Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,863releases indexed
39,476attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,112partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,112 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-05 410 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 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
2,774 matching releases

Recruitment for Test and Protect posts: FOI release

1. How many people applied for test and protect posts/jobs in Scotland in 2020? 2. How many full-time and part-time test and protect posts have been filled from external candidates, broken down by band? How many full-time and part-time test and protect posts have been filled from internal candidates, broken down by ban...

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-01
Reference
FOI/202000077849
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government staff working from home during COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

The number of Scottish Government staff who have been allowed to work from a location outside of Scotland during the pandemic. This should be staff members who would work in Scottish Government offices but have been required to work at home during the pandemic. Please include all those who have travelled internationall...

FOI unclear 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-01
Reference
FOI/202000082290
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Suspension of compliance with the Freedom of Information Scotland Act: FOI release

Can you advise what advice/instruction/guidance was provided by the Scottish Government to Scottish Local Authorities on their obligation to comply with the timescales in terms of responding to a request for information made in terms of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act during the COVID-19 pandemic. Were Scottish...

FOI unclear 80 score 3 working days correspondence s.25(1) s.17(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-09-24
Reference
FOI/202000079439
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Bute House female civil servants’ rota changes correspondence: FOI release

"To disclose any emails or written communications from Chris Burt on or around April 2014 relating to a change in rota for (female) Civil Servants at Bute House, Edinburgh or for any other locations including but limited to The Scottish Parliament."

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-09-17
Reference
FOI/202000077299
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): FOI release

EIDL is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. 1. How much has...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.1 s.3 s.17(1)
Published
2020-09-15
Reference
FOI/202000066554
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector

Communications support for deaf or hearing impaired people: FOI release

How many booking requests were made in each of the last three years by government to external suppliers or contractors for the provision of communication support [such as Electronic Notetakers or Palantypists] being put in place as part of any government meeting or event where a deaf or hearing impaired person not usin...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence meetings contracts spending s.17(1)
Published
2020-09-03
Reference
FOI/202000062213
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Health and social care, Public sector

Developing Information on Hate Crime Recorded by the Police in Scotland: FOI Review

You asked a number of questions about Third Party reporting agencies and Scottish Government funding, analysis and monitoring in relation to Hate Crime, bullying, prejudice and ‘Community Cohesion’. Your request is set out in full in the annex to this letter. You requested an internal review as you stated that you cann...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.17(1) s.25(1)
Published
2020-09-02
Reference
FOI/202000059646
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Statistics relating to FOI requests raised: FOI release

For all FOI requests raised in the last 48 months can you please provide data on all FOI requests including: FOI reference Date Request Made Date Request Answered Number of each type of exemption which have been applied (including exemption Section (para) (clause))

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 12 working days correspondence s.20 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-01
Reference
FOI/202000064095
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

British Sign Language National Plan: FOI release

1. Where has the Scottish Government published the review of the British Sign Language National Plan as per the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015? 2. How did the Scottish Government involve the 12,533 BSL users in Scotland in this review? 3. How much has the Scottish Government spent on the review of the BSL Na...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-08-31
Reference
FOI/202000062291
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 testing scientific advice: FOI release

Specific scientific advice regarding COVID-19 testing that the Scottish Government received prior to 1 February 2020. Please disclose the expert health protection and public health advice from the following: The Chief Medical Officer Public Health Scotland The Scottish Health Protection Network NERVTAG The Advisory Co...

FOI clarification 80 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-27
Reference
FOI/202000045001
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

COVID-19 Contact tracers: FOI release

1) The number of COVID-19 contact tracers Scotland had in place, trained and working or available to work on 1 June 2020. Please do not include individuals who were hired but were yet to complete training or paperwork or security checks which were a precondition to them actively starting work. 2) The previous job title...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending s.17(1) s.3(2)
Published
2020-08-26
Reference
FOI/202000053671
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Woman’s Aid conditions of all funding: FOI Review

"Please also supply me with the total amount of funding supplied to Woman's Aid from 1st April 2014 until present date? Please break this down year on year? Please supply me with the conditions of funding, which stipulate the exact criteria that is required from Womans Aid appertaining to each payment from the public p...

FOI not held 70 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.12 s.12(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-18
Reference
FOI/202000020269
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Money and tax, Public sector

Scientific advice for return to school: FOI release

"The Scottish Government has advised that the return of teachers and children to school is not risk free. This raises significant concerns. Under FOI legislation I ask for sight if the scientific and medical advice rendered to the Scottish Government on this matter. For avoidance of doubt this request also includes adv...

FOI unclear 80 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.1 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-13
Reference
FOI/202000049471
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … Public sector

Tree Health Pest & Disease Surveys results: FOI Review

Q1. Request for contact details for a senior person in the procurement division. Q3. Evidence of legal advice being sought and obtained. Q4. Evidence to substantiate Lynda Collin’s claim that an assessment of the conduct of the tender took place and that it was found that the process had met the requirements of the Pub...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.20 s.17(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-12
Reference
FOI/202000050145
Directorate
Topic
Farming and rural, Public sector

Social Security Scotland I.T. questions: FOI release

From 18 March 2020 to present: Part 1: The number of data breaches by Social Security Scotland staff. Part 2: The number of times the IT system for Social Security Scotland staff crashed. Part 3: The number of IT complaints from Social Security Scotland staff. Broken down by the type of complaint and the number that ty...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence contracts s.17(1)
Published
2020-08-11
Reference
FOI/202000052695
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Mandatory wearing of face coverings in shops: FOI release

The following documents, reports and policy logs regarding First Ministers declaration that face masks are to be mandatory in shops announced 2nd July 2020. 1. Copies of scientific reports name, authors and recommendations. 2. Minutes of cabinet meetings or other meetings relating to same 3. Copies of who voted and ho...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 8 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.17(1) s.20 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-10
Reference
FOI/202000056858 FOI/202000055985
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Former First Minister complaints: FOI Review

1. dates, times and locations of the three publicly stated meetings at which the First Minister met Mr Alex Salmond in relation to complaints against him of inappropriate behaviour towards Scottish Government staff 2. at whose request or initiative each of those meetings referred to above were arranged and if Scottish ...

FOI already published 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.26 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.3(2) s.34(1)
Published
2020-08-03
Reference
FOI/202000059000
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Change of policy or practice regarding working alone with Ministers: FOI release

"clarify if those made aware of a change of policy or practice, whereby female members of Scottish Government staff were not to be alone with Alex Salmond, included Nicola Sturgeon and/ or any other current or former Minister or their Special Advisor."

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2020-08-03
Reference
FOI/202000067779
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministerial car journeys: FOI release

i) How many journeys have been carried out in ministerial cars which have not installed protective screens? ii) What was the date of each journey? iii) What was the duration of each journey? iv) What was the reason for each journey? You asked for this information to be broken down (excluding the First Minister) per Cab...

FOI released 75 score 16 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2020-07-30
Reference
FOI/202000049288
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL) additional funding & forecasted capital: FOI release

1. How much additional funding has Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited (FMEL) received from the Scottish Government since its acquisition by the Scottish Government? What additional capital is forecast to be provided to FMEL on a monthly basis for the next 36 months? 2. Have the two ferry’s (vessels 801 and 802) engine...

FOI transferred 55 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2020-07-29
Reference
FOI/202000046115
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Employed NHS Board doctors suspended from work on full pay: FOI release

a.) How many Doctors employed by NHS Boards within Scotland are currently suspended from work on full pay for more than one month? Of these, ai.) How many of these Doctors have been suspended from work on full pay for more than 3 years? aii.) How many of these Doctors are suspended from work on full pay without any ...

FOI withheld 55 score 16 working days correspondence spending s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1)
Published
2020-07-28
Reference
FOI/202000047187
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Miscarriages of Justice compensation schemes: FOI release

1. James Boyle was refused compensation from the Miscarriages of justice compensation schemes. What reasons were there for this refusal? Was this to do with the 'not proven' verdict? and if so then why? as it can be argued that a not proven and a not guilty verdict have the same impact- they are both acquittals and the...

FOI not held 70 score 16 working days correspondence spending s.38(1) s.13 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-28
Reference
FOI/202000047674
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Money and tax, Public sector

Garden centre, construction business and recycle centres representatives’ correspondence: FOI release

Correspondence received by Kate Forbes (from 1 March to date) by representatives of garden centres, construction businesses or recycling centres.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38 s.33 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-07-22
Reference
FOI/202000047709
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

St Andrews House Light up events: FOI release

Copy of the plans for lighting up St Andrew’s House on particular dates during 2020 after 17 May, as they stood at 17 May. How the Scottish Government decides what events to mark like this and whether it has turned down any suggestion since 2015, and if so for what events. Copy of the Light Up events each year for 2015...

FOI released 100 score 18 working days correspondence s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-07-22
Reference
FOI/202000044662
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector