Scottish Government FOI Index

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 with CEO of Business for Scotland and Believe in Scotland: FOI release

Please provide copies of all email correspondence between the Scottish Government (including Ministers, Civil servants, and Special Advisers) and Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, CEO of Business for Scotland and Believe in Scotland, 1st May 2021 - date.

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 4 attachments

Published: 2024-02-01
Reference: FOI/202300373212
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Non-Scottish Government individual consulted for input for Request Building a New Scotland paper: FOI release

The names of any non-Scottish Government individual consulted for advice or input for the Scottish Government's 'Building a New Scotland - A stronger economy with independence' paper. This should include but not be limited to any non-staff individual involved in a Scottish Government economic advisory board, committee,...

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: 202200325598
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Referendum Budget: FOI review

A breakdown of how that £20 million was calculated - including all documents which shows how the figure was calculated and all details of how the money would be predicted to be spent. In other words, all documents which show the rationale of the final figure. All correspondence between relevant Scottish Government work...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.29(1) s.17

Published: 2024-01-26
Reference: FOI/202200310643 Review of 202200303499
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Independence money legal advice: FOI review

Has the Scottish Government taken legal advice about whether they can spend any more money on independence following the Supreme Court judgment? If so, can you supply that legal advice or when it will be announced? If not, why have you not sought legal advice on this matter? Has the Scottish government been threatened ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.36(1)

Published: 2024-01-24
Reference: 202200333048
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Referendum Plans: FOI review

Does the Scottish Government have a planning date in 2023 on which it intends that a referendum will be held? If there is a planning date, what is that date? (Please note: I am asking for a specific date, not a deadline; but if at this stage this has only been planned as a month rather than a specific day, please let m...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.25(1) s.30

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI/202200309934 Review of 202200302128
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding transparency of Scotland’s Governing Party: FOI review

All correspondence (including emails, letters, meetings, instant messages and phone calls) between Scottish Ministers, Scottish Government officials and SNP officials (employed by the party) regarding the debate held in the Scottish Parliament on 3 May 2023 on Transparency of Scotland’s Governing Party. This correspond...

FOI cost limit 70 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.12 s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI/202300359727 Review of 202300354998
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: 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

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

First Minister attendance at King Charles Coronation: FOI release

Correspondence and notes relating to Humza Yousaf’s attendance at the coronation of King Charles.

FOI partially withheld 85 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-19
Reference: 202300355259
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Meetings about a second independence referendum: FOI release

Minutes of meetings held between Nicola Sturgeon and Angus Robertson on preparations for a second independence referendum, including on a prospectus. Minutes of all meetings held between Nicola Sturgeon and the team working (including civil servants) on preparations for a second independence referendum, including on a ...

FOI not held 45 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2023-12-19
Reference: 202200280399
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence between First Minster and Sinn Fein leadership: FOI release

All items of information in all correspondence between First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, orher office, and Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald, or her office, and all information in all correspondence between the First Minister, or her office, and Sinn Fein Vice President and Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill, or her of...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers 12 attachments

Published: 2023-12-19
Reference: 202200300390
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Integrated Single Electricity Market in Ireland analysis and correspondence: EIR release

Scottish Government analysis and correspondence (including between Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers, and external parties), 6th May 2021 - date, on the subject of the Integrated Single Electricity Market in Ireland, in particular the lessons from this market for how the electricity market might function in a...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-17
Reference: 202300359032
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence from the public regarding the independence economic paper: FOI release

What correspondence (e-mails and letters) has John Swinney had from the public regarding the independence economic paper that was published this month? What correspondence (e-mails and letters) has Kate Forbes had from the public regarding the independence economic paper that was published this month? What correspond...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-16
Reference: 202200327199
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government position on pensions in an independent Scotland: FOI release

On 5/10/2022 Mr Ivan McKee attended a Lang Cat live event as a Scottish Government Minister. https://twitter.com/langcatlocke/status/1577684949183987716?s=46&t=FyUQtXuk-0za7QChYxvs9A At this event the Minister agreed that the SNP position was that Scottish Government pensions after independence would be funded by UK ...

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2023-12-16
Reference: 202200323769
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Supreme Court decision on the independence referendum: FOI release

Has there been any change in the policy in relation to the allocation of resources and support to Ministers for the purposes of developing the case for Scottish independence in light of the decision in last week’s Supreme Court case? If so, what is that change? If not, please set out the legal and policy basis upon whi...

FOI released 100 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.30 s.5 s.7 s.51 s.1 s.14 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-16
Reference: 202200332779
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence between Constitution Secretary and Sinn Fein leadership: FOI release

All items of information in all correspondence between the Constitution Secretary, or his office, and Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald, or her office, and all information in all correspondence between the Constitution Secretary, or his office, and Sinn Fein Vice President and Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill, or h...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-15
Reference: 202200300393
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Independence Referendum Bill Supreme Court Correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence between special advisers, senior civil servants within either the constitution or legal directorate, and ministers within the Scottish Government and SNP party officials around the Supreme Court reference of the independence referendum bill. This should cover the calendar year of 2022 and exclude MSP...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200332044
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

All meetings in which Ross Greer MSP and John Swinney MSP were present since January 1, 2022: FOI release

Information relating to all meetings held in which Ross Greer MSP and John Swinney MSP were present since January 1, 2022, including, dates, times, locations, minutes and actions resulting from the meeting. Please exclude all Scottish Parliament committee meetings and meetings of the whole Scottish Parliament.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.28 s.29 s.30 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200328720
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications between the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information team and Michael Matheson: FOI release

Copies of communications between the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information team and Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport. Please include communications with his office and his Special Advisers, and restrict the search the dates between 4th April 2022 and 15th November 2022

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-07
Reference: 202200330329
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Lord Advocate statement to Parliament on her referral to the Supreme Court on the matter of an Independence Bill being within the competence of the Scottish Parliament: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Lord Advocate from June 2022 in relation to requests for the Lord Advocate to provide a statement to Parliament on her referral to the Supreme Court on the matter of an independence Bill being within the competence of the Scottish Parliament.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2023-11-30
Reference: 202200309710
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cost of First Minister's Christmas card and staff members working on independence referendum: FOI release

How much of taxpayers' money was used to print the FM’s Christmas card this year? How much of taxpayers' money was spent on the 29 civil servants' wages that were working on the Independence Referendum and what they are being re employed to work on now?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-29
Reference: 202200334524
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Operation Unicorn: FOI release

The costs of planning for Operation Unicorn (plans to be enacted if the Queen were to die in Scotland) to the Scottish Government, broken down by budget line. Any correspondence sent by Scottish Government ministers or officials referencing the Queen or Operation Unicorn between September 9 of this year and September 1...

FOI transferred 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts spending s.12

Published: 2023-11-28
Reference: 202200320839
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