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
326 matching releases

Freedom of Information (FOI) statistics from 2018 onwards: FOI release

1. The number of FOIs dealt with by the Scottish Government in a) 2021 b) 2020 c) 2019 d) 2018. 2. The number of FOIs not responded to within the 28 day time frame in a) 2021 b) 2020 c) 2019 d) 2018. 3. The number of FOIs not responded to within 20 days of receiving confirmation following a clarification request a) 202...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.10(1) s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2022-01-12
Reference
FOI/202100256052
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding paragraph 20 of the Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group Cooperation Agreement: FOI release

"Copies of all correspondence held relating to Paragraph 20 of the Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party Parliamentary Group Cooperation Agreement, otherwise known as the 'no surprises' rule."

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29 s.38 4 attachments
Published
2022-01-06
Reference
FOI/202100250429
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Unique correspondence logged between April 2020 and March 2021: FOI release

Please share with me the total number of unique correspondence cases logged between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2021 and the percentage of these which were answered on time (only where there is a mandated response time and so this stat will already be tracked and available) for the following areas: Data protection r...

FOI/EIR cost limit 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.12
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100249639
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Preparations made for an independent Scotland: FOI release

I would like to know what preparations have been for a post independent Scotland since the referendum in 2014. What work has been done on, Currency and Banking system Pensions Defence Foreign policy Trade relations Passports and Border Control, and where can I read about this?

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1)
Published
2021-12-15
Reference
FOI/202100251793
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Responsibilities and roles of MSPs and Scottish National Party (SNP) MPs: FOI release

“The responsibilities of MSPs and SNP MPs in relation to responding to constituents emails. Are they duty bound to respond to constituents correspondence or is this something that they can totally ignore if, example, they don't like the questions being asked? What course of action can a constituent take if several emai...

FOI not held 40 score 10 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2021-11-10
Reference
FOI/202100245973
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Green agreement: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government and Patrick Harvie on the Green agreement and his subsequent Ministerial appointment from 7 May 2021 to 31 August 2021 (our reference – 202100239912) 2. Correspondence between the Scottish Government and Lorna Slater on the Green agreement and her subsequent Ministerial...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-11-09
Reference
FOI/202100239912
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence between Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture and British and Irish Council: FOI release

How many meetings (virtual or in person) has Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, had with representatives of and/or the leadership of the British and Irish Council since he was appointed in May 2021 – to date? How much correspondence (letters, emails, texts, calls or o...

FOI unclear 75 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-03
Reference
FOI/202100236983
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Details regarding white paper on future independence referendum: FOI release

Has a budget been allocated for the preparation of a white paper on a future Independence Referendum and cost of a referendum? What are the estimated costs of bringing such a referendum to a conclusion? How many civil servants will be allocated to this task?

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2021-10-21
Reference
FOI/202100237749
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefing materials on independence referendum prospectus: FOI release

"On 7 September 2021, the First Minister told the Scottish Parliament: ‘It also reaffirms the Scottish Government’s commitment to an independence referendum… I can confirm that the Scottish Government will now restart work on the detailed prospectus that will guide the decision.’ Could you please provide copies of any ...

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-20
Reference
FOI/202100237662
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet meetings attended by Patrick Harvie MSP or Lorna Slater MSP: FOI release

1. The number of Cabinet meetings held since 28 August 2021; 2. The number of Cabinet meetings attended by either Patrick Harvie or Lorna Slater; 3. The purpose for which they attended; and 4. The number of Cabinet meetings since 28 August attended by other junior Ministers. Please specify which Minister attended on wh...

FOI unclear 50 score 1 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2021-10-14
Reference
FOI/202100242821
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Various questions relating to Scottish Government working groups: FOI release

For each of the groups listed on the Scottish Government's website here: https://www.gov.scot/groups/, I would like the following information: 1. Whether the group is still active. 1a. The date of establishment. 1b. If no longer active, the date of dissolution. 2. The date of the most recent meeting of the group. 3. Th...

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-11
Reference
FOI/202100231518
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Current Ministerial responsibility: FOI release

1. Can you tell me if the two newly appointed Green ministers are responsible to a Cabinet Secretary or, if not, what other arrangements have been made for their accountability to the Government as a whole? 2. Are specific directorates intended to report to them, or, if not, how else are they to make and implement deci...

FOI unclear 50 score 7 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2021-10-06
Reference
FOI/202100237443
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Appointment of two Scottish Green Members of the Scottish Parliament: FOI release

In anticipation of the appointment of two Scottish Green Members of the Scottish Parliament as Junior Ministers you queried whether the First Minister would in turn remove two existing Ministers from her ministerial team.

FOI not held 40 score 13 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-10-05
Reference
FOI/202100232849
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Communication between Scottish Government Minister and officials: FOI release

1. Any and all communications between Scottish Government ministers and officials and a) Progress Scotland Limited ; b) Mark Diffley Consultancy and Research Limited; c) Invicta Public Affairs Limited: d) Charlotte Street Partners Limited and e) Halogen Communications Limited. 2. Any payments from the Scottish Governme...

FOI not held 70 score 191 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.17(1) s.12 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202000104296
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Number of Freedom of Information request submitted by journalist: FOI review

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist Conor Matchett in the period 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021. 2. Please give a rough breakdown of requests by subject matter. 3. Please give a breakdown of how many were appealed and reviewed internally and externally with a brea...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.38(1) s.10(1) s.20 s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)
Published
2021-07-16
Reference
FOI/202100215149 review of 202100202671
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Communication relating to Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100202671.All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100208816.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-15
Reference
FOI/202100215169
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

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

Correspondence with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) relating to cyber-attack: FOI release

For all correspondence between Scottish Ministers and the SEPA senior management team that relates to the Christmas 2020 cyberattack. To include sms, WhatsApp, Signal and other messages, and briefings received by ministers, dated from the date the hack started to 31st March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.35(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-16
Reference
FOI/202100202192
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

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