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence whatsapp
Published
2023-06-14
Reference
FOI/202300352882
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Office of Mayor of Greater Manchester correspondence - FoI Release

"Electronic copies of all communication from within the Scottish Government between ministers, special advisors, civil servants, government officials – including the First Minister’s email account, her office, and her chief of staff Colin McAllister - regarding meeting Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 71 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp 2 attachments
Published
2022-12-28
Reference
FOI/202200320940
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Visit of Michelle O'Neill to Bute House and meeting with First Minister: FOI release

On May 20 this year, Michelle O'Neill MLA visited the First Minister at Bute House. https://www.gov.scot/news/first-minister-meets-michelle-oneill-mla/ Please supply all items of information generated by the First Minister, her officials and special advisers in relation to the arranging of this meeting, its conduct and...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-10-19
Reference
FOI/202200312323
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

All correspondence regarding the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill: FOI release

The following information: “1) All correspondence (including meetings, emails, text/WhatsApp messages and phone calls) between any of the First Minister (and her office), the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (and his office) and the Lord Advocate (and her office) regarding the Scott...

FOI released 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending
Published
2022-08-29
Reference
FOI/202200308439
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Correspondence regarding preparation of prospectus for an independent Scotland: FOI Review

Your original request asked for: 1) The number of full time equivalent staff in the Scottish Government who are currently, or are planned to begin work on the "prospectus for an independent Scotland", as mentioned in the Programme for Government on September 7. 2) Any internal correspondence sent from or to the First M...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.20(5) s.20(6) s.17 s.30 s.38 s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-10
Reference
FOI/202200270532 Review of 202100239831
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cabinet on the Referendums Bill and Programme for Government 2020: FOI release

From 27 July 2020 to present (2 September 2020 - the date of requests): Copies of any correspondence (emails, hand-written notes, briefing, Whatsapp messages, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or any member of the Scottish Government cabinet on the refe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-20
Reference
FOI/202000083702
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence concerning updating the ‘Scotland’s Future’ publication: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, written notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or members of the Scottish Government Cabinet regarding the need to update the ‘Scotland’s Future’ paper originally published in November ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30
Published
2020-11-25
Reference
FOI/202000096481
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector