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

152 matching releases

George Adam's (SNP) meeting: FOI release

1) All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to the following meeting: 1a) George Adam's meeting with Daren F...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-02-15
Reference: FOI/202200331316
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Office of Mayor of Greater Manchester correspondence - FoI Release

"Electronic copies of all communication from within the Scottish Government between ministers, special advisors, civil servants, government officials – including the First Minister’s email account, her office, and her chief of staff Colin McAllister - regarding meeting Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 71 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp 2 attachments

Published: 2022-12-28
Reference: FOI/202200320940
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Visit of Michelle O'Neill to Bute House and meeting with First Minister: FOI release

On May 20 this year, Michelle O'Neill MLA visited the First Minister at Bute House. https://www.gov.scot/news/first-minister-meets-michelle-oneill-mla/ Please supply all items of information generated by the First Minister, her officials and special advisers in relation to the arranging of this meeting, its conduct and...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-10-19
Reference: FOI/202200312323
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with Lord Advocate regarding the Supreme Court: FOI release

1) Any correspondence, including meetings, notes, memos, agendas, ministerial briefings and minutes, between the Scottish Government and the office of the Lord Advocate on the topic of the Lord Advocate's reference to the Supreme Court between January 1, 2022 and June 28, 2022. This should include any emails, letters, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-22
Reference: FOI/202200312193
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Preparations and costs of Independence Prospectus: FOI release

In September, the First Minister announced that Scottish Government civil servants would start work on a detailed prospectus for independence (as reported here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland politics-58478187). On 4th November 2021, I submitted a Freedom of Information request which asked for informat...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-05-05
Reference: FOI/202200283353
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Independence prospectus post budget announcement: FOI release

In September, the First Minister announced that Scottish Government civil servants would start work on a detailed prospectus for independence (as reported here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-58478187). On 4th November 2021, I submitted a Freedom of Information request which asked for informat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-01-27
Reference: FOI/202100264359
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Details of Cabinet meetings: FOI release

1. How often does the Cabinet meet and for how long? 2. Is an agenda always circulated in advance and is that publicly available? 3. Is a minute always taken and, if so, is that publicly available? 4. What Committees have been established and what information about them is publicly available? 5. Which Ministers, Commit...

FOI unclear 50 score 7 working days correspondence ministers meetings

Published: 2021-09-27
Reference: FOI/202100232471
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Discussion held relating to First Minister attending British-Irish Council meeting: FOI release

Internal communications (email, WhatsApp, text or any other form of electronic communication, as well as handwritten notes and minutes of any in-person, video or telephone meetings) between civil servants, special advisers, ministers and health officials about the prospect of the first minister travelling to the June 2...

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

Published: 2021-07-13
Reference: FOI/202100212995
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with Scottish Green Party regarding co-operation agreement: FOI release

Any correspondence the Scottish Government has had with the Scottish Green Party regarding a co-operation agreement for the Scottish Greens to join or support the Scottish Government. This correspondence should include emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2021-07-08
Reference: FOI/202100211039
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Minutes of meetings with other parties following 2021 Scottish Parliament election: FOI release

1) Minutes of meetings between Scottish Government officials (including the First Minister) and Scottish Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and/or Lorna Slater following the 2021 election. 2) Minutes of a meeting between the First Minister and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar following the 2021 election.

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-06-28
Reference: FOI/202100207108
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Covid-19 briefings relating to restrictions: FOI release

1. Minutes from any formal four nations discussions with Michael Gove and other representatives from UK, Welsh Governments and Northern Ireland executive between October 1 and January 15 on the topic of Covid-19 and four nations alignment on restrictions/measures. 2. Notes taken by Scottish Government staff or minister...

FOI not held 70 score 80 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.1 s.17(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.3(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-06-15
Reference: FOI/202100164644 review of 202100140372
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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