Scottish Government FOI Index

21,099releases indexed

37,554attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

7,804partially withheld

2017-11-17oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 7,804 unclear 6,977 not held 2,955 released 1,470 already published 656 cost limit 586 clarification 342 withheld 235 transferred 74

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4772 s.20 4130 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3342 s.30 2791 s.17(1) 2667 s.25(1) 2327 s.10(4) 1920 s.11(2) 1518 s.29(1) 1135 s.2 1129 s.3 891

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 1,211 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 933 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 895 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 821 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 684 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 652 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 637 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 611 releases · 25.8 avg days

Clear

102 matching releases

Green Volt Project correspondence: FOI release

1) Which Special Advisers or Ministers signed off or approved the Environmental Information Response and the attachments to the response which was given the reference number 202400434817? 2) The full email threads which discussed the initial draft freedom of information/environmental information response and attachmen...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.17(1) s.15 s.38 s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-03-26
Reference: FOI/202500450751
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Energy, Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Queries regarding access to secretariat members email accounts: FOI Review

Original request 202400444352 In the court of session ruling from case XA10/23, the court ruling states: "In this connection it is notable that in their written submissions the Ministers accept that they (or their officials) could gain access to the information. They acknowledge that some of the email accounts of sec...

FOI withheld 80 score 10 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.38(1) s.36(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202500449874 Review of 202400444352
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Special Adviser involvement in James Hamilton QC's report on the Ministerial Code: FOI Review

Original request 202400446131 1) I am aware through previous FOI requests and written answers in parliament (S6W-25078), that the Scottish Government has confirmed that four civil servants were "involved in the process of deciding" what parts of the report to redact. To be clear was there any SPAD involvement in a non...

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.17(1)

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202500452219 Review of 202400446131
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Chief Statistician correspondence to Scottish Ministers: FOI release

1. All instances of the Scottish Government’s Chief Statistician writing to any Scottish Minister (or their private office) advising them that they should correct the official record of the Scottish Parliament due to a factual inaccuracy since 8 May 2024. Please provide the full correspondence of the Chief Statistician...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2025-03-13
Reference: FOI/202500450754
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish International Development Association Head of Policy and Communications appointment: FOI release

1. When the Scottish Government first became aware of the Scottish International Development Association’s appointment of Patrick Grady to the role of Head of Policy and Communications. 2. The initial response the Scottish Government drafted up for responding to press queries about this story and all subsequent change...

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

Published: 2025-02-14
Reference: FOI/202500446733
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Training days attended by Special Advisers: FOI release

A breakdown of costs associated with any away days or training days attended by Special Advisers (SpAds) over the past five years. Details of the dates, locations, and purposes of these events.

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2025-01-22
Reference: FOI/202400444261
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Directorate for Communications and Ministerial Support staffing, specific spend details and Ministerial code guidance: FOI release

1. The total number of staff employed in the Directorate of Comms, Ministerial Support and Facilities (also known as Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate) in each of the following financial years: 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 and currently in 2024-25, broken down by pay scale. 2. What training cour...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.3 s.5 s.17(1) s.9 4 attachments

Published: 2024-12-17
Reference: FOI/202400437904
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Union communications regarding pay for council staff and teachers: FOI release

Minutes, agendas, handouts, attachments or briefings from any meeting involving the Scottish Government with unions over pay for council staff and teachers between July 1, 2024 to date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2024-10-28
Reference: FOI/202400432045
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Documentation regarding multiple First Minister meetings and appearances: FOI release

All documentation from John Swinney's meeting with Andy Burnham on August 12, including correspondence (internal as well), minutes/notes from the meetings, briefing notes prepared, policy and analysis, between July 1 and date of this FOI. All documentation from John Swinney's appearance taking the salute at the Edinbu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.39(1) s.28(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-10-17
Reference: FOI/202400431387
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Former First Minister's speech at Glasgow University: FOI release

1. Details of how many Scottish Government staff worked on Humza Yousaf's speech at Glasgow University on January 8, 2024 (Scottish independence: industrial policy). 2. Details of anyone outwith the Scottish Government involved in the writing of the speech or the number of people from outwith the Scottish Government w...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1) s.12 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-13
Reference: FOI/202400392532
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former First Minister's speech at Glasgow University and the Arbroath Islamic Community Centre: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including internally, briefings written, notes and minutes held by the government about Humza Yousaf's speech at Glasgow University on January 8, including how it was organised and feedback afterwards? Between October 2023 and date of this FOI. 2. How...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.12 s.17(1) s.30 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-13
Reference: FOI/202400393501
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Spring Budget communications campaign: FOI Review

Original request (202400403341) You recently engaged in a communications campaign, e.g. https://x.com/scotgov/status/1766116922909692407 The text reads: “The UK Spring Budget has failed to deliver the funding Scotland needs for public services. National Insurance cuts in the Spring Budget and Autumn Statement have ...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38 s.17(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-11
Reference: FOI/202400413228 Review of 202400403341
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Scottish Budget

Sent correspondence from the Scottish Government containing "Trump": FOI release

All emails sent by Scottish government ministers containing the word "Trump" in 2024. All emails sent by Scottish government special advisers containing the word "Trump" in 2024. All correspondence sent to or by Scottish government ministers or special advisers regarding Donald Trump's visit to Scotland in May 2023.

FOI not held 70 score 11 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.36 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: FOI/202400414636
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Former Deputy First Minister's 2017 trip to India: FOI release

1. All meetings John Swinney had during his December 2017 trip to India, the attendees of those meetings, the minutes of those meetings and any actions taken by the Scottish Government as a result of those meetings. 2. Any messages, emails or letters sent by John Swinney between 1 and 6 December 2017 (inclusive) that ...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.2 s.3 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.32(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400412239
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Freedom of Information guidance, monitoring the social media profiles of journalists and sex offender name changing: FOI release

1. Could you supply the full internal guidance/guidebook for dealing with FOIs which the Scottish Government abide by, including whether Special Advisers are given first look at them, and what details they are provided with? 2. Could you supply details about whether the Scottish Government monitor the social media pro...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-02
Reference: FOI/202400408156
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Law and order, Public sector

Freedom of Information (FoI) requests for consideration by Special Advisers: FOI release

1) Since the start of 2024, please provide a list of the FOI's which have been subject to consideration by the FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot email address and/or Special Adviser emails. 2) Any correspondence between FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot and the FOI Unit since January 1, 2024. 3) Any correspondence between FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-30
Reference: FOI/202400406282
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Gender Reform Recognition Bill: FOI release

1. Full costs of the court case about the Gender Reform Recognition Bill, including expenses claims, and a full breakdown of these costs. 2. How many civil servants worked on the court case and what were their roles? 3. Correspondence between the Scottish Government, including internal correspondence, and Scottish Tr...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.2 s.35 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.37(1) s.28(1) s.5 s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-15
Reference: FOI/202300385351
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Wealth tax in Scotland correspondence: FOI release

Information on Scottish Government and Ministerial engagements on the issue of wealth tax since 28 March 2023, with particular reference to any briefings, correspondence, meetings, or discussions on the Scottish Trade Union Congress’ (STUC) proposals on wealth tax and the IPPR paper on the case for fair tax reform in S...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.30 6 attachments

Published: 2024-08-14
Reference: FOI/202300378648
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Salaries and number of ministers, special advisors and civil servants in 2003, 2013 and 2023: FOI release

For each of the years 2003, 2013 and 2023 can you provide please the following information: 1. The total number of Ministers in post at The Scottish Government/The Scottish Executive. 2. The total salaries for these Ministers for the year in question. 3. The total number of civil servants dedicated to the Private Of...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.4 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.27(1)

Published: 2024-08-01
Reference: FOI/202400421758
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public Sector

Internal correspondence on alleged SNP sex scandal, Gender reform and James Hamilton court of session defeat: FOI release

All internal correspondence from within the Scottish Government about the alleged SNP sex scandal detailed here: https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/two-snp-politicians-seedyextramarital- 31546577 - Can this include responses to any media inquiries as well? Any correspondence between special advisers, ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1) s.12 s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-07-25
Reference: FOI/202300391381
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Civil servant wages: FOI release

1. How much is the Scottish Government spending on wages of civil servants now, and in each of the following years: 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022? Breakdown of these costs and how many there are employed? 2. How much is the Scottish Government spending on special advisers and press officers now, including how many of each...

FOI already published 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.25(1) s.27(1) s.17(1) s.12 s.30

Published: 2024-04-18
Reference: FOI/202300389550
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Civil servants employed in Speech Writing team by Scottish Government: FOI release

1. Please provide details of the number of civil servants employed in the ‘Speech Writing’ team of the Scottish Government, employed to prepare speeches and assistance related to speech-writing for Scottish Ministers. Please include details of Job Titles and Pay Grades in this information. 2. Please provide informati...

FOI not held 45 score 13 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.17(1) s.30

Published: 2024-04-17
Reference: FOI/202400403383
Directorate: Performance, Delivery and Resilience Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Residence of Scottish Government Special Advisors: FOI release

1. The number of current Scottish Government Special Advisors who have their permanent residence outside of Scotland. 2. The number of current Scottish Government Special Advisors who have undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from non-Scottish Universities, broken down into a table, and listing the universities in q...

FOI unclear 55 score 11 working days correspondence special advisers s.17(1)

Published: 2024-04-15
Reference: FOI/202400403406
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Use of Bute House for interviews by the First Ministers wife: FOI release

Can you confirm what the rules are in regards to the first ministers wife, who is not a member of the government, using the taxpayer funded bute house address to film media interviews with the BBC today? Can you also share the rules on the first minister taking his family to government work events (children and wife) w...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-27
Reference: FOI/202300380502
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Red Rock Power lobbying: FOI review

You asked for a review of our failure to respond to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for information relating to Red Rock Power Lobbying. You originally asked for: On 21.12.2021 representatives of Red Rock Power met with Michael Matheson. Please could you supply me with all r...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.33(1) s.17(1) 12 attachments

Published: 2024-02-27
Reference: FOI/202200292255 Review of 202200278074
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Public sector