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
389 matching releases

Correspondence regarding Digital Growth Fund: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the Digital Growth Fund since 1 September 2020. 2. Any briefings (notes, memos, or ...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000129474
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Scottish Enterprise resignation: FOI release

Any briefings, memos or other material was produced by civil servants for Ministers and/or special advisors on the resignation of Steve Dunlop from Scottish Enterprise. Details of any meetings between civil servants, Ministers and/or special advisors where the above topic was discussed. Copies of any emails or other ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-02-23
Reference
FOI/202000103812
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

COVID-19 Correspondence from small retailers concerning lockdown rules: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters or otherwise) received by Scottish Ministers/special advisors between 29 October to 11 November from those identified as working in small/non-essential retailers as owners, employers, staff or otherwise who have written concerned about the prospect of a second national lock...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-01
Reference
FOI/202000110673
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

QI Consulting contract with Scottish Government for independent operational expert advice: FOI release

Your request is noted below: “To ask Scottish Ministers to provide the contract that was drawn up and agreed between both parties that enabled Commodore van Beek to commence his review. In addition, Mr van Beek states in his letter above that the review would be carried out with a colleague, Bert Niven, a director of ...

FOI already published 80 score 12 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.38 s.33 s.25(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-12
Reference
FOI/202000017467
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Suspension of European Social Fund: FOI release

“I understand that the ESF and ERDF programmes in Scotland have both been forced into a period of suspension following an audit by the European Commission on Scottish Government in their capacity as Managing Authority. Can you please provide the following specific pieces of information: 1. Audit report(s) which outline...

FOI cost limit 45 score 15 working days correspondence ministers spending s.26 s.12 s.1(1) s.20 s.12(1)
Published
2020-03-05
Reference
FOI/202000015876
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Questions concerning Scottish Minister mobile phones and resignation salaries: FOI release

You asked for: "1. Do yours Ministers use taxpayer funded mobile phones, social media accounts and traffic. Or do they use for those uses their personal and personally paid for accounts. 2. Will Mr McKay pick up a £12 k or more tax free bonus for resigning. Aye or No."

FOI released 75 score 10 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2
Published
2020-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000015988
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector, Work and skills

All correspondence pertaining to the First Minister's visit to Coca Cola factory: FOI release

You asked for: Any documentation pertaining to Nicola Sturgeon’s visit to Coca Cola on 31.7.19. This should include any letters, emails, briefings, and notes of conversations (including telephone) pertaining to the visit.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.38(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.33 2 attachments
Published
2020-02-12
Reference
FOI/202000011679
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Economy, Public sector, +1 more … Work and skills

Manufacturing roundtable attendance including the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills: FOI release

You asked for the following information: “Who attended a meeting at Gretna with Jamie Hepburn MSP, along with 30 or so others on the 13th January 2020.”

FOI partially withheld 65 score 4 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38 s.38(1)
Published
2020-01-29
Reference
FOI/202000013021
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd & Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd relationship: FOI release

‘copies of any and all correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes or electronic, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, reports, documents or otherwise) from the Scottish Government ministers, senior civil servants, Scottish Government senior lawyers, and any Scottish Government wholly own agencies and the ...

FOI not held 40 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts
Published
2019-11-19
Reference
FOI/201900005461
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

VATIS Ltd Quarterly Review regarding Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL): FOI release

‘copies of any and all correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes or electronic, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, reports, documents or otherwise) from the Scottish Government ministers, senior civil servants, Scottish Government senior lawyers, and any Scottish Government wholly own agencies and the ...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending
Published
2019-11-18
Reference
FOI/201900005459
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Stakeholders correspondence regarding the IMPACT Centre project: FOI appeal

All correspondence between or involving Scottish Ministers and/or employees of the Scottish Government with stakeholders regarding the IMPACT Centre project from 1 Jan 2017 to the date of request.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 96 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.28 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-15
Reference
FOI/19/00003
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Building, planning and design, Constitution and democracy, +1 more … Public sector

Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited correspondence: FOI release

‘copies of any and all correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes or electronic, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, reports, loan drawdown assurance reports, documents or otherwise) between Scottish Government ministers, senior civil servants, Scottish Government senior lawyers, and any Scottish Governm...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.27(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-11-12
Reference
FOI/201900005209
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Ferguson Marine Ferry Procurement Quarterly and Drawdown reports: FOI release

You asked for the Quarterly and Drawdown reports produced by Luke Van Beek CBE and held by the Scottish Government whilst Luke Van Beek was investigating the Ferguson Marine Ferry Procurement.

FOI clarification 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.33(1) s.38(1) 16 attachments
Published
2019-10-03
Reference
FOI/201900003779
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Loan to Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited: FOI appeal

All information held regarding the loan of £30 million made by the Scottish Government in June 2018 to Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited, including but not limited to: 1. All minutes and notes of meetings held between FME Limited and the Scottish Government. 2. The loan agreement including interest terms and basis ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 129 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.33(1) s.30 s.25(1) 36 attachments
Published
2019-08-13
Reference
FOI/18/01835
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Longannet power station closure Fife Council regeneration awards: FOI release

Information on the terms that £2.3m was given to Fife Council to help in the regeneration after the closure of Longannet power station I believe it was awarded in 2017/2018. Also the further £300k of funding given to Fife Council for regeneration of Kincardine.

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers 6 attachments
Published
2019-07-11
Reference
FOI/19/01426
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Ernst & Young LLP reports and guidance to Scottish Government: FOI release

You asked the Scottish Government to provide the following: ‘a copy of all advice including any reports provided by Ernst & Young LLP (also known as EY) in late 2016 and early 2017 to the Scottish government in relation to the extension by the Scottish government of a financial guarantee to companies that are part of ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-08
Reference
FOI/19/01414
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Nicola Sturgeon and other parties, communications regarding Lochaber smelter: FOI release

You requested: (i) “communication between Nicola Sturgeon and other parties on the subject of the Lochaber smelter between January and June 2018” and (ii) “any information surrounding her possible approval of an additional guarantee (beyond that offered in 2018) to the GFG Alliance aluminium and power facility at For...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 15 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-08
Reference
FOI/19/01464
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Challenges that the contract for 801 and 802 have been placing on Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited: FOI appeal

You asked: “I refer to Scottish Government’s response to Freedom of Information request FOI/18/02245 specifically email correspondence from Jim McColl to Liz Ditchburn dated 5 February 2018, timed at 13:32. The correspondence states “….it is also important for the Scottish Government to recognise that I have been high...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.33(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-04
Reference
FOI/18/03135
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Director of Economic Development and Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited correspondence: FOI release

Following the appearance of Michael Matheson (Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity) at the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee on 15 May 2019, you asked the Scottish Government to provide the following information: 1. The specific correspondence via letter or email that the Director of...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.33 2 attachments
Published
2019-06-12
Reference
FOI/19/01287
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Legal agreements with Ferguson Marine Engineering/Clyde Blowers Capital: FOI release

You asked the Scottish Government to provide; a copy of all legal agreements between Scottish Ministers and any of: Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited Ferguson Marine Engineering (Holdings) Limited Clyde Blowers Capital.

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33(1) 6 attachments
Published
2019-06-11
Reference
FOI/19/01262
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence in relation to request FOI/19/00022: FOI release

In relation to Freedom of Information request FOI/19/00022, please provide: A copy of all correspondence (excluding any to myself) during the period 23 January 2019 to 23 February 2019 (inclusive of both dates).

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2019-06-04
Reference
FOI/19/01202
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Business Growth Group Meetings and minutes: FOI release

There are dates and minutes for three meetings of the Scottish Business Growth Group – April 2017, November 2017 and May 2018 – available online (https://www.gov.scot/groups/scottish-business-growth-group/). Have there been any other additional meetings held by the Scottish Business Growth Group? (a) If there have bee...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1)
Published
2019-05-14
Reference
FOI/19/01139
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Aerospace, Defence, Marine and Security Industry Leadership Group, Defence Sub-group: FOI release

You asked for copies of documents held by the Scottish Government which refer to the Defence Sub-group of the Aerospace, Defence, Marine and Security Industry Leadership Group dated from January 2016 onwards.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.32(1) s.33(1) s.36(2) s.38(1) s.33 s.36 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-04-30
Reference
FOI/19/00921
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Economy, Public sector

Commercial Loan Facility balance Ferguson Marine Engineering: FOI release

Your information request referenced the answer provided to a previous request (FoI/19/00606) and asked “as of 9th April 2019 what is the current status of the remaining £5m that had yet to be drawn down by the Company since the FOI request of 4th March 2019?”.

FOI unclear 50 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers
Published
2019-04-30
Reference
FOI/19/01002
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Drawn down balance commercial loan to Fergus Marine Engineering Limited: FOI release

In relation to the commercial loan facility Scottish Ministers provided to Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited in June 2018 you asked “how much of the balance of £13m has been drawn down as of 4th March 2019 and has any further direct funding of any method been made available to the Company as of the same date.”

FOI unclear 50 score 11 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2019-03-20
Reference
FOI/19/00606
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector