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
685 matching releases

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

Expenditure of James Hamilton QC inquiry: FOI release

Could you please tell me who paid for the James Hamilton QC inquiry and how much it cost.

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.25(1)
Published
2021-06-09
Reference
FOI/202100189377
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, 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

Flying European Union (EU) flags on Scottish Government buildings: FOI release

Following our response to FOI/202100160401 you have asked a number of further questions in relation to the flying of the European flag on Scottish Government buildings. (i) confirmation that the First Minister gave the instruction quoted above ii) confirmation of the date that this instruction was made by the First Min...

FOI withheld 55 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.30
Published
2021-04-22
Reference
FOI/2021/00175665
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Scottish Government stance on economic research: FOI release

whether during the last 7 months since 1 March 2020 the Scottish Government has carried out polling on issues about the economy and/or Scotland’s finances. You also asked if such polling research was conducted to provide the following details: Which Minister in Government sanctioned such polling and were their Special...

FOI released 95 score 99 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-21
Reference
FOI/202000103788
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Economy, 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

Scottish Parliament election safety advice provided to Ministers: FOI release

Copies of advice given to Ministers on the safety of holding the Scottish Parliament election in May as planned, during the Coronavirus pandemic. The request should cover communications sent after 23 December 2020.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25 6 attachments
Published
2021-04-19
Reference
FOI/202100154147
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

EU flag on Scottish Government buildings: FOI release

Information regarding the flying of the EU flag on Scottish Government buildings.

FOI withheld 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.30 s.2
Published
2021-04-12
Reference
FOI/202100163181
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

Redeployment of Freedom of Information Unit staff due to COVID-19: FOI release

1. For each month commencing January 2020 to date, please provide the total number of FTE staff working in the FOI unit. 2. All correspondence discussing and enacting the decision to redeploy FOI Unit staff to Covid critical roles. The correspondence should be specifically between the following two groups (A) Ministers...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.17(1)
Published
2021-03-30
Reference
FOI/202100155415
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Received Freedom of Information request including YouTube link: FOI release

How many FOI requests included YouTube links in asking for Freedom of Information in:- 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Before 2016 IE 2012 to 2016

FOI cost limit 70 score 7 working days correspondence spending s.12 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-29
Reference
FOI/202100165236
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Budget allocation for the government business and constitutional policy: FOI release

For 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21. A breakdown of what the budget allocation for the government business and constitutional policy was used for. Please break this down by type of spend and equivalent allocation in £s.

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.17(1)
Published
2021-03-29
Reference
FOI/202100151055
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Local authorities operating independently of central government: FOI release

1) In which year did it start in Scotland that:- Local authorities in Scotland operate independently of central government and are accountable to their electorates. 2) How much is the biggest budget cut since 2009 to local authority spending (Eg roads, pavements, homelessness, etc etc) 3) How much is the budget for ...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.2 s.25(1)
Published
2021-03-25
Reference
FOI/202100152293
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Four nations meetings attended by the First Minister: FOI release

1) Any minutes, agendas, briefing notes, notes taken by attendees, from four nations meetings attended by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon since January 1. 2) The location, time, date, and attendance list of each meeting, including special advisers and civil servants (anonymised if required).

FOI already published 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25 s.29(1) s.38 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-24
Reference
FOI/202100151001
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector