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
439 matching releases

Attendees of Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) March 2020: FOI release

1. For Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) meetings on Covid-19 before 1 March 2020, how many did the First Minister personally attend and how many did she not personally attend. 2. A previous FOI request published shows the Chief Constable of Police Scotland was invited to at least three SGoRR meetings on Covi...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.2 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-24
Reference
FOI/202100147104
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19: Closure of places of worship: FOI release

1) I would be extremely grateful if you could email me a full copy of the Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - as well as a full copy of all the evidence underpinning the same Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - specifically pertaining to worshippers and Places of Worship that the Scottish Minister(s...

FOI not held 70 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.2 s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202100133792
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +2 more … Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Culchunaig Farmhouse planning application: EIR release

Information regarding planning application 18/04194/FUL - Culchunaig Farmhouse, Westhill Inverness, you also asked specific questions regarding the handling of the same case. 1. Please inform me of the name of the signatory of the decision letter of 17 November in relation to the above aqpplication and an organogram sh...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.2 s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202000114543
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Information relating to Higher and Advance Higher exams 2021: FOI release

The Scottish Government has previously announced that National 5 exam diets would be cancelled but that Higher and Advanced Higher diets would go ahead. Education secretary John Swinney has since stated that alternate approaches have been developed and that a decision could be made as late as February to switch to thes...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-17
Reference
FOI/202000114519
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Accountability arrangement relating to particular public bodies: FOI release

1. Will you please advise me of which department is accountable for the financial control and performance of any nationalised industry, including Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited (FMEL)? How can I access any relevant information relating thereto? 2. To whom is Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL)accountable? Un...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.2
Published
2021-03-17
Reference
FOI/202100141948
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector, Transport

Correspondence concerning First Minister meetings in August 2020: FOI release

1) For the month of August, a list of any meetings involving the First Minister not listed on the information published here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/ministerial-engagements-travel-andgifts-august-2020/ which was considered to include the discussion of government business. 2) For all of the meetings in Augus...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-12
Reference
FOI/202100134861
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Four nation discussions of COVID-19 and alignment of 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 ministe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.28(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/20210014372
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Spectator trial event at Scottish sport grounds: FOI release

In relation to trial events held at Murrayfield, Ross County and Aberdeen FC: 1. I formally request a copy of the reports , emails and letters regarding the conclusions, impact and outcomes from the trial events. 2. In particular I am looking for the reasons why numbers should or not change from the current zero. 3. ...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 12 attachments
Published
2021-02-23
Reference
FOI/202000102651
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Justification of granting Underbelly Ltd funds: FOI release

1. All information you can provide all documentation and evidence justifying the decision to provide Underbelly Ltd with £250,000 grant money from the Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund. 2. All information you can provide all documentation and evidence justifying the decision to provide Underbelly Ltd with £200,000 fro...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.33 s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202000117270
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Questions concerning scientific evidence, guidelines and statistical information related to COVID-19: FOI release

1. Scientific evidence for face covering guidelines in schools, shops and on public transport; 2. All medical risk assessments associated with face coverings for adults and children; 3. Scientific evidence for all imposed lockdown guidelines since February 2020. 4. Medical risk assessments associated with lockdown meas...

FOI not held 45 score 102 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.6 s.2 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.27(1)
Published
2021-01-26
Reference
FOI/202000082329
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) vaccine priority list: FOI release

“Can you please provide the following information: All correspondence between SG Officials on the subject of COVID-19 vaccine for unpaid carers. This should include minutes of meetings, e-mails, briefings etc This should also include all correspondence and advice to Ministers. Please provide everything between 1st Nov...

FOI cost limit 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.12 s.2
Published
2021-01-26
Reference
FOI/202000131003
Directorate
Topic

Planning appeals questions: EIR release

“Broken down by each of the last five years: 1. The number of planning appeals that have been overturned (decision reversed from initial decision made by council) by Scottish Ministers and/or Scottish Government appointed reporters. 2. The total number of planning appeals made to Scottish Ministers in each of the last ...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 7 working days correspondence ministers s.2
Published
2021-01-21
Reference
FOI/202000114441
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Questions concerning legislation and police powers in enforcing restrictions: FOI release

1. Copies of all the scientific evidence used to determine the efficacy of Scotland's 4 tiers rules. 2. Details of devolved legislative powers being used by Scotland to enforce these 4 tiers. 3. Details of devolved legislative powers being used or will be used to prevent travel in / out of Scotland and around Scotlan...

FOI unclear 55 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.4 s.6 s.25(1) s.20 s.49
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000103347
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Law and order, +1 more … Public sector

Closure of Inverleith House at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: FOI release

On the closure in 2016 of Inverleith House at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: 1. Details and names of all internal and external parties consulted by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh regarding the proposed closure in 2016 of Inverleith House at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh as a year-round contemporary art space. The pro...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.38(1) 14 attachments
Published
2020-11-12
Reference
FOI/202000084692
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

UK Cladding Fund allocation to Scotland: FOI release

"in relation to the UK cladding fund which was introduced after the Grenfell fire. The UK government have assigned £1 billion to have dangerous cladding removed. 1. How much was allocated to Scotland. 2. How much from the Scottish portion has been distributed to affected property owners."

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence ministers s.2
Published
2020-11-12
Reference
FOI/202000096158
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Money and tax, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Association of Scotland's Self Caterers (ASSC) COVID-19 exemption: FOI release

All documents or transcripts relating to the legal advice or clarification provided to the Association of Self Catering Scotland on 22 September 2020 regarding the exemption granted to all self catering accommodation Scotland from the single two households only rule. This has been widely publicised by ASSC on social me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.2 s.3 s.4 s.7 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000090205
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Meetings between the First Minister and Chief Constable of Police Scotland: FOI release

1. How many times has the First Minister met with the present Chief Constable of Police Scotland since his first day in office. Can I have the dates of all meetings. 2. How many times has the Permanent Secretary met with the present Chief Constable of Police Scotland since his first day in office. Can I have the dates...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.25 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000094721
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Support for teachers and the education system during the COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

1. Can you please confirm what, if any, steps have been taken to protect teachers from the COVID pandemic? 2. Further, as the pandemic is due to continue for some time to come what steps are planned to help improve the safety of our teachers? 3. What assurance is provided that any measures are being followed within s...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.2
Published
2020-10-23
Reference
FOI/202000091538
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … Public sector

First Minister, Deputy First Minister and SQA 2020 exam methodology correspondence: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between Education Secretary John Swinney and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher qualifications. 2. All briefing notes, me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000072824
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence on the marking and grading methodology for 2020 exam results: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between any Cabinet Secretary, minister, advisor or representative of the Scottish and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-20
Reference
FOI/202000072834
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence and consultation regarding the grading for 2020 SQA exams: FOI release

1. All consultation responses from academics, policy experts and stakeholders supplied to the Scottish Government regarding this year’s grading system for SQA exams. 2. All correspondence between academics, policy experts, stakeholders and the Scottish Government which contains advice regarding this year’s grading for...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.5 s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000071159
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Briefings on food products: FOI release

1) Any Scottish Government correspondence from May 2018 to present, either internal or external, concerning the use of British branding on Scottish food and drink products (including but not limited to union jacks and the words ‘British’ and ‘UK’). External correspondence may include that with food or drink producers o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000088253
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Economy, International, +1 more … Public sector

School closures: FOI release

"1. What powers do the Scottish Government have to close down Schools anytime they want? 2. When did the Scottish Government require these powers to close down schools at any time? 3. When the Schools closed down this year because of the Corona Virus, who made the decision to close them down? full list of people involv...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.37 s.38 s.4 s.2 s.30 s.29(1) s.19
Published
2020-09-30
Reference
FOI/202000078735
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Eat Out to Help Out Scheme potential impact: FOI release

1- What analysis, briefing or memos has been prepared by the Scottish Government, for Scottish Ministers, officials or advisers on the UK Government's 'Eat Out to Help Out Scheme' and/or the potential impact this scheme could have on Scotland since the scheme was first announced on 8 July 2020. Please provide copies of...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-29
Reference
FOI/202000074565
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, Public sector

British Touring Car Championship event at Knockhill race circuit: FOI release

1. is Knockhill the largest site that applied as a test for spectators? 2. what were the key criteria that contributed to allocating 200 spectators to a site in excess of 200 acres? 3. what were the factors in the risk analysis that suggested 200 would be the maximum for an outdoor event? 4. what weighting was applied ...

FOI unclear 55 score 6 working days correspondence ministers s.2
Published
2020-09-28
Reference
FOI/202000078728
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector