Scottish Government FOI Index

21,864releases indexed

39,478attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,113partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-06-12newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,113 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days

Clear

1,132 matching releases

Communications between the Director of Law Reform at the Law Society of Scotland and the former Finance Secretary: FOI release

Information contained in all documents, meetings, communications and discussions held by the Scottish Government, in relation to any meetings (including numbers of, locations), communications and discussions between Michael Clancy of the Law Society of Scotland and Finance Secretary Derek Mackay until Mr Mackay quit th...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-20
Reference: FOI/202600514522
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Information regarding NHS Scotland staff receiving a day off for the World Cup: FOI release

The following information regarding the announcement that NHS Scotland staff will receive a day off on 15th June 2026 due to the Scottish Men’s Football team playing in the World Cup: 1. The total estimated financial cost to the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland of granting this additional public holiday to NHS sta...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.2 s.3 s.30 s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-20
Reference: FOI/202600513757
Directorate: Health Workforce Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Information regarding mid-market rent (MMR) properties within Hilton Garden City Rosyth development: FOI release

I am writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 in relation to the Hilton Garden City development in Rosyth, Fife. I am seeking information relating to the funding, agreements, and policy framework underpinning the Mid-Market Rent (MMR) properties within this development and their s...

FOI not held 70 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-20
Reference: FOI/202600514613
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Abdelbaset al-Megrahi medical information: FOI release

1) Any summaries, briefings or reports provided to Ministers regarding the medical condition and prognosis of Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi in advance of the August 2009 compassionate release decision; 2) Any correspondence or internal communications discussing the medical evidence relied upon in assessing life expectancy; 3...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-19
Reference: FOI/202600513608
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Invest to Save Fund award to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar: FOI release

I am writing to make a formal request for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. I refer to the Scottish Government’s award of £300,000 to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to enable further development of working models for a Single Authority Model (SAM) for the Western Isles, as part of wider publ...

FOI not held 70 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.3 s.4 s.8 s.12 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-18
Reference: FOI/202600514050
Directorate: Public Service Reform Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Council Tax banding queries: FOI release

Request 1 - 202600512895: I would like to see any mention of Council Tax band differences between Scotland and England which are discussed with or communicated to or by the First Minister or where any comparison is being made about relative cost of Council Tax bands across the UK including guidance of information or g...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-18
Reference: FOI/202600512895
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Apprenticeship funding data: FOI release

Apprenticeship funding, numbers of apprenticeship starts and in training (with requested breakdowns), from 2015/16 to 2024/25 inclusive.

FOI not held 45 score 15 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.3

Published: 2026-05-14
Reference: FOI/202600504882
Directorate: Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Scottish Government reports or briefings containing annual miscarriage estimates: FOI release

Please can you provide the estimated number of miscarriage for each of the last 10 years for which data are available, including: Any national-level estimates produced or used by the Scottish Government; Any analyses, reports, or briefings (including internal papers) that include annual miscarriage estimates.

FOI already published 80 score 0 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-14
Reference: FOI/202600513077
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

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

Ministerial expenses of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: FOI release

In light of the information pertaining to Peter Murrell it is clear that there might have been some fraudulent activity with regards to SNP accounts. Can you please advise and reassure us that the expenses of the former first minister Nicola Sturgeon have been thoroughly checked to ensure that the same invoices were no...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600506652
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Number of memos/minutes sent from Lord Advocate’s office/Law Officers to the First Minister: FOI release

Please provide the total number of memos/minutes (“Minute to the First Minister” or equivalent formal note) sent from the Lord Advocate’s office / Law Officers to the First Minister’s office between 1 October 2025 and 17 February 2026 (inclusive). I am not requesting the content of any memo, nor any description of wha...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600507377
Directorate: Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Education briefing materials on teachers in Scotland: FOI release

1. A copy of the latest briefing material on teachers in Scotland prepared for the Cabinet Secretary for Education. I am aware that you’ll be inclined to redact content that comes under ‘free and frank advice’, and that there can be a justification for that, but please do not redact facts or statistics as you would ha...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600500746
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding proposal and provision of late stage abortion: FOI release

1. Copies of any recommendations, proposals, or outputs produced by the Task and Finish Group and submitted to the Scottish Government, National Services Division (NSD), or any other public authority, including but not limited to: The target operating model (TOM) Any executive summaries, briefing papers, slide decks, ...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600507213
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

First Minister Branchform update correspondence: FOI release

The Lord Advocate has shared a list of other occasions in which she informed the First Minister of details of criminal cases. The list revealed that on 20th March 2025 the First Minister was informed about Peter Murrell appearing in court, the charge of embezzlement, and an estimated amount of alleged embezzlement amo...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-12
Reference: FOI/202600508326
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Independent Advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code investigation queries: FOI Review

Original Request 202600500686 Regarding the Independent Advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code and their investigation into Angela Constance between December 2025 and January 2026: 1. Between opening and concluding their investigation, how many hours in total did each of the Independent Advisers spend investigatin...

FOI not held 45 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600504932 Review of 202600500686
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service updates regarding Operation Branchform: FOI release

I see from a FOl response that the Lord Advocate sent an update to the Scottish Government for the First Minister's attention regarding Peter Murrell's appearance in court. It was officially an update on Operation Branchform. Now I want the following information please. 1. Confirm how many notes or updates the Crown ...

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

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600508089
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Bond supplier day information: FOI release

On 26th January 2026, in connection with the Scottish Government’s bond programme, a “Supplier Information Day” was held at Scotland House in London. Please provide the following information about this event: (1.) The full text of John Swinney’s remarks. (2.) The full text of remarks made by any other representatives...

FOI not held 70 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600503390
Directorate: Exchequer Strategy Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, 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

Transport Scotland - Safety implications for cyclists arising from proposals to increase Heavy Goods Vehicle speed limits: FOI release

1. Any risk assessments, analyses, modelling, or briefing papers that consider the impact of increased HGV speed limits on cyclist safety, including collision likelihood and/or collision severity, in the context of Safe System principles. 2. Any internal correspondence, submissions, ministerial briefings, or advice pr...

FOI unclear 55 score 10 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.5 s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-11
Reference: FOI/202600501897
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Scottish Graduate Visa proposal and International Student Welfare policy: FOI release

All correspondence, briefings, reports or policy documents produced or received by the Scottish Government in the last three years relating to the proposed Scottish Graduate Visa, including any communications with the UK Home Office on this matter. The Scottish Government's current assessment of the impact of the UK Go...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.25(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-08
Reference: FOI/202600511350
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Risks associated with implementing the Bail and Release (Scotland) Act: FOI release

1. Any modelling or projections prepared by Justice Analytical Services, or any other SG analytical or policy unit, which estimate: (a) changes in the remand population, (b) expected bail breach rates, (c) expected reoffending while on bail, or (d) any quantified public-safety risks associated with the Bail and Rel...

FOI not held 70 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-07
Reference: FOI/202500497644
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Policy on funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) for eligible two‑year‑olds: FOI release

1. Policy Rationale and Evidence Base Any documentation, briefing papers, ministerial submissions, impact assessments, or internal analyses outlining the rationale for extending funded ELC to two‑year‑olds based on parental benefit status. Any modelling or evidence used to support the statement that this policy would ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.2 s.4 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 6 attachments

Published: 2026-05-07
Reference: FOI/202600511271
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Children and families, 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

Operation Talla queries: FOI release

1. Did the Home Office or UK Government issue guidance to Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Ministers or Police Scotland instructing that complaints or crime reports questioning COVID-19 policy (restrictions, vaccines, testing, public health data, fraud, misconduct) should not be recorded or investigated? 2. If yes: Who auth...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1)

Published: 2026-05-06
Reference: FOI/202500497311
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Law and order, 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