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
446 matching releases

Carbon Removers and Green Hydrogen export to Germany: FOI release

“Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from the meeting, and briefings, about John Swinney's visit to the Carbon Removers on December 10 2024? Between November 15 2024 and December 30 2024” and “Could you suppl...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.33(1) s.36(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-05
Reference
FOI/202500464787
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Return on capital and renewables: EIR Review

Original request 202500463435 Copies of all internal Scottish Government email correspondence (including Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers, and Press Officers) discussing the drafting of two items of correspondence: reference numbers 202500452014 and 202500458908.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 s.39(2) s.30 s.10(4) s.38(1) s.11(2) 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-05
Reference
EIR/202500470326 Review of 202500463435
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Briefings to Ministers on the electricity market and/or wider net zero issues: FOI Review

Original request 202500465514 This is a follow up request to a previous FOI response. Your ref: 202500461036 The above referenced FOI response provided an item with the title "Minister for Independence: Introduction to Building a New Scotland: Net Zero Policy: 31.05.23 –file note" That item includes the following re...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29 s.20 s.39(2) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-05
Reference
FOI/202500470352 Review of 202500465514
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Cost analysis on heat pump policy: EIR release

Information on the cost analysis on this policy, or any impact reports that have been done to get information on the fuel poverty that is created through the use of heat pumps.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.6(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-04
Reference
EIR/202500468946
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Glenmuckloch to Glenglass Reinforcement Project communications: EIR Review

Original request 202500449632 Copies of all electronic and hand written notes, memos, discussions, drafts, correspondence, emails and material received and issued by the Scottish Ministers, Scottish Power Transmission, or by any agent or representative on its behalf, and to any third party relating to the following li...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.5 s.20 s.11(2) s.10(4) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-31
Reference
EIR/202500466627 Review of 202500449632
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Briefings to Ministers on the electricity market and/or wider net zero issues: FOI release

This is a follow up request to a previous FOI response. Your ref: 202500461036 The above referenced FOI response provided an item with the title "Minister for Independence: Introduction to Building a New Scotland: Net Zero Policy: 31.05.23 –file note" That item includes the following remark: "Officials confirmed tha...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-29
Reference
FOI/202500465514
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Deputy First Minister's speech and briefing for the Glasgow All Energy Conference: EIR release

On 14th May 2025, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes addressed the All Energy conference in Glasgow. Please provide the text of Kate Forbes’ speech, and any other briefing documents prepared in advance of the event.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-29
Reference
EIR/202500466155
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Letter to teachers from Ministers on "sustainable education": FOI release

A copy of the letter from Jenny Gilruth and Gillian Martin that was sent to teachers on ‘sustainable education’ and ensures that children are taught the importance of engaging as ‘responsible global citizens in tackling the climate emergency, promoting social justice and equality and valuing the environment’. You also...

FOI released 95 score 17 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-28
Reference
FOI/202500465289
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Education, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Briefing on energy market considerations: FOI release

202500461036 The above referenced FOI response provided an item with the title: "Minister for Independence: Discussion on Net Zero interests 07.06.23 – file note" That item includes the following remark: "Ms McAllan to be offered a separate briefing on energy market considerations" Please provide the following info...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-28
Reference
FOI/202500465530
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Briefing materials and minutes for the zonal pricing meeting: FOI Review

Original request 202500459761 Copies of briefing materials and minutes of the 26 February 2025 meeting between Scottish Government Ministers and Officials regarding zonal pricing.

FOI partially withheld 85 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings 4 attachments
Published
2025-07-23
Reference
FOI/202500464189 Review of 202500459761
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme information: EIR release

1) The number of applications to the Home Energy Scotland grant and loan scheme in financial years a) 2022-23 b) 2023-24 and c) 2024-25. 2) The number of such applications in each year which included funding for heat pumps. 3) The number of Home Energy Scotland grant and loan scheme customers whose applications were ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.3 s.5 s.20 s.39(2) s.1 s.10(5)
Published
2025-07-22
Reference
EIR/202500462873
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Balnespick and Clune Windfarm Environmental Impact Assessment annexes: EIR Review

Original request 202500459920 Access to Environmental Impact Assessment annexes which are marked as confidential, for applications under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the Balnespick Wind Farm (ECU0004904) and Clune Wind Farm (ECU0005038).

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.36 s.20 s.10 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-22
Reference
EIR/202500463951 Review of 202500459920
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Heat in Buildings Bill correspondence: EIR release

1. Any briefing or speaking notes provided to Alasdair Allan ahead of his ministerial statement on Wednesday 3 April 2025 on the Heat in Buildings bill. 2. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister a...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.6(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-16
Reference
EIR/202500461314
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Housing, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence between the First Minister and Russell Findlay MSP: FOI release

Under FOI, please can you advise how many pieces of correspondence have been made to the First Minister John Swinney from Russell Findlay MSP regarding quangos since 1 January 2025? Under FOI, please can you advise how many pieces of correspondence have been made to the First Minister John Swinney from Russell Findlay...

FOI unclear 50 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers
Published
2025-07-14
Reference
FOI/202500462388
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Briefing materials prepared for the former Minister for Climate Action for the “Supporting Households with Cost of Living” debate: FOI release

All briefing materials prepared for Gillian Martin ahead of the “Supporting Households with Cost of Living” debate held on 11 March 2025 in the Scottish Parliament.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.29(1) s.30 s.38 4 attachments
Published
2025-07-08
Reference
FOI/202500458276
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Wind farm public inquiry information: EIR release

I am writing in reference to the response provided to my recent Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs) request (Case reference: 202500451517) concerning data on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) developments and renewable energy projects in the Scottish Borders and the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Be...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.36 s.37 s.62 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-08
Reference
EIR/202500456071
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Exploration for oil and gas and low-carbon jobs correspondence: EIR release

You have asked for a range of information across multiple parts. This response covers the following parts of your request: 1) All correspondence between Ministers, Special Advisers and Officials relating to the policy proposal for a presumption against new exploration for oil and gas in the Scottish Government’s Draft...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-08
Reference
EIR/202500458970
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

First Minister visit to St Fergus Gas Terminal documentation: EIR release

On 22/7/24 John Swinney MSP, First Minister, and Jack Middleton, Special Adviser met with Storegga Limited to visit the St Fergus gas terminal and undertake press work. Source: https://www.lobbying.scot/SPS/InformationReturn/SearchInformationReturnDetail/56630 https://www.gov.scot/news/fast-tracking-scotlands-energy-...

FOI/EIR released 100 score 14 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-07-07
Reference
EIR/202500459263
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Introduction of Heat in Buildings Bill timetable: FOI release

a renewed timetable for a new Heat in Buildings Bill and an outline of what parts of the currently drafted Bill will be removed from the renewed one.

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2025-07-01
Reference
FOI/202500457745
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) meetings and documentation: EIR release

1. How many meetings has WICS had with the Scottish Government in the last three months, and could you supply minutes/notes from these meetings? 2. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government about the WICS chairman Donald MacRae resigning, including correspondence (including internal), minutes/...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2025-06-26
Reference
EIR/202500457097
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) sewage report correspondence: EIR release

A copy of all documents which discuss the Environmental Standards Scotland report, Storm overflows - An assessment of spills, their impact on the water environment and the effectiveness of legislation and policy, since its publication in September 2024.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2025-06-24
Reference
EIR/202500458264
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence with SSE regarding energy consenting in Scotland: EIR release

1. “Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister and any member of SSE’s Board of Directors regarding energy consenting in Scotland . Information should include but not be limited to a detailed timeline ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-06-17
Reference
FOI/202500456791
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Just Transition indicators and policies within the Climate Change Plan: EIR release

“Copies of any internal papers or advice to ministers which consider how the provisions of the Climate Change Act 2019 relating to Just Transition will be taken into account in the preparation of the new Climate Change Plan” and “a list of any external bodies which [the Scottish Government] has consulted on this topic,...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2025-06-16
Reference
FOI/202500457107
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Energy and Climate Change Directorate meetings with oil and gas operators and/or organisations: EIR release

Copies of all documents associated with all meetings held on the following dates between officials in the Energy and Climate Change Directorate and oil and gas operators and/or organisations representing oil and gas interests. Please note there may be more than one relevant meeting on each date. For each meeting, ple...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.10(5) 4 attachments
Published
2025-06-10
Reference
EIR/202500456186
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Correspondence and documentation related to follow-up discussion between the First Minister and selected SEAB members: EIR release

“This is a follow up request to a previous FOI response. Your ref: 202500457230. The above referenced FOI response provided an email sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy on 26th February 2025, with the subject line ‘RE: Joint letters – Zonal pricing concerns’. The email includes the following remark:...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 4 attachments
Published
2025-06-09
Reference
EIR/202500462991
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector