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
702 matching releases

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

James Hamilton QC independent investigation: FOI release

1 - An Independent Investigation currently being led by James Hamilton QC is investigating possible breaches of the ministerial code by the First Minister. If he concludes that the FM did not knowingly mislead parliament as well as did not break other parts of the MC then I presume that the First Minister would not res...

FOI released 75 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.1 s.25(1)
Published
2021-03-18
Reference
FOI/20210016129
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

All written evidence to James Hamilton QC's investigation: FOI release

- All written evidence to James Hamilton's QC investigation into the FM under the ministerial code. This includes evidence from the FM, her chief of staff Liz Lloyd and any other individuals within the Scottish Government who have submitted evidence.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100161098
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

Allocated spending for Government Business and Constitutional Relations Policy: FOI release

Full breakdown of allocated spending for Government Business and Constitutional Relations Policy for 2021-22. By this I mean a breakdown of what the overall spending for Government Business and Constitutional Relations Policy - which is £14.8 million according to the 2021-22 Budget - will be spent on. Please could this...

FOI unclear 50 score 10 working days correspondence spending
Published
2021-03-15
Reference
FOI/202100148506
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Programme for Government, Public sector

Responsibilities for specific Ministerial positions: FOI release

1. A copy of the responsibilities of each of the following ministerial positions as at 16th December 2019. The First Minister Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Minister for Public Health and Sport 2. If not included in the descriptions above, a copy of the responsibilities of whichever minister(s) or cabinet sec...

FOI unclear 80 score 1 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-11
Reference
FOI/202100152438
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefings referencing a Section 30 order: FOI release

Copies of all briefings prepared by civil servants which include reference to a Section 30 order. On 5 January 2021, you clarified that your request was information referencing a Section 30 order in the context of an independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.29(1)
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000121883
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence relating to Referendums Scotland Bill Team: FOI release

Copies of all emails that include the phrase ‘Referendums Scotland Bill Team’ (including in the message, email signature or an attachment) from: 1 September 2020 to 8 September 2020 8 September 2020 to 15 September 2020 15 September 2020 to 22 September 2020 22 September 2020 to 29 September 2020 29 September 2020 to 6...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000106129
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector