Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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
187 matching releases

Minimum Pricing and UK Internal Market Act 2020: FOI release

1. Please publish the terms of legal advice provided to the Scottish Government as to whether it is required to seek an exemption from the 2020 Act (a) in general terms, and (b) prior to the Scottish Parliament voting for the Order which is to be laid on 19 Feb 2024. 2. Has the Scottish Government already sought an ex...

FOI not held 45 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.36(1)
Published
2024-04-16
Reference
FOI/202400398823
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Trusts and Succession Scotland Bill 2023: FOI release

1) All correspondence, sent and received, between the Scottish Government and representatives of HM the Queen and/or HM the King, including the monarch's legal representatives, regarding the Trusts and Succession (Scotland) Bill 2023 and the application of crown consent to that bill in line with rule 9.11 of standing o...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.25(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.41 2 attachments
Published
2024-02-14
Reference
FOI/202300391150
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Various questions regarding COVID-19: FoI release

1. How many of Humza Yousaf's cabinet use their personal emails for government business? List of who does. 2. What was the final outcome of Ruth Charteris investigating into missing WhatsApps as referenced here: https://news.sky.com/story/scotlands-first-minister-humza-yousaf-to-fully-investigate-concerns-messages-not-...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.2 s.17(1) s.3 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-02-09
Reference
FOI/202400392573
Directorate
Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Pardoning of witches: FOI review

You asked for review of our failure to respond to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: A full list of those affected by the decision who were convicted under the Witches Act. Any email, chat group, written correspondence, memos or reports associated with or referencing the dec...

FOI not held 70 score 43 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-23
Reference
FOI 202200295186 Review of 202200286394
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Glen Sannox and Hull 802 delays: FOI release

The reasons Glen Sannox and hull 802 have been delayed Where the further £6m costs come from? How many people working for Ferguson Marine were paid a bonus and how much was each person paid? Were the bonus payments legal? Who authorised the bonus payments? Are the engines in fully running order? Is there any possibilit...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2024-01-19
Reference
202300347685
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Costing for the referral made to Supreme Court and internal predication: FOI release

The total Scottish Government (including civil service) costings for the referral, and case due to be made at the Supreme Court this October on the legality of holding another independence referendum. This should also encompass legal advice costings. If there is any internal prediction as to how much the Lord Advocates...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.27 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-12
Reference
202200316878
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Additional funds to ensure more teachers are given permanent positions: FOI release

Firstly, given that you say that the SG have supplied additional funds to ensure more teachers are given permanent positions, can you let me know how many new positions have been created and the numbers of teachers by local authority who are on these “supply lists”. For example, albeit anecdotally, I understand that ov...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1)
Published
2024-01-09
Reference
202200321032
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Confirmation of Pfizer vaccine: FOI release

What evidence was provided to the Scottish Government in relation to any change of evidence provided to the United States Food & Drug Administration in 2020 and the testimony provided to the European Union in 2022? Who within Pfizer, or other Covid vaccine providers provided confirmation of the vaccines preventing tran...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-09
Reference
202200325008
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Supreme Court decision on the independence referendum: FOI release

Has there been any change in the policy in relation to the allocation of resources and support to Ministers for the purposes of developing the case for Scottish independence in light of the decision in last week’s Supreme Court case? If so, what is that change? If not, please set out the legal and policy basis upon whi...

FOI released 100 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.30 s.5 s.7 s.51 s.1 s.14 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-16
Reference
202200332779
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

Employment settlement considerations: FOI release

Please provide a breakdown, by year, of how many employment settlements the government has had to consider since 2017. By employment settlement, I am referring to what is described as a "potential settlement" or "potential settlement payment", or "potential settlement of claim" or substantively similar wording as discl...

FOI not held 45 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending s.6 s.17(1)
Published
2023-11-24
Reference
202200332042
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Gender recognition bill: FOI release

Which firm is being instructed to represent the Scottish government in the judicial review petition? Is it the Scottish government legal directorate or an external law firm? Which counsel have been instructed to represent the government in the judicial review petition? Please supply names and advocate stables. Please p...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.35 s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2023-11-06
Reference
202300351736
Directorate
Justice 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

Royal Household handling of requests: FOI release

Accordingly, please provide any information held by the Scottish Government in relation to the following matters: How any request by the Royal Household for information in relation to a Bill for which consent is sought, or any objection to the Bill’s content, are to be handled, including any general policies or practi...

FOI cost limit 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.20 s.30 s.36(1) s.41
Published
2023-10-11
Reference
202300359750
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Covid Public Inquiry Establishment Division: FOI review

Further to my letter of 3 November 2021 acknowledging your request for a review and Robert Spratt’s letter of 29 November 2021 explaining the delay in responding due to volume and complexity of the information covered, I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scot...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 278 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2023-09-15
Reference
202100251822 Review of 202100244389
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003: FOI Release

You asked for a breakdown of figures since the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (‘2003 Act’) came into force on the following; The number of patients who have had their named persons and witnesses revoked under the 2003 Act. How many of those patients went on to be made subject to compulsory meas...

FOI unclear 55 score 9 working days correspondence spending s.7 s.17(1)
Published
2023-09-14
Reference
202300367993
Directorate
Mental Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Legal costs: FOI release

The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counsel - around the decision to pause the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme. The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counse...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.17(1)
Published
2023-08-28
Reference
FOI/202300368376
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Serco NorthLink Ferries: FOI release

Please clarify whether you are responsible for answering FOI requests relating to the contract carried out by Serco Northlink Ferries for the service between Aberdeen and Orkney and Shetland. If you are not, please state which public body is responsible. With reference to the ferry service carried out by Serco Northlin...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence contracts s.7 s.17(1)
Published
2023-08-16
Reference
FOI/202300365182
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Applications for legal aid: FOI release

1. The number of applications to the Scottish Ministers to make payment from the legal aid fund in terms of section 4(c) of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 2. Any policy documents, manuals, and decision-making documents in respect of applications in terms of that section. 3. Copies of any ministerial submissions or...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.4 s.4(2) s.17(1) s.36 s.38(1)
Published
2022-08-30
Reference
FOI/202200308739
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Independence referendum and prospectus resources: FOI release

Given the rapidly increasing likely resources now being employed on another independent referendum, please supply me with exact details of that resource and the expected total budget, the Scottish Government is providing for the First Minister's referendum and independence planning, communications and public engagement...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1)
Published
2022-08-02
Reference
FOI/202200308344
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Vaccination status app: FOI release

1. How much was paid for the creation of the Covid Status app? 2. Any reports produced during the testing of the app by the developer before it was released. 3. Correspondence sent to and from the Deputy First Minister, Health Secretary and First Minister regarding the app between Tuesday September 28 and Tuesday 5 Oct...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 105 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts spending s.17(1) s.25 s.38(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-01
Reference
FOI/202100248440
Directorate
Digital Health and Care Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, 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

Various reports files sizes: FOI release

"Please could you provide me with the exact number of pages and their respective file sizes, when sent as attachments, of the following documentation that is held by the Scottish Government: The Investigating Officer's (Judith Mackinnon) Report of February 2018. The Investigating Officer's (Judith Mackinnon) Report of...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.25(1) s.36(1)
Published
2022-07-25
Reference
FOI/202200304533
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Legal considerations regarding Dalzell Steelworks: FOI release

“1. Please provide a copy of the information the Scottish Government holds on how disputes about state aid rules are resolved post-Brexit. Does the Scottish Government have any documentation which states that the Court of Session and Supreme Court now have responsibility for interpreting and ruling on any dispute relat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 90 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.36 s.38(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-07-14
Reference
FOI/202200272825
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Preparations for referendum on Scottish independence: FOI release

What level of resource is the Scottish Government providing for referendum and independence planning, communications and public engagement during 2022 and 2023? Please include specific information on: Number of Scottish Government officials (full-time equivalent), job grades and cost; Freelance, Legal and Consultancy ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1)
Published
2022-03-09
Reference
FOI/202200278056
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector