Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,922releases indexed
40,952attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,507partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-11-04newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,507 unclear 7,460 not held 3,292 released 1,599 already published 716 cost limit 637 clarification 377 withheld 251 transferred 83

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5225 s.20 4485 s.34(1) 3789 s.39(2) 3640 s.30 3038 s.17(1) 2981 s.25(1) 2557 s.10(4) 2089 s.11(2) 1639 s.29(1) 1249 s.2 1245 s.3 980

Timeline

2026-11 48 2026-10 227 2026-09 8 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,336 releases · 27.8 avg days Marine Directorate 991 releases · 29.7 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 972 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 741 releases · 39.6 avg days Constitution Directorate 710 releases · 35.8 avg days Population Health Directorate 678 releases · 28.6 avg days People Directorate 667 releases · 25.5 avg days
Clear
4,485 matching releases

Breakdown of FOI reviews submitted to Scottish Government: FOI release

1) For each month of the last 5 years, what percentage of FOI requests received by the Scottish Government are reviewed. 2) For each month of the last 5 years, what percentage of FOI reviews to the Scottish Government are partially or fully upheld.

FOI/EIR already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence s.20 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-25
Reference
FOI/202300352494
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Average response times for an FOI request: FOI release

1) The mean, median and maximum response times for an FOI to the Scottish Government over the last 12 months. 2) The number and percentage of FOIs that were referred to Special Advisers for each month of the last five years. 3) The mean, median and maximum response times for all FOIs referred to Special Advisers over t...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 s.3 s.20 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-25
Reference
FOI/202300352495
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

AMEY contract with Scottish Government regarding class A road maintenance: EIR release

A copy of the contract the AMEY has with the Scottish Government regarding class A road maintenance, their obligations to provide signposting and road safety commitments.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 9 working days correspondence contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-24
Reference
FOI/202300353272
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Slowest Freedom of Information (FOI) responses in last 5 years: FOI release

The top 3 slowest FOI responses in each of the last 5 years, including the total length of time it took to respond to each FOI and a short description of the subject of the FOI.

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence s.20 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-24
Reference
FOI/202300352490
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence relating to the A9 Dualling Programme: EIR release

Any correspondence (Emails and WhatsApp messages) between John Swinney MSP and Jenny Gilruth MSP about the A9 dualling between 1 December 2023 and 22 February 2023. Any correspondence (Emails, WhatsApp messages, meeting notes) between Jenny Gilruth MSP and Transport Scotland about the A9 dualling between 1 December 202...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202300344674
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Formaldehyde (Formalin) use on salmon farms since 1 Jan 2020: EIR release

Information on Formaldehyde (Formalin) use on salmon farms in Scotland since 1 January 2020. Any data, emails, letters, complaints, objections, photos, videos and other information on Formaldehyde (Formalin) use on salmon farms since 1 January 2020. Any information relating to a petition calling for a ban on Formaldehy...

FOI/EIR already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.11(2) 6 attachments
Published
2023-05-17
Reference
FOI/202200303257
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Scottish International Offices costs: FOI release

To request costs for Scottish International Offices for each of the past three years (eg. 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23). Please break down costs for each of the offices and provide further breakdown as follows for each office: staff costs, number of staff (ie diplomatic staff/locally-engaged staff), travel and expenses, o...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.20 s.17(1) s.5 s.33(1) s.6
Published
2023-05-16
Reference
FOI/202300351428
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme applications and exemptions: EIR release

The number of requests for exemption from the requirement to operate a retail return point under the Deposit Return Scheme for each month since the 1st October 2022. The number of applications per month (i) where a proximity exemption was granted, and (ii) where an environmental health exemption was granted, since 1st ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-16
Reference
FOI/202300349939
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme - Correspondence with Coca Cola: EIR release

Any communications involving the Scottish Government and The Coca Cola Company relating to the so-called bottle deposit return scheme.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence s.20 s.39(2) 6 attachments
Published
2023-05-10
Reference
FOI/202300345717
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme - Concerns for small producers: EIR release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to Lorna Slater's meeting on DRS concerns with small producers.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-10
Reference
FOI/202300343220
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Emails received by Lorna Slater relating to Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

Any emails that have been received by Scottish Government minister Lorna Slater MSP that mention the Deposit Return Scheme, due to go live on the 16 August 2023, between the 10 December 2022 and 10 February 2023. If this provides too many responses, please narrow the timeline from 10 January 2023 to 10 February 2023.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-10
Reference
FOI/202300342950
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

A82 speed limit: EIR release

Please advise, Whether the layout and condition of the A82 trunk road from the boundary of Onich northwards to beyond the Corran Ferry terminal meets the statutory criteria to merit a reduction in speed limit to 40 mph? If so, what steps should be taken and by whom to initiate such a change? What obligations, if any, ...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 6 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-10
Reference
FOI/202300352485
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Impacts of lice from fish farms on wild Scottish sea trout and salmon: EIR release

“The Scottish Government publications website lists the following under Research and Analysis: “Impacts of lice from fish farms on wild Scottish sea trout and salmon : Summary of the Science.” Where is this published as for example one of the references cited https://data.marine.gov.scot/dataset/pilot-study-determine-...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 11 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1)
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300351756
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme – Correspondence received by Cabinet Secretary for Finance: EIR release

“Please provide all correspondence sent or received by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Kate Forbes (or her office), and mentioning Deposit Return Scheme or DRS, 1st January 2021 - date.”

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300345221
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Media Requests regarding Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

'Could you supply a list of how many requests have been made for government ministers to talk about the deposit return scheme since December 1 until the date of this FOI, including who was requested, when, what media outlet requested them, what your answer was, and what excuse was made if the request was rejected? Coul...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 12 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300344254
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme - Circularity Scotland correspondence with Lorna Slater: EIR release

Has the Scottish Government done any research on the possibility of Scots heading across the border to England to purchase bottles and containers due to cheaper prices when the deposit return scheme comes in? If so, could you supply the research? If you haven't, why not? Was Lorna Slater consulted on a change in handli...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300346545
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Emails received by First Minister mentioning Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

“Any emails that have been received by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that mention the Deposit Return Scheme, due to go live on the 16 August 2023, between the 10 December 2022 and 10 February 2023. If this provides too many responses, please narrow the timeline from 10 January 2023 to 10 February 2023.”

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300342951
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme Exemption Statistics: EIR release

“Please can you supply the following, (broken down by month since applications via Zero Waste Scotland opened): 1. The number of deposit return scheme proximity exemption applications a) received, b) accepted or c)declined. 2. The number of deposit return scheme environmental health exemption applications a) received...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300343924
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Planning appeal decisions 2022-23: EIR release

The number of local authority decisions overruled by the Scottish Government in the fiscal year 2022-23. The total amount (in £) the Scottish Government has spent on overruling local authority decisions in the fiscal year 2022-23. You subsequently clarified that your request related to decisions made by reporters at D...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 13 working days correspondence spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.3 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-03
Reference
FOI/202300350058
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Submissions made by the Scottish Government to the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) consultation: EIR release

A copy of any submissions made by the Scottish Government to the UK Government’s Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) consultation, which ran from 18th July 2022 until 10th October 2022.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-02
Reference
FOI/202300344883
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Gordonbush Wind Farm and Gordonbush Hydrogen Demonstrator Project: EIR release

Information on Gordonbush Wind Farm and Gordonbush Hydrogen Demonstrator Project. Please provide details of all meetings held between Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson (NetZero/Energy) and SSE Renewables in which the Gordonbush wind farm has been discussed. Please also include all discussions related to the proposed ...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-02
Reference
FOI/202300347852
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Road debris reports and incidents: EIR release

The total number of reports of debris on roads managed by Transport Scotland in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The total number of incidents / accidents caused by objects falling from vehicles in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The ten roads which had the most reports of debris in 2022. The five most common types of debris by category (w...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 10 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)
Published
2023-04-26
Reference
FOI/202300350995
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Scottish Ministers' appointing Circularity Scotland Ltd as administrator of Deposit Return Scheme: EIR Review

Original request - 202200276068 1. The application to become administrator of the deposit return scheme submitted to Scottish ministers by Circularity Scotland Ltd, and any other supporting or additional information provided by Circularity Scotland Ltd to support that application, as specified in section 14 of the regu...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 101 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.14 s.2 s.15 s.10(5) s.20 s.10(1) s.10(2) s.10 s.11(2) s.34(1) s.2(1) s.39(2) 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-20
Reference
FOI/202200298347 Review of 202200276068
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Flood Risk Management Working Group meeting minutes: EIR release

All minutes of meetings of COSLA and the Scottish Government's flood risk management working group since it was established last year.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-20
Reference
FOI/202300338730
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

MSP and Transport Scotland meetings relating to A9 dualling target: EIR release

Can you confirm when Jenny Gilruth MSP was first informed by Transport Scotland that the 2025 target to dual the A9 would not be met? Can you confirm when John Swinney MSP was first informed by Transport Scotland that the 2025 target to dual the A9 would not be met? Can you confirm when John Swinney MSP was first inf...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.6(1) s.20
Published
2023-04-19
Reference
FOI/202300344671
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport