Scottish Government FOI Index

6,100releases indexed

9,352attachments found

25.8avg calendar days

2,462partially withheld

2024-10-07oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 2,462 unclear 1,572 not held 995 released 407 already published 268 cost limit 210 clarification 94 withheld 73 transferred 19

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 1716 s.34(1) 1271 s.20 1243 s.39(2) 1053 s.30 1029 s.17(1) 909 s.25(1) 776 s.10(4) 648 s.11(2) 520 s.29(1) 452 s.2 399 s.3 301

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 416 releases · 26.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 370 releases · 27.6 avg days Marine Directorate 231 releases · 26.7 avg days People Directorate 217 releases · 23.5 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 216 releases · 26.0 avg days Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate 204 releases · 31.5 avg days Population Health Directorate 192 releases · 24.8 avg days Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate 182 releases · 23.8 avg days

Clear

30 matching releases

Correspondence regarding Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy COP expenses: FOI Review

Original request 202600500549 All communications exchanged by staff, Special Advisers and Ministers relating to FOI 202500497042 relating to Gillian Martin’s COP expenses. For the avoidance of doubt, please include all email, WhatsApp, Teams, Webex conversations or messages.

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-14
Reference: FOI/202600503947 Review of 202600500549
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: 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

Details of the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs trip to Brussels: FOI release

1. The full ministerial diary entry / itinerary for Angela Constance MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs) for 19–21 November 2025 inclusive 2. All briefing packs, background notes, speaking notes, lines-to-take, or any other preparatory material provided to the Cabinet Secretary or her private office i...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.6 s.17(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495024
Directorate: EU Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Policy on Deletion of Messages on Apps during Covid-19: FOI release

1. Provide full and transparent details on 'the government policy used to permit the deliberate deletion of public data, and evidence, from Whatsapp during COVID" expressed by Anas Sarwar during First Ministers Questions - 20th November 2025 in Hollyrood. First Minister John Swinney's response was, and I quote: "...To...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts whatsapp s.2 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495382
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

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

Communication between the Scottish Government and Secretariat regarding notes from Former Independent Adviser: FOI Review

Original Request 202500482660 1. I request all communications between the Scottish Government and the Secretariat in regards to the first two sentences of the above passage (i.e. the request for any notes, and the secretariat confirming that she did not receive any WhatsApps) 2. Why did the Secretariat state that she...

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

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500488949 - Review of 202500482660
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Asylum seekers correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister and the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Housing regarding asylum policy and the accommodation of asylum seekers and/or refugees in Scotland. Information s...

FOI not held 70 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-10
Reference: FOI/202500489706
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Minutes from Executive Team meetings which reference Saltire Article or Viva Exchange posts: FOI release

1. Minutes from EXECUTIVE TEAM meetings which reference SALTIRE ARTICLE or VIVA EXCHANGE POSTS/COMMENTS in the past three months (from 22 Oct 2025) 2. ALL emails + WhatsApp messages + Microsoft Teams messages between DIRECTOR GENERAL CORPORATE and PEOPLE DIRECTORATE STAFF which reference SALTIRE ARTICLE or VIVA EXCHAN...

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

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500490448
Directorate: Financial Management Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

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

Diary events for Minister for Parliamentary Business on 18th September 2025: FOI release

The reasons for Jamie Hepburn MSP’s non-attendance at First Minister’s Questions on 18 September 2025. Please provide details of any meetings, events, or other commitments scheduled during that period. Whether Jamie Hepburn MSP was present in the Scottish Parliament at any point on 18 September 2025, and whether he was...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500485183
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Supporting Transgender Pupils in Schools Guidance for Education Authorities and Schools correspondence: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and the office of the First Minister regarding the “Supporting Transgender Pupils in Schools Guidance for Education Authorities...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-14
Reference: FOI/202500486893
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

Communication between the Scottish Government and Secretariat regarding notes from Former Independent Adviser: FOI release

You asked for: 1. I request all communications between the Scottish Government and the Secretariat in regards to the first two sentences of the above passage (i.e. the request for any notes, and the secretariat confirming that she did not receive any WhatsApps) 2. Why did the Secretariat state that she did not receiv...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.17(1)

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: FOI/202500482660
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence and meetings relating to Sheku Bayoh: FOI release

Meetings a) The total number of meetings - formal or informal - held between Humza Yousaf MSP and Aamer Anwar at which the death of Mr Sheku Bayoh, the investigation into it, or the possibility or establishment of a Public Inquiry were discussed. b) The dates, times, and locations of each such meeting. Records / Minu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.29 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-08
Reference: FOI/202500491784
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

East Calder Medical Centre materials: FOI release

Request 1: Ministerial Briefings I am requesting copies of any ministerial briefings, including but not limited to briefing notes, summaries, internal memos or background papers, provided to any Scottish Government Minister between 1 January 2024 and 30 July 2025 regarding East Calder Medical Centre. This includes doc...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.29(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) s.25 2 attachments

Published: 2025-11-04
Reference: FOI/202500478023
Directorate: Health and Social Care Finance Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Children’s Rights Impact Assessment and Equality Impact Assessment: FOI release

You asked for the following information relating to the Fostering a positive inclusive and safe school environment guidance published on 17 June 2025 1. Child Rights Impact Assessment and the Equality Impact Assessment for this policy. 2. All correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-10-13
Reference: FOI/202500471963
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Gaza medical aid funding: FOI release

1. Between 1 October 2023 and 17 June 2025, how much has been spent on medical aid and equipment for people living In the Gaza Strip? 2. What sort of conditions are attached to this aid? 3. Can the aid and equipment be used for military personnel or just civilians? 4. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, p...

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

Published: 2025-10-13
Reference: FOI/202500471336
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Correspondence relating to music group Kneecap: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister and any Scottish Government Official with a rank of Deputy Director or higher regarding the rap group “kneecap” Information should include but not be limited...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) s.27(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-09-23
Reference: FOI/202500468572
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

First Minister and Eric Trump meeting: FOI release

Any briefing notes that Mr Swinney was provided with in advance of the meeting. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) regarding this meeting- between the office of the First Minister and The Trump Organisation. Information should includ...

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

Published: 2025-09-08
Reference: FOI/202500460382
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Clarification on Scottish Government correspondence response times: FOI release

I refer to your letter of 11 July 2025 in connection with my FOI request (your reference: 202500470931). In that letter, you state: "Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, we are normally required to respond within 20 working days. However, due to the volume and complexity of the information requested a...

FOI clarification 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.10(1) s.1(3) s.10(2) s.10(3) s.17(1)

Published: 2025-08-19
Reference: FOI/202500475608
Directorate: Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister and Scottish and Southern Energy meeting regarding the Skye project: FOI release

According to the Scottish Parliament Lobbying register, on the 17th March, 2025, the First Minister, John Swinney, met SSE at Edinburgh Castle at a dinner where the topic of discussion was the SSE Skye project “where we were already two and a half years into the process of consenting on an existing line. We Proposed a ...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-31
Reference: FOI/202500467585
Directorate: International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Economy, Public sector

New hybrid working plan correspondence: FOI release

I saw on reddit that there are a lot of grumpy workers because of 40%! Can I FOI all emails from the senior people about this, intranet and all those sort of things as well, any comments, emails, statements, whatsapps, decision making and all that from the past 3 months.

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence spending whatsapp s.38(1) s.17(1) s.12 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-28
Reference: FOI/202500465293
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Footnote 5.2 of the 2024 Ministerial Code queries: FOI Review

Original request 202400445734 1) Who was the author/who suggested to the FM to include footnote 5.2 "Information provided to the Independent Advisers for the purposes of their functions is provided in confidence."? within the 2024 ministerial code? 2) Any and all communications (minutes, whatsapps, emails, anything) ...

FOI not held 70 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-05-08
Reference: FOI/202500449679 Review of 202400445734
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal advice given to the Scottish Government/ministers in reference to The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner: FOI release

Within the legal advice published by the Scottish Government on the 26th of October 2024, in response to FOI 202400394394, on page 69 the following passage exists: "Thus REDACTED, request that Mr Hamilton be permitted to engage independent legal advice and charge the costs to the Scottish Government was set out in an ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.12 s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202400438168
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Scotland's International Development Alliance (SIDA) funding: FOI release

1. In each year since 2019-20, including the current year to date how much funding has been given by the Scottish Government to Scotland's International Development Alliance (SIDA)? 2. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the o...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2025-02-14
Reference: FOI/202500447390
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector