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

1,126 matching releases

Immigration-related land use, Equality Act compliance and safeguarding information: FOI Review

Original request 202500486123 1. Immigration-Related Land Use • Recorded information (briefings, board or management papers, correspondence, leases/licences, meeting minutes, internal reports, or ministerial directions) from 1 Jan 2019–present on: • Use, proposed use, or upcoming plans involving forestry or woodland f...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.2 s.4 s.5 s.12 s.15 s.25(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) s.1 s.33 s.38 s.21 s.17(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2026-02-03
Reference: FOI/202500489170 Review of 202500486123
Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

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

Ministerial Code Advisers and Senior Civil Servants correspondence: FOI release

1. All the correspondence between Scottish Ministers/special advisers/senior civil servants and any of the ministerial code advisers since 3 January 2025. This should include emails, instant messages, letters, meetings (and minutes of those meetings) and phone calls. 2. How many Scottish Government employees are secon...

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

Published: 2026-01-29
Reference: FOI/202500490297
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Renfrew High School inspection and complaints: FOI release

When was Renfrew High school (Renfrewshire) last inspected by Education Scotland? When was Renfrew High School learning hub (Renfrewshire), last inspected by Education Scotland? How many Complaints has Education Scotland had into Renfrew High School learning hub (Renfrewshire) in the last FIVE years (broken down yearly...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.66 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500490115
Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Deputy First Minister’s trip to Canada: FOI release

The total cost of the Deputy First Minister’s October 2025 trip to Canada broken down by category of expense – for example, flights, accommodation, and food. A list of the number of people accompanying the Deputy First Minister on the trip, and their titles. A list of people or organisations the Deputy First Minister...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.38(1)

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI-202500489711
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, International, Public sector

Cost of merging NHS Education for Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland to create NHS Delivery: FOI release

Thank you for your request dated 24 October 2025 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA), through which you asked for: 1. The projected total cost of merging NHS Education for Scotland and NHS National Services Scotland to create NHS Delivery. 2. The projected savings per year from merging NHS Ed...

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

Published: 2026-01-27
Reference: FOI/202500490759
Directorate: Digital Health and Care Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Meeting information and spend on Changing Places Toilets: FOI release

1. Details of all meetings that have taken place between September 2023 and October 21, 2025, inclusive, between the Scottish Government and relevant stakeholders regarding the pledge made in the 2021/22 Programme for Government to invest £10 million in new Changing Places toilets. 2. How much has been spent of the £1...

FOI not held 45 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2 s.17(1) s.38(1)

Published: 2026-01-26
Reference: FOI/202500490005
Directorate: Mental Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Ending conversion practices in Scotland consultation analysis: FOI release

On 7th October 2025, the Scottish Government published ‘Ending conversion practices in Scotland - consultation analysis: SG response’. The report included the following section: 11. Through analysis of responses and extensive engagement with stakeholders, we recognise that there are specific parts of our proposals whe...

FOI not held 70 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.4 s.5 s.38(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-26
Reference: FOI/202500488658
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

First Minister's visit to Malawi and Zambia information: FOI release

Information in relation to the First Minister's recent visit to Malawi and Zambia, specifically: A clarification on how this visit adheres to the Scottish Ministerial Code A breakdown of costs of this visit Rationale for undertaking this visit

FOI clarification 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-26
Reference: FOI/202500489496
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

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

Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) and Other Relevant Information (ORI) information: FOI release

A. ORI usage & outcomes (10-year view, where held) 1. In the last 10 years, how many individuals had Other Relevant Information (ORI) included on a PVG/Disclosure where there was: No charge, A charge but no conviction, An acquittal. 2. How many individuals remain on a PVG barred list despite having no criminal convi...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.5 s.17(1) s.14 s.14A s.15 s.25(1)

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500488918
Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Meetings held between Scottish Government ministers and the Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP): FOI release

1. All correspondence between Scottish Government Ministers and their special advisers and Keith Brown MSP. This should include all email correspondence with and from his MSP email, SNP email and any other email accounts used by Keith Brown since 6 May 2025. 2. All meetings (including virtual) Keith Brown MSP has atte...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500487575
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Pride in Place Programme funding allocation discussions: FOI release

Any recorded information held by the Scottish Government on discussions between it and the UK Government on allocation of funding for the UK's Pride in Place Programme funding allocations. Any recorded information held by the Scottish Government on discussions between it and Scottish Local Authorities on the allocatio...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.2 s.17(1) s.1 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488838
Directorate: Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, Communities and third sector, Public sector

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) correspondence: FOI release

You asked for a breakdown of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) revenue collected between 1 January 2023 to 31 August 2025 by: Transaction type (residential, non-residential, mixed-use). Transaction value bands. Any exemptions or reliefs applied (e.g., first-time buyers, multiple dwellings, charitable organ...

FOI not held 70 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.2 s.1 s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-14
Reference: FOI/202500484993
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice and Supporting Transgender Young People in Schools information: FOI release

1. Have the Scottish Government received any versions of the updated Code of Practice sent by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to the UK Government for approval on or after 5 September 2025? 2. Please provide copies of any versions and any covering correspondence received by the Scottish Government in r...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.5 s.36(2) s.36(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-01-14
Reference: FOI/202500486694
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Your Right to Decide correspondence and meeting information: FOI release

1) All correspondence between the First Minister (and his office) and officials working in the Scottish Government’s Constitution Directorate since 6 May 2025. This should include emails, meetings of any kind, letters or phone calls. 2) How many meetings Scottish Ministers attended to discuss the Your Right to Decide ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2026-01-14
Reference: FOI/202500486711
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

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

Cost to NHS Scotland of prescribing paracetamol tablets: FOI release

1. The annual cost to NHS Scotland of prescribing paracetamol tablets 500mg from 2015 to 2024 inclusive, including both drug costs and any dispensing or professional fees. 2. If possible, the average cost per pack to NHS Scotland during this period compared with the approximate retail cost. 3. Any internal reports, m...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.2 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.22 4 attachments

Published: 2026-01-13
Reference: FOI/202500485630
Directorate: Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Formal complaints made about Scottish Government Ministers under the Ministerial Code: FOI release

Following information regarding formal complaints made about Scottish Government Ministers (including former Ministers) under the Ministerial Code, covering the period from 1 May 2021 to the present: How many formal complaints have been made about Ministers under the Ministerial Code since 1 May 2021, broken down by y...

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

Published: 2026-01-13
Reference: FOI/202500485304
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Utah Department of Health and Human Services on medical transition for transgender minors: FOI release

“In May 2025, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services released the most comprehensive scientific report to date on medical transition options for trans and gender diverse minors. The report – which analysed data from 28,000 young transgender people – found that “policies to prevent access to and use of Gender...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-13
Reference: FOI/202500486584
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) board member appointment information: FOI release

You asked for information on the “changing legal requirements” which had impacted the appointment of three new members to the board of Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS), specifically: 1. A detailed explanation of the specific legal changes referenced in relation to CHS appointments. 2. A list of other public bodies,...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.17(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500484747
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector, Work and skills

Highland Council engagement regarding breaches of the Community Council Code of Conduct: FOI release

Legal Rationale: All information held by the Scottish Government, including legal advice and internal communications, detailing the rationale for The Highland Council's current position regarding the implementation of a censure and sanction system for breaches of the Code of Conduct within its Scheme of Establishment f...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500485615
Directorate: Public Service Reform Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Fairness and diversity impact of online assessments in recruitment queries: FOI release

1. Assessment Design and Use The criteria and scoring methodology used in any online assessments that contribute to candidate shortlisting, including how "suitability" or other composite scores are derived. A list of all third-party providers (e.g., psychometric test publishers or platforms) currently used for online ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.3 s.4 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500485953
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Blue Badge scheme “risk in traffic” eligibility criterion information: FOI release

You asked for further information in relation to the Blue Badge scheme in Scotland, specifically the “risk in traffic” eligibility criterion introduced via the Disabled Persons (Badges for Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2016 (SSI 2016/72)

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.17(1) s.36 s.36(1) s.4(3B) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500482421
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Costs of Scots language plays for schools initiative: FOI release

1. The full costs associated with the production and distribution of the new series of Scots language plays for schools, as announced by the Depute First Minister at a Glasgow printworks. 2. A breakdown of any contracts awarded, including the name of suppliers/organisations involved in the printing, publishing, or dis...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.2 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.27(1)

Published: 2026-01-12
Reference: FOI/202500482581
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector