Scottish Government FOI Index

21,792releases indexed

39,278attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,073partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

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 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days

Clear

105 matching releases

First Minister’s Christmas Media Reception: FOI release

Regarding the First Minister’s Christmas Media Reception, held at Bute House last night 14/12/23: A number of civil servants could be overheard discussing being "asked to go and buy booze at the last minute". Was alcohol or "booze" always going to be served at the Christmas Media Reception? If not, when was it decid...

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts spending s.17(1) s.7 s.10 s.4 s.27(1) s.17

Published: 2024-02-23
Reference: FOI/202300389912
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Minutes and email correspondence from Sir Brian Souter meetings: FOI release

The minutes of any meetings that have taken place between government ministers and Sir Brian Souter from 2019 to date. The minutes of any meetings that have taken place between government special advisers and Brian Souter since 2019. Email correspondence between the Scottish government (including ministers, officials o...

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

Published: 2024-01-11
Reference: 202300357465
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government chauffeured cars: FOI release

How does the Scottish Government contract with chauffeured cars for Ministers work? Is it a contract for a set period of time or is it dependant on mileage incurred? How much has been spent on this in the last year? Who is authorised to use Scottish Government chauffeured cars? Ministers, Special Advisers, Scottish Gov...

FOI not held 45 score 8 working days correspondence ministers special advisers contracts spending s.17(1)

Published: 2024-01-10
Reference: FOI/202300384193
Directorate: Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Tartan Week: FOI release

Can you share any briefings prepared for Angus Robertson for his attendance? Can you release the names and job titles of all ministers, civil servants, special advisers and others who attended events? Can you detail the cost of the travel and accommodation for each individual? Can you release their itineraries? Can you...

FOI not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.27(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 10 attachments

Published: 2024-01-04
Reference: 202300352137
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Meetings about a second independence referendum: FOI release

Minutes of meetings held between Nicola Sturgeon and Angus Robertson on preparations for a second independence referendum, including on a prospectus. Minutes of all meetings held between Nicola Sturgeon and the team working (including civil servants) on preparations for a second independence referendum, including on a ...

FOI not held 45 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2023-12-19
Reference: 202200280399
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence between the Justice Minister, ministers, civil servants and special advisors : FOI release

Emails and correspondence between the Justice Minister, ministers, civil servants and special advisors discussing the selection and appointment of the 4 person body formed as a working group into parades and public processions. Emails and correspondence between the working group members before and after appointment to ...

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

Published: 2023-12-05
Reference: 202200290467
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Public sector

£20m independence fund: FOI release

What is the Scottish Government now doing with its £20m independence fund due to the Supreme Court ruling? If they are using it for independence how are you justifying it considering the Supreme Court ruled the government cannot legally legislate for a referendum? Any correspondence (including emails, WhatsApps) betwee...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-11-28
Reference: 202200331939
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal advice on independence referendum: FOI release

The amount spent on legal advice regarding the Scottish Government’s prospectus for an independent Scotland between 07 September 2021 and the date of response to this inquiry? Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, brief...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.17 s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-27
Reference: 202200287065
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Freedom of Information (FOIs) cases discussed at Cabinet: FOI release

During the Scottish Parliament's Convener's Group meeting on September 27, 2023, Humza Yousaf said that certain FOIs had been brought to cabinet to discuss. Which FOIs were they, why were they brought to cabinet, and what was the resulting decision? Please also provide the responses to the FOIs that were brought to Cab...

FOI not held 45 score 10 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.17(1)

Published: 2023-11-21
Reference: FOI/202300378309
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Travel by Ministers for Party Political Occasions: FOI release

In Section 9.23 of the Ministerial Code, Travel by Ministers – Party Political Occasions, it states that; ‘Where a visit is a mix of political and official engagements, it is important that the Government and the party each meet a proper proportion of the actual cost’. Please provide information on whether or not the S...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.9 s.17(1) s.39(1)

Published: 2023-11-20
Reference: FOI/202300373939
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

External review carried out by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: FOI release

Information contained in all communications, discussions, documents and meetings within the Scottish Government and with any other public authority or person in relation to the external review to be carried out by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (of allegations and disclosures and material in relation to actions carried ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.30 s.38(1) s.17(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200334659
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal advice and correspondence relating to operation branchform: FOI release

1. The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counsel - in regards to Operation Branchform. 2. Any internal correspondence among senior civil servants, special advisers, and ministers (including any attachments or referenced briefings) on the topic o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.35(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-02
Reference: FOI/202300368382
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Alternative GERS project: FOI release

On 11th March 2023, Humza Yousaf told an SNP leadership hustings audience in Glasgow that if he became First Minister, he would take forward the “alternative GERS” project, originally announced by Derek Mackay in October 2019. Please provide: The number of civil servants working on the alternative GERS project, broke...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-10-23
Reference: 202300353929
Directorate: Chief Economist Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Meeting minutes between government ministers and Sir Brian Souter: FOI release

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

Published: 2023-10-19
Reference: 202300357465
Directorate: Jobs and Wellbeing Economy Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister folders: FoI release

I have today noticed the First Minister is using a branded First Minister folder: https://twitter.com/ScotGovFM/status/1691431805910491136?s=20 I have looked at previous photos and this the first time this type of folder has been used. It is also different from the ones other Ministers uses. I would like information ...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.6 s.17(1)

Published: 2023-10-04
Reference: Foi - 202300371718
Directorate
Topic

Independence paper launch event 19 June 2023: FOI release

How many members of the First Minister’s Visits and Events team were present at the latest independence paper launch in Atlantic Quay in Glasgow on 19th June? What are their grades and respective salaries? What was each of their specific roles on the day? How many members of the First Minister’s private secretary team...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2023-08-15
Reference: FOI/202300364236
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Resource Spending Review: FOI release

How many FTE civil servants were involved in drafting the Resource Spending Review (published 31 May 2022)? The distribution of pay grades for all civil servants involved in drafting the Resource Spending Review (published 31 May 2022) How many hours were spent by civil servants on drafting the Resource Spending Review...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence special advisers spending s.17 s.17(1)

Published: 2023-07-19
Reference: FOI/202300362942
Directorate: Public Spending Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Average response times for an FOI request: FOI release

1) The mean, median and maximum response times for an FOI to the Scottish Government over the last 12 months. 2) The number and percentage of FOIs that were referred to Special Advisers for each month of the last five years. 3) The mean, median and maximum response times for all FOIs referred to Special Advisers over t...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 s.3 s.20 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-05-25
Reference: FOI/202300352495
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Questions regarding work on "Building a New Scotland" document: FOI release

1. How many civil servants worked on these documents and for how long and what the total cost of this was? 2. How many special advisers worked on these papers and what exactly their role was. I would also like to know if any of the special advisers have authority over civil servants. 3. Has the advice of the Permanen...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.3 s.17(1)

Published: 2022-07-27
Reference: FOI/202200306418
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications regarding crown consent provisions in Scottish legislation discussions: FOI Review

1) Copies of any internal Scottish government memos, briefing papers or emails concerning the question of changing the handling of crown consent in legislation and/or the way the crown consent provisions are communicated to MSPs, including but not exclusively to and from the Scottish government ministers and their spec...

FOI already published 80 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.29(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-07-20
Reference: FOI/202200278004 Review of 202200270508
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information pertaining to the Aviation Working Group: FOI release

1. The date, time, location, attendance list, minutes, notes, agendas, handouts, presentations or memos for any meeting of the aviation working group announced by then Transport minister Michael Matheson in February, 2021. 2. Any correspondence within the Scottish Government between ministers, ministerial offices, spe...

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

Published: 2021-10-07
Reference: FOI/202100231558
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Information regarding access to private email accounts and websites: FOI release

1. Number of times per month private email accounts are accessed from Scottish Government issued IT equipment to MSP's (desktops, laptops, mobiles, other electronic devices). 2. Number of times per month Adult related websites are accessed by MSP's using official government issued equipment. Listing top 10 sites visite...

FOI not held 70 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.3 s.4 s.5 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-09-23
Reference: FOI/202100223756
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Covid-19 briefings relating to restrictions: FOI release

1. Minutes from any formal four nations discussions with Michael Gove and other representatives from UK, Welsh Governments and Northern Ireland executive between October 1 and January 15 on the topic of Covid-19 and four nations alignment on restrictions/measures. 2. Notes taken by Scottish Government staff or minister...

FOI not held 70 score 80 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.1 s.17(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.3(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-06-15
Reference: FOI/202100164644 review of 202100140372
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Informal requests received from 31 October 2018 onwards: FOI release

FOI202100191813 “Thanks for you work on my behalf. I apologise for my carelessness in this foi. In fact Clegg says that the Record (so not just Clegg) made requests (so not formal foi’s necessarily). Can I ask whether there were any informal requests from 31 October. Maybe you considered this, but if not, can you accep...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-06-10
Reference: FOI/202100191813, 202100194412 and 202100195519
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Minutes of meeting between First Minister and Bill Gates 2018: FOI release

The minutes of the meeting between Nicola Sturgeon and Bill Gates in January 2018. I would also like to know how much money Bill Gates, The Bill and Melinda Foundation and ANY of his affiiated companies, charities etc have given the Scottish Government/SNP, and what this money has been used for? I would also like to kn...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202100156917
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Programme for Government, Public sector