Scottish Government FOI Index

11,099releases indexed

19,072attachments found

28.7avg calendar days

4,403partially withheld

2023-10-02oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 4,403 unclear 3,109 not held 1,663 released 816 already published 409 cost limit 376 clarification 166 withheld 123 transferred 34

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 2824 s.20 2437 s.34(1) 2118 s.39(2) 1920 s.30 1721 s.17(1) 1465 s.25(1) 1326 s.10(4) 1159 s.11(2) 933 s.29(1) 703 s.2 586 s.6(1) 478

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 743 releases · 28.1 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 632 releases · 29.1 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 437 releases · 29.3 avg days Marine Directorate 406 releases · 26.4 avg days Population Health Directorate 404 releases · 25.8 avg days Environment and Forestry Directorate 354 releases · 34.0 avg days Economic Development Directorate 334 releases · 41.5 avg days People Directorate 332 releases · 23.9 avg days

Clear

114 matching releases

Assurance on NHS compliance with Supreme Court Judgement: FOI release

The following questions based on the communication issued by Gillian Russell, Director of Health Workforce, to NHS Board Chief Executives on 30 September 2025. 1. Is Ms Russell now assured that each NHS Board has in fact obtained their own legal advice as independent legal entities – please provide a list of all NHS B...

FOI unclear 55 score 12 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600507521
Directorate: Health Workforce Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Health and social care, Public sector

Transfer of devolved powers to the UK Government queries: FOI release

1. Confirmation of whether any Section 30 Order has ever transferred devolved powers from the Scottish Government or Scottish Parliament to the UK Government Please confirm: Whether any Order in Council made under Section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 has ever had the effect of reducing the legislative competence of the...

FOI transferred 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.1 s.4 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600500071
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Freedom of Information vexatious or repeated requests data: FOI release

1) Please provide the number of Freedom of Information requests refused by the Scottish Government for being vexatious since John Swinney became First Minister. Also provide the same for the time Humza Yousaf was First Minister and the same for when Nicola Sturgeon was First Minister. 2) For each of the above provide ...

FOI transferred 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.14(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.14V 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-06
Reference: FOI/202600510718
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Asylum seeker and refugee homelessness and hardship prevention policy: FOI release

1. The current number, status, and locations of asylum seekers and refugees presently in Scotland; 2. The Scottish Government’s policy for those recently displaced from Home Office-provided accommodation; 3. The measures being taken to prevent hardship, homelessness, and destitution among this population.

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.22 s.12 s.25

Published: 2026-05-06
Reference: FOI/202500497147
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill information: FOI release

You asked for the following information relates to the Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill: 1. EVIDENCE BASE 1.1 Please provide all written evidence, submissions, reports, research papers, safety data, and statistical analyses that were received by or commissioned by the Scottis...

FOI cost limit 70 score 14 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.1 s.2 s.4 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.12 s.17(1) s.36(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2026-05-05
Reference: FOI/202600511564
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Witchcraft Act 1563 apology documentation: FOI release

1. Any internal briefing notes or policy documents that outline the legal or moral rationale for providing a state apology for a 16th-century historic injustice. 2. Any documents discussing the state’s responsibility to acknowledge "evidence gaps" or the destruction of historical records caused by such state-sponsored...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-28
Reference: FOI/202600509137
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

NHS Tayside walk in centre location query: FOI release

“I note the following https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr45ekv79lzo FOI What determination and research was made to place a walk in centre within 5 mins of NHS Tayside main hospital building and not more centrally located in Dundee serving all of Dundee and not just trying to cut down A&E visits from the local area...

FOI unclear 80 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-27
Reference: FOI/202600508399
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Transport Scotland - Oban Harbour Revision Order (HRO) information: FOI release

Documents in relation to the draft Oban Harbour Revision Order (HRO): All internal written communications within Transport Scotland; Notes of all meetings held within Transport Scotland; and Records of all internal telephone calls made within Transport Scotland.

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.36(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-23
Reference: FOI/202600506295
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Education Scotland - Compliance with Supreme Court ruling on definition of sex: FOI Review

Original request 202500478413 Whether any Equality Impact Assessments (EQIAs), training plans, internal meeting notes, or correspondence discussing the legal implications of the ruling are held; and Whether Education Scotland received or commissioned any legal advice following the ruling (withholding legal advice unde...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence meetings s.36(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-13
Reference: FOI/202500481951 Review of 202500478413
Directorate
Topic: Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Documentation that mentions Former SNP Chief Executive Officer: FOI release

Please disclose any emails or WhatsApps sent between Scottish Government officials, including any special advisers, which contain the words “Peter Murrell” sent between 1 January 2026, and February 17, 2026.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts whatsapp s.25(1) s.17(1) s.17 s.30 s.3 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-07
Reference: FOI/202600507146
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Graduate entry and LLB tuition fee application information: FOI release

I request the following information for the last 5 Academic Years (2020-21 to 2024-25): 1. For each academic year, the application data - ie number of applications - for tuition fee funding for LLB (Graduate Entry/Accelerated) courses in Scotland that were: Received Approved Rejected 2. For rejected applications in ...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.17(1) s.73 s.3 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-10
Reference: FOI/202600500997
Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Scottish Government and NHS Lothian and/or NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde regarding the new NHS East and NHS West structure: FOI release

The dates of any meetings held between the Scottish Government and NHS Lothian and/or NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde regarding the new NHS East and NHS West structure since 1 January 2025. Any minutes of these meetings. Briefings from these meetings prepared for Scottish Government Ministers. Who attended these meetings...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.29(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500497219
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Lochaber Smelter "monitoring reports" extracts: FOI release

I am requesting specific extracts from the "monitoring reports" produced by external advisors (Deloitte, Teneo, or similar) regarding the Scottish Government's financial guarantee to the GFG Alliance (Alvance British Aluminium) for the Lochaber Smelter. Please provide: 1. The "Risk Dashboard" Only: The single page or...

FOI not held 45 score 15 working days correspondence ministers spending s.33(1) s.2 s.17(1) s.36(1)

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496386
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government correspondence regarding the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and the office of the First Minister regarding the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020. Information should include but ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495526
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Disclosure Scotland's response to the UK Supreme Court judgement: FOI Review

Original Request 202500477264 1. Legal and Policy Review Any internal communications, legal advice, briefings, minutes, or emails that reference the implications of the Supreme Court ruling for Disclosure Scotland’s policies, equality duties, safeguarding procedures, or communications. Any Equality Impact Assessments ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.29(1) s.30 s.1 s.36(1) s.17(1) s.3 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500481644 - Review of 202500477264
Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for frontline health & social care worker groups: FOI release

You asked for information on the following, in respect of the removal of unpaid carers from the COVID-19 vaccination programme: 1. Timeline discrepancy and date of the Scottish Government’s decision 2. Wider implications for clinical safety 3. Request for documentation of the decision 4. Minutes or summary of the m...

FOI clarification 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-11
Reference: FOI/202500494428
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the use of Cameron Barracks to house asylum seekers: FOI release

– All the emails and texts between the Scottish Government and the Home Office, Highland Council, NHS Highland, Police Scotland regarding the use of Cameron Barracks to house asylum seekers up until November 7, 2025. – All economic, social, environmental, legal or risk impact assessments conducted by the Scottish Gove...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.28 s.17(1) s.25 s.1 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-11
Reference: FOI/202500493356
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Affidavit in relation to the Hamilton Report: FOI release

From the legal advice released in October 2024 following SIC decision notice 193/2024 on page 87: “An affidavit from [redacted – section 38(1)(b)] as former head of the Secretariat about the arrangements was provided to OSIC as additional evidence.” 1) I request the above affidavit, as well any other affidavits provi...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.36(1) s.14(2) s.14 s.14O s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-04
Reference: FOI/202500491548
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Immigration-related land use, Equality Act compliance and safeguarding information: FOI Review

Original request 202500486123 1. Immigration-Related Land Use • Recorded information (briefings, board or management papers, correspondence, leases/licences, meeting minutes, internal reports, or ministerial directions) from 1 Jan 2019–present on: • Use, proposed use, or upcoming plans involving forestry or woodland f...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.2 s.4 s.5 s.12 s.15 s.25(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) s.1 s.33 s.38 s.21 s.17(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2026-02-03
Reference: FOI/202500489170 Review of 202500486123
Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Release of legally privileged information and use of WhatsApp on Scottish Government phones: FOI release

1. Could you provide how many occasions in the last two years that the Scottish Government has been forced to publicly release legally privileged information, and include what this info was and why it had to be released? 2. Could you supply how many incidents have been recorded of government staff, officials or minist...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491146
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice and Supporting Transgender Young People in Schools information: FOI release

1. Have the Scottish Government received any versions of the updated Code of Practice sent by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to the UK Government for approval on or after 5 September 2025? 2. Please provide copies of any versions and any covering correspondence received by the Scottish Government in r...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.5 s.36(2) s.36(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-14
Reference: FOI/202500486694
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

NHS Fife statement on the recommencement of the employment tribunal information: FOI release

Information held by the Scottish Government relating to a statement released by NHS Fife on 18th July titled, “Statement on the Recommencement of the Employment Tribunal". 1. Correspondence with NHS Fife – All correspondence (emails, letters, Teams/Slack chats, WhatsApp, Signal, SMS, call notes, and any attachments/dr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.4 s.5 s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-13
Reference: FOI/202500486035
Directorate: Health Workforce Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) board member appointment information: FOI release

You asked for information on the “changing legal requirements” which had impacted the appointment of three new members to the board of Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS), specifically: 1. A detailed explanation of the specific legal changes referenced in relation to CHS appointments. 2. A list of other public bodies,...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.17(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500484747
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector, Work and skills

Highland Council engagement regarding breaches of the Community Council Code of Conduct: FOI release

Legal Rationale: All information held by the Scottish Government, including legal advice and internal communications, detailing the rationale for The Highland Council's current position regarding the implementation of a censure and sanction system for breaches of the Code of Conduct within its Scheme of Establishment f...

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

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500485615
Directorate: Public Service Reform Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Council Tax enforcement: FOI release

1. Policy Documents Governing Summary Warrants Internal guidance, memos, or statutory interpretation documents relating to the use of summary warrants for council tax enforcement Legal justification for bypassing judicial hearings and denying debtors the right to rebut 2. Council Tax Redistribution Breakdown Percent...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.19 s.30 s.17(1) s.84 s.81

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOi/202500484756
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Money and tax, Public sector