Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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
326 matching releases

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

FOI references of all recorded requests: FOI release

Under FOI please give me an excel (NOT as a pdf) list of all FOI requests you have had since it became law. for each FOI request, please list: date of request date of reply reference number/ID subject/title of the request [each request on the list should include the subject/title of the request please] status [whether...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 16 working days correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.17(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-13
Reference
FOI/202000086590
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

The Scottish Government process of publishing FOI responses: FOI release

In order to clarify the strange apparent invisibility of several documents to the search engine - all of which, by a remarkable coincidence, relate to allegations of misconduct by the former First Minister Alex Salmond - please provide me with the search tags which have been attached to each of these 16 documents: (lis...

FOI released 95 score 5 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-26
Reference
FOI/202000101090
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information concerning contact between the First Minister, the Former First Minister and representatives: FOI appeal

Information concerning contact between Ms. Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, her Government and her staff and Mr Alex Salmond, Former First Minister and his representatives in the period 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2018: Dates and times of contact, meetings and phone calls Details of who was present at meetings...

FOI already published 80 score 457 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.56 s.49(7) s.25(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-10-26
Reference
FOI-19-00185-appeal
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Devolved Government COVID-19 strategy: FOI release

1. Could the Scottish Government have adopted a different strategy to that of the UK government for the initial management of the COVID-19 pandemic? 2. Would the existing devolved powers of the Scottish Government enable it to have adopted a different strategy had it so wished? 3. Was the Scottish Government obliged to...

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings
Published
2020-09-28
Reference
FOI/202000069523
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Irish reunification correspondence: FOI release

Any documentation (including correspondence) you hold relating to a potential future referendum In Northern Ireland. I am particularly interested in lines to take, perceived risks, impacts, draft responses and contingencies in the event of a vote in favour of reunification.

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-24
Reference
FOI/202000069569
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to visit by Prime Minister July 2020: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (whatsapp messages, texts, minutes of phone calls, emails, memos, briefings and/or otherwise) between civil servants, Special Advisors and/or the Scottish Government Cabinet regarding Boris Johnson’s visit to Scotland on 23 July 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.30 6 attachments
Published
2020-09-15
Reference
FOI/202000065514
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Government Minister question decision of Government Official: FOI release

1. Are there any circumstances where a government minister is prevented from querying the decision of a government official. 2. If so, what are they. 3. Is the civil service in Scotland legally independent from the Scottish Government

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.3
Published
2020-07-22
Reference
FOI/202000046900
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Cabinet meetings, since 10 March 2020: FOI release

How many meetings of the Scottish Cabinet, chaired by the First Minister, have been held since 10 March 2020 and on what dates those meetings were held.

FOI unclear 50 score 15 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2020-06-29
Reference
FOI/202000040710
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

May 2020 Bank Holiday date change: FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information Act, I wish to request information relating to the change in the May Bank Holiday from 4 May to 8 May 2020. 1. I specifically want to know when the first discussions started, who instigated these discussions and who from Westminster were involved in these discussions? 2. What work was c...

FOI released 95 score 17 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-20
Reference
FOI/202000017459
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
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

Cost of event held at Doubletree by Hilton at Bread Street, Edinburgh: FOI release

On Monday 27th January 2020, the Scottish Government held an event involving the First Minister at the Doubletree by Hilton conference suite at Bread Street, Edinburgh. I would like to know the cost of this event to be broken down by (a) cost of venue (b) cost of any catering/refreshments provided (c) the cost of any a...

FOI cost limit 45 score 4 working days correspondence ministers spending s.12
Published
2020-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000013487
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

'Scotland's right to choose: putting Scotland's future in Scotland's hands' related costs: FOI release

All costs associated with the Scottish Government's document 'Scotland's Right to Choose: Putting Scotland's Future in Scotland's Hands'. If possible please break this down into costs on staffing (or staffing hours spent on this), internal costs, external costs such as printing etc. The number of Scottish Government st...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1)
Published
2020-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000011414
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

The Scotland Act 1998 (Modification of Schedule 5) Order 2013 and other publications: FOI release

You asked for the following: The Scottish Government publication "Scotland's Right to Choose", The First Minister's Section 30 request to the United Kingdom Government and The “Section 30” legislation and guidance on its application and subsequent process to be followed for Scottish Referendums.

FOI released 100 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-01-29
Reference
FOI/202000010912
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Various questions regarding Scotland's economy: FOI release

You asked: I have a number of requests for information, required in order to consider the future of our country and in relation to the competence of our executive. Can you supply answers that tell me who to contact for this information. 1. In the event at some time in the future Scotland should opt for independence w...

FOI unclear 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.9
Published
2020-01-23
Reference
FOI/201900010515
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Economy, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector

Citizens' Assembly for Scotland (CAfS) - information and setup: FOI release

You asked: I am interested in the Citizens' Assembly for Scotland (CAfS). Its website does not clearly set out its legal form. I have also been unable to locate it in the National Public Bodies Directory (https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-public-bodies- directory/pages/introduction/). Can you clarify - what...

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence ministers contracts
Published
2019-12-30
Reference
FOI/201900009076
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
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

Correspondence concerning what question should be used in a future independence referendum: FOI release

You asked for: A copy of all evidence and internal Scottish Government and Ministerial communications relating to the research and evidence that has been used to support the Cabinet Secretary's claim that the majority of people agree the same question should be used in a future independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-12-06
Reference
FOI/201900006184
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Orders under Section 30(2) of the Scotland Act 1998: FOI release

You asked how many times an Order under the procedure established in Section 30(2) of the Scotland Act 1998 has been used, and asked for information on the date orders were requested, requested by whom (Holyrood or Westminster), the date agreed or rejected, and subject matter of request.

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30(2) s.30
Published
2019-12-02
Reference
FOI/201900005928
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Various questions concerning the Citizens’ Assembly: FOI release

Provide the following information (all information provided in this section must be pre-existing at the date of this request): 1. A copy of any / all documentation required to be signed by the citizens. 2. All instructions and guidance provided to Mark Diffley or his company regarding the selection of citizens. 3. All ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.2 s.3 s.4 s.1 s.17(1) s.6 s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-11-26
Reference
FOI/201900005919
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector