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

Application forms for Scottish Government positions: FOI release

Regarding: The Chief Executive of the NHS Scotland & DG Health & Social Care (Recruitment) CAN I PLEASE AS FOI QUERY HAVE A COPY OF THE APPLICATIONS FORMS FOR THIS, AND INDEED FOR ALL OTHER TOP SCOTTISH JOBS?

FOI unclear 75 score 16 working days correspondence 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000083499
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

Suspension of compliance with the Freedom of Information Scotland Act: FOI release

Can you advise what advice/instruction/guidance was provided by the Scottish Government to Scottish Local Authorities on their obligation to comply with the timescales in terms of responding to a request for information made in terms of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act during the COVID-19 pandemic. Were Scottish...

FOI unclear 80 score 3 working days correspondence s.25(1) s.17(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-09-24
Reference
FOI/202000079439
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

Statistics relating to FOI requests raised: FOI release

For all FOI requests raised in the last 48 months can you please provide data on all FOI requests including: FOI reference Date Request Made Date Request Answered Number of each type of exemption which have been applied (including exemption Section (para) (clause))

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 12 working days correspondence s.20 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-01
Reference
FOI/202000064095
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
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

St Andrews House flags: FOI release

The equivalent documents to "DAYS FOR HOISTING FLAGS ON BUILDINGS OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT 2019" for each year from 2014? Also, please could you supply information on any requests made for flags to fly originating from outside Scottish government since January 2015, except ones to do with royal births, birthdays or m...

FOI released 100 score 10 working days correspondence s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-02
Reference
FOI/202000044551
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Impact of COVID-19 on the Government pursuing indyref2: FOI release

From 1 March 2020 to present: Copies and full details of any correspondence (email, letter, internal briefing, note, note/record of phone calls, whatsapp, text or otherwise) received and between members of the Scottish Government Cabinet from civil servants and special advisors regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the G...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence briefings whatsapp s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-30
Reference
FOI/202000040731
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

St Andrews House flags and lights: FOI release

“a list of all the dates between 1 January 2019 and 17 May 2020 on which St Andrew’s House has had (1) a special flag flown or (2) been specially lit up to mark an event, and what the event or cause being marked was in each case?”

FOI released 95 score 16 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-12
Reference
FOI/202000037386
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Coronavirus infection and abortion care services: FOI release

A full copy of any and all communications between the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates and the below listed persons and organisations concerning the UK Governments recent allowance of home abortions under the guise of counter Coronavirus measures: Matt Hancock MP UK Department of Health British G...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-05-28
Reference
FOI/202000025985
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Genus and species of coronavirus disease 2019: FOI release

"In relation to Coronavirus disease 2019: Further to the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008 and Freedom of Information Legislation please inform me of the genus and species of the condition causing the disease as defined in the Act for which there has been enacted "distancing measures".

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence
Published
2020-05-27
Reference
FOI/202000034031
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Coronavirus - private facilities for use as a temporary hospital: FOI release

Can you please advise whether the Scottish Government has any plans to to requisition any private facilities within Glasgow for use as a temporary hospital, amid the current coronavirus crisis. If so, can you please name said facility.

FOI unclear 50 score 16 working days correspondence
Published
2020-04-20
Reference
FOI/202000023040
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
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

Communication questions regarding Scottish Government: FOI release

1. Is the person answering this pro or anti Scottish Independence? (I have purposely not asked any PII that risks avoidance of this question) 2. How many people are tasked with the responsibility of answering FOI requests sent to ceu@gov.scot ? 3. Who can I write to and communicate with regarding content on Scot.gov ...

FOI not held 45 score 16 working days correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-03-06
Reference
FOI/202000016119
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Publication of Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

"How many responses to Freedom of Information requests are currently awaiting publication? Over the past 12 months, how many FOI responses have been awaiting publication for (a) less than a month, (b) 1-6 months and (c) more than 6 months? Please provide a copy of communications discussing delays of greater than 3 mont...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-03-05
Reference
FOI/202000014692
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

Scottish Government view on the Barnett formula: FOI release

You asked for the Scottish Government’s view on "Barnett formula and Baseline calculation confirmed by Westminster as having no legal basis in law", as set out in https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/public_accounts_committee_fundin#incoming-1420573, and whether Scotland has a case in the Scottish highest courts to o...

FOI unclear 55 score 11 working days correspondence spending s.17(1)
Published
2020-01-06
Reference
FOI/201900010646
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector