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

185 matching releases

Student Awards Agency Scotland recruitment policy and procedure: FOI release

Do you have a recruitment policy which relates to permanent and short term contracts for those employed by SAS? Specifically, how are positions advertised, who oversees the recruitment process and how are candidates assessed? Are family members of senior management, including Board members, prohibited from employment ...

FOI unclear 55 score 17 working days correspondence contracts s.17(1)

Published: 2025-06-30
Reference: FOI/202500457723
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

NHS Scotland gender transitioning guide queries: FOI release

1. Why is the Guide not dated and coded to allow tracking of version changes? 2. Which Minister is designated as responsible for the Guide? 3. Which civil service head is designated as responsible for the Guide? 4. Which organisations or people out with government provided advice on the content of theguidance? 5. P...

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

Published: 2025-06-26
Reference: FOI/202500457124
Directorate: Health Workforce Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Safe Access Zones Team information and correspondence: FOI release

Information in relation to your previous FOI request 202500452918 concerning items from the Safe Access Zones Team shared erdm files and subsequent e-mail and correspondence.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.29 s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-06-26
Reference: FOI/202500457138
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

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

Gender Recognition Reform Bill costs: FOI release

(a) Since 1 November 2023, what is the total cost to the Scottish Government of any work or legal advice relating to the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill? (If possible, could you break down any costs). (b) Could you share any correspondence: to the UK Government from the First Minister or Kaukab Stewart, rela...

FOI transferred 80 score 18 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.35 s.27(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-03-27
Reference: FOI/202500452867
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, 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

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

Information pertaining to Scottish Information Commissioner decision 004/2023: FOI release

In relation to the legal advice released by the Scottish Government in October 2024 in relation SIC decision notice 004/2023 and the court case XA10/23. The following passages exist: "It shows that Ministers failed to convey accurately the true position when making submissions to the Commissioner" and "Scottish Minist...

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

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202500452221
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Access to Information Rights in Scotland: FOI release

You set your request in context by referencing the Scottish Government’s response to the Access to Information Rights in Scotland consultation: Access to Information Rights in Scotland Response to analysis of consultation responses published in November 2023, noting the following commitments made by the Scottish Govern...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.4 s.6 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.36(1) s.29(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-03-18
Reference: FOI/202500450915
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Visitor Levy Act queries: FOI release

Please provide the specific reason used by the Scottish Government to decide that the visitor levy would be treated as part of the accommodation provider’s turnover. Please provide the specific reason provided to HMRC by the Scottish Government for treating the visitor levy as part of the accommodation provider’s turn...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.3 s.5 s.17(1) s.36(1) s.3(2)

Published: 2025-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500449922
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Gender Neutral Toilets and Sex Equality and Equity Network: FOI release

1. SG’s trans policy on using toilets and changing rooms, including the impact assessment informing that policy and information on who (excluding personal data) was consulted; whether any complaints or concerns have been made (again excluding personal data). 2. Information held in SG’s viva engage site for LGBT+ staff...

FOI not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence s.17(1) s.38 s.39(1) s.36(1) s.4 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-31
Reference: FOI/202400446122
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Legal costs incurred to challenge the release of information: FOI release

Any legal costs incurred over the last five years by the Scottish Government or other agencies to challenge the release of information requested via freedom of information requests. Costs may include those paid to lawyers and external barristers. Please provide details of every legal case.

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2025-01-31
Reference: FOI/202500446774
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding Operation Branchform: FOI release

1. A copy of any briefing for the First Minister that relates to Operation Branchform. 2. The last email or message sent by the First Minister’s office or the man himself that mentions Operation Branchform. 3. Any Scottish Government document sent to First Minister that refers to ‘Operation Branchform top lines’. 4....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-28
Reference: FOI/202400445252
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the death of former First Minister: FOI release

I would like to request all the following information relating to the death of former First Minister Alex Salmond 1. All emails, texts, WhatsApps and minutes between officials and ministers discussing the death of Mr Salmond. 2. All correspondence on email, text, WhatsApp or Teams of the discussions between UK Govt a...

FOI cost limit 70 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending whatsapp s.3 s.28(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-01-17
Reference: FOI/202400436889
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Fees paid by Social Security Scotland to external legal services providers: FOI release

Information regarding the costs of Social Security Scotland's arrangements for representation in the Upper Tribunal for Scotland by external legal services providers. I understand that this is ordinarily or always carried out by Anderson Strathern LLP. Request for information 1: Please provide a table of the fees pai...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.17(1)

Published: 2025-01-08
Reference: FOI/202400437876
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Ministerial code breach correspondence: FOI release

1. Could you supply all internal correspondence held surrounding the release of the government's James Hamilton legal advice? 2. Could you supply all documentation held, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, policy notes, about launching a new inquiry ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-12-23
Reference: FOI/202400440417
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Data Processor Agreements between the Scottish Government and Local Authorities: FOI release

Data Processing Agreements, Data Sharing Agreements and any other agreements or contracts between the Scottish Government and each of 16 named Local Authorities in relation to children's data gathered, transferred/shared and processed in the Health and Wellbeing Census that took place in schools in 2021/2022, including...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.38(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-12-16
Reference: FOI/202400436065
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government legal costs incurred: FOI release

I am writing to ask if you can please provide me with full details of the costs incurred by the Scottish Government to date in respect of legal costs for the following: In referring to costs I mean the costs paid out to third party solicitors and the Advocates, but also of any in house legal costs - an estimate of the...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.30 s.17(1)

Published: 2024-11-21
Reference: FOI/202400434474
Directorate: Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Briefings and materials prepared for meeting of Education Secretary and Scottish Qualifications Authority officials: FOI release

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth recently met with SQA officials to discuss problems with the marking of Higher history. Please release under FOISA: Copies of all briefings, background or other materials prepared in advance of this meeting Confirmation of all attendees, including whether a separate minute taker was p...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-06
Reference: FOI/202400430985
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Money spent on third-party or legal costs connected to independence: FOI release

Since 2011, the amount of money spent by the Scottish Government on third-party or legal costs connected to in any way (advisory, consultancy or legal advice or other) to any question of policy around independence. This should include but not be limited to - consultancy connected to the Building a New Scotland papers, ...

FOI released 75 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2024-10-04
Reference: FOI/202400425678
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Visitor levy (tourist tax), council tax and canal boats: FOI release

1. Does the Scottish Government intend the forthcoming visitor levy (tourist tax) to be applied to canal boats that are hired as overnight accommodation, or are they intended to be exempt? Please would you refer to any written communication clarifying what the intention is. 2. Please provide data showing a) how many r...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.2 s.4 s.17(1)

Published: 2024-10-04
Reference: FOI/202400426134
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Sale of Prestwick Airport: FOI release

1) Please provide a copy of all the business-facing or public-facing documentation that the Scottish Government has used to advertise the sale of Prestwick Airport. For example, please provide a copy of any brochures or adverts placed. 2) Please provide a copy of all the documentation that the Scottish Government has ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-19
Reference: FOI/202400423996
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Newly-qualified (NQ) salary at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service: FOI Release

1. What was the newly-qualified (NQ) salary at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and what was the pension contribution, in each year from 2010 to 2024 inclusive. 2. What was the NQ salary, and pension contribution, for Scottish Government solicitors across the same time period. 3. What was the NQ salary, ...

FOI released 100 score 4 working days correspondence meetings s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-18
Reference: FOI/202400427433
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Multiple Education funding information: FOI release

1. How much money has been spent on plans to replace the SQA since 2021, with a breakdown of what the money has been spent on? 2. How many teachers have left the profession in the last three years, with breakdown by year. 3. How much money has The School Library Improvement Fund handed out since it was founded and ho...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 62 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.4 s.20 s.10(4) s.5 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.1 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-17
Reference: FOI/202300387346
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, 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