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

Chancellor’s Summer Economic Update: FOI release

1. Whether any briefings/memos or other work was undertaken for Scottish Government ministers and/or special advisors in relation to the Chancellor’s Summer Economic Update on 8 July 2020. Please provide copies of this material where it exists. 2. Details and minutes of any meetings (virtual or otherwise) held between ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-16
Reference
FOI/202000067984
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) further guidance: FOI release

All records of any discussions about the guidance that should be given when applying the definition of "Woman" in Section 2.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.38(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-18
Reference
FOI/202000044349
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, 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

Digital Directorate Digital Services & Products Delivered: FOI release

1. Annual budget of the Scottish Government digital directorate over the last 6 years. 2. Budget for the directorate broken down year by year. 3. Number of live products or services delivered by the directorate over the last 6 years. 4. What these live services were, and where I can find them on the internet. 5. What t...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.4 s.1 s.5 6 attachments
Published
2020-07-09
Reference
FOI/202000043003
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Stonewall funding: FOI release

Details of the person responsible, their superior, and their department as it relates to FOI/18/00320 Please provide documentation clarifying this funding for “reporting hate crime”, specifically what laws were specified and definitions, the reasoning associating hate crime with ‘inclusion in public life’, specifics on...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.25(1) s.2 s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-02
Reference
FOI/202000039717
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Money and tax, Public sector

Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd funding: FOI release

“Please advise what the procedures and thresholds/limits are applicable to the Scottish Cabinet, and specifically provide details of the transaction that granted Ferguson Marine 45MM cash, with copies of the paper trail, the recommendation and the sign off for releasing the funds. Also please provide the paper trail an...

FOI already published 80 score 64 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.2 s.3 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.3(3) s.33(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-06-04
Reference
FOI/202000018506
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Farmed salmon ova imports and pathogen testing: EIR release

Several questions relating to farmed salmon ova imports and specific pathogen testing as well as requesting information relating to the testing of farmed salmon for diseases, pathogens and viruses. In addition you have asked for information relating to Marine Scotland Science's commercial testing service conducted on b...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.1 s.4 s.2 4 attachments
Published
2020-04-03
Reference
FOI/202000018313
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

University fees EU students: FOI release

1. How many EU students are studying at our universities? 2. How will the £400 million be spent? 3. How many Scottish students are allowed places at Scottish universities given the recent publicity regarding a cap on the number of Scottish students that can get places at our universities.

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2
Published
2020-03-20
Reference
FOI/202000017313
Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Questions concerning Disclosure Scotland applicant gender: FOI release

You asked for: 1. Please tell me for how long Disclosure Scotland has had in place a policy asking applicants who have changed legal gender (sex) to disclose their previous name and gender when applying for a disclosure. 2. Does Disclosure Scotland require sight of the applicant's Gender Recognition Certificate? 3. ...

FOI not held 45 score 11 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.4 s.12 s.65(2) s.33(1) s.50(1) s.17(1)
Published
2020-03-02
Reference
FOI/202000015421
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Law and order, Public sector

Improving Scotlands bus infrastructure and priorty bus lane introduction: EIR release

The first Minister announced in the Programme for Government in September 2019 that £500m would be spent on improving bus infrastructure in the roads around our cities i.e. a key part of which would be priority bus lanes. This could include other high occupancy vehicles too. Please can you send me the current draft pl...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.2
Published
2020-03-02
Reference
FOI/202000013511
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector, Transport

Questions concerning Scottish Minister mobile phones and resignation salaries: FOI release

You asked for: "1. Do yours Ministers use taxpayer funded mobile phones, social media accounts and traffic. Or do they use for those uses their personal and personally paid for accounts. 2. Will Mr McKay pick up a £12 k or more tax free bonus for resigning. Aye or No."

FOI released 75 score 10 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2
Published
2020-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000015988
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector, Work and skills

Whitesands Proposal and Public Enquiry: EIR review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for information relating to the Whitesands Proposal and Public Inquiry. You asked for the information below covering the period October 2018 to 2 December 2019 relating to the Whitesands Proposal...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.3 s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-02-05
Reference
FOI/202000014586
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Ministerial correspondence concerning planning appeals in relation to land at Clarendon Farm in Linlithgow: EIR release

You asked for: "...... the following information relating to Planning Appeals PPA-400-2046, submitted to Scottish Ministers (decision issued 21/7/15) and PPA-400-2093 (decision issued 14/05/2019), both related to the same land at Clarendon Farm, Linlithgow: 1. A copy of all correspondence between the Planning Minister...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-01-08
Reference
FOI/201900008826
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Various questions concerning the Citizens’ Assembly: FOI review

1. A copy of any / all documentation required to be signed by the citizens. 2. All instructions and guidance provided to Mark Diffley or his company regarding the selection of citizens. 3. All information held setting out how selection bias was to be identified and overcome in the selection of citizens. 4. All infor...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.2 s.3 s.4 s.17 s.25(1) s.17(1) 6 attachments
Published
2019-12-30
Reference
FOI/201900007669
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Whitesands Proposal and Public Enquiry: EIR release

You asked for the information below covering the period October 2018 to 2 December 2019 relating to the Whitesands Proposal and Public Inquiry: 1. Copies of all communications between any officer in the Managing Flood Risk Team with any officer in Dumfries and Galloway Council. This should include any notes of meetings...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 13 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.3 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(4) 6 attachments
Published
2019-12-23
Reference
FOI/201900008515
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the former First Minister investigation and communications concerning the Permanent Secretary: FOI release

You asked for: 1. Further to the existing replies to my earlier requests please list the Scottish Government meetings with external legal advisers relating to the investigation concerning Alex Salmond in July and August 2018 and the civil servants, government ministers, special advisers and any others at these meeting...

FOI withheld 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.2 s.30 s.38(1)
Published
2019-11-27
Reference
FOI/19/02429
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Various questions concerning the Citizens’ Assembly: FOI release

Provide the following information (all information provided in this section must be pre-existing at the date of this request): 1. A copy of any / all documentation required to be signed by the citizens. 2. All instructions and guidance provided to Mark Diffley or his company regarding the selection of citizens. 3. All ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.2 s.3 s.4 s.1 s.17(1) s.6 s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-11-26
Reference
FOI/201900005919
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Proposed national infrastructure company correspondence: FOI release

You asked for: 1. Regarding the proposed national infrastructure company as part of the National Infrastructure Mission: a. Any internal briefings/memos; b. Any correspondence between cabinet ministers; and c. Any external correspondence to cabinet ministers. 2. How much is the chair of the infrastructure commission...

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.2 s.17(1)
Published
2019-09-17
Reference
FOI/19/01960
Directorate
Public Spending Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Growth Scheme various questions: FOI release

1. Any briefings and/or memos to cabinet ministers regarding the Scottish Growth Scheme and its current status and future. I would like anything produced within the last 12 months. 2. Any briefings/memos or other correspondence that pertains to the future of the Scottish Growth Scheme when it’s initial three year perio...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.2 s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-09-12
Reference
FOI/19/01921
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Former First Minister case settlement breakdown: FOI release

You asked: “1. Please confirm how much was paid to Alex Salmond and his lawyers this year for the case he took against you. Please provide a detailed breakdown of those costs to include the individual sums attributable to each lawyer acting on Mr Salmond’s behalf, the work done for those sums and a copy of the releva...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.30 s.17(1)
Published
2019-09-11
Reference
FOI/19/01940
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Petitioner expenses for Former First Minister case: FOI release

You asked for “In the matter of Salmond, Petitioner it has been reported that Scottish Ministers have paid to the Petitioner expenses in excess of £500,000. I request the account of expenses intimated on Scottish Ministers in respect of this matter.”

FOI withheld 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.30 s.2
Published
2019-09-11
Reference
FOI/19/01939
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Breakdown of the legal and court costs in Former First Minister case: FOI release

You asked for “A full breakdown of the legal and court costs paid by the Scottish Government to Alex Salmond. Please provide as much detail as possible with specific costs and how the cost was incurred e.g. legal advice, travel costs, food expenses or otherwise. ”

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.30 s.2
Published
2019-09-11
Reference
FOI/19/01941
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

SGRPID payments and complaints procedure: EIR release

1. Full reasoning as to why after three years the 2016 claim has still not been paid and why even at this late stage a payment date cannot be provided. 2. Full details of all available complaints procedures, including any provided by the EU, SGRIPD, RPA or the Scottish Government. 3. Copies of all correspondence, int...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.39(2) s.2
Published
2019-09-09
Reference
FOI/19/01903
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Firewall, anti-virus and Microsoft Enterprise questions: FOI review

1. Standard Firewall (Network) - Firewall service protects your corporate Network from unauthorised access and other Internet security threats 2. Anti-virus Software Application - Anti-virus software is a program or set of programs that are designed to prevent, search for, detect, and remove software viruses, and othe...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.9 s.30 s.33(1) s.2 s.4 s.5 s.3
Published
2019-09-09
Reference
FOI/19/01485
Directorate
Topic
Public sector