Scottish Government FOI Index

21,864releases indexed

39,478attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,113partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-06-12newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,113 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

2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263

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

1,314 matching releases

Meetings of the Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Sept-Oct 2022: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the ScottishGovernment including attached documents, meeting handouts,memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to the following meetings: Kevin Stewart's meetings with IJB Chief o...

FOI not held 70 score 89 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-17
Reference: 202300338442
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Bail and release from custody consultation: FOI release

All letter or email correspondence received by the First Minister or the Cabinet Secretary for Justice & Veterans regarding the Scottish Government’s Bail and Release from Custody arrangements consultation. Please provide all correspondence received from 15 November 2021 until the present date, specifically, external c...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-16
Reference: 202200289165
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scotland's offshore wind route map: EIR release

On 28th September 2010, the Scottish Government published Scotland's offshore wind route map: developing Scotland's offshore wind industry to 2020. The first line of the Executive Summary reads: “Scotland has an estimated 25% of Europe‟s offshore wind potential.” Please provide all internal Scottish Government (inclu...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-16
Reference: 202200329849
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence of discussion relating to domestic abuse: FOI release

Any correspondence (letters, emails, notes, minutes of meetings, discussions or otherwise) between senior civil servants, special advisers, or the First Minister on the topic of domestic abuse between 30 March 2022 and the present day.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-16
Reference: 202300339894
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Building a New Scotland white papers: FOI release

In relation to the series of white papers being prepared by the Scottish Government under the title ‘Building a New Scotland’: The expected publication date of future releases, the number of papers expected still to be released and which topics they will focus on How many meetings have been held to discuss the content...

FOI cost limit 70 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.12 s.30 s.27(1) s.20 4 attachments

Published: 2023-11-16
Reference: 202200328230
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Proposals for the establishment of freeports in Scotland: FOI release

Information relating to proposals for the establishment of freeports (including so-named “Green Freeports”) in Scotland. All Correspondence (letters, emails, phone calls, etc) between the Scottish Government and the UK Government about the establishment of freeports in Scotland dating back to the beginning of 2020. Al...

FOI cost limit 70 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.12 s.38(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-15
Reference: 202200335368
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Answer given by the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity on 15 November 2022: FOI release

A copy of any information, briefing notes and top lines provided to the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity in order to answer S6T-00960 asked by Liam Kerr MSP in the Chamber on 15th November 2022. A copy of all documents, including all correspondence involving ministers, Special Advisors and t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 288 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.30B s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-15
Reference: 202200330327
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Ministerial briefings, reports, presentations, submissions, relating to or directly resulting from this contract of the review of the Scottish Welfare Fund: FOI release

You asked for any ministerial briefings, reports, presentations, submissions, relating to or directly resulting from this contract of the review of the Scottish Welfare Fund: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB440508

FOI already published 80 score 13 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.30 s.38(1) s.25 s.29(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200289724
Directorate: Social Security Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications between First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and World Economic Forum etc between 1 January 2020 and 22 December 2021: FOI release

All communications (electronic or otherwise) during the period 1 January 2020 and 22 December 2021 between The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, and the following: The World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates The Open Society Foundations George Soros

FOI partially withheld 90 score 72 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.25(1) s.20 6 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202100267432
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence and minutes of meetings between SG and owners of BiFab manufacturing yard 2020-2022: FOI release

All (a) correspondence and (b) minutes of meetings and discussions, from during the last 2 years, between the Scottish Government and the owners of the BiFab manufacturing yard in Fife. Please be aware that the yard has changed ownership during that period. A copy of communications with each set of owners is requested....

FOI released 100 score 51 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.20 6 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200283593
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Road safety between Bridge of Orchy and Glencoe (A82): EIR release

"'Are there any plans in place to enhance road safety between the Bridge of Orchy and Glencoe (A82) by means of speed awareness signage, either by yourselves, Police Scotland, the Scottish Government or the National Trust for Scotland? This is following the substantial amount of road traffic collisions and fatal death...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 4 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2)

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: FOI/202300380895
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Correspondence between Scottish Government and EU officials regarding independent Scotland joining EU, May 2016 to May 2021: FOI release

Covering the dates 5 May 2016 to 5 May 2021: All correspondence between Scottish Government ministers and civil servants with ministers, civil servants and diplomats in EU 27 countries, regarding the possibility of a future independent Scotland joining the EU. All correspondence between Scottish Government ministers ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.38 s.20 4 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200285827
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Leslie Evans pre-retirement leave start and end dates: FOI release

Details of the start and end dates of the former Permanent Secretary's (Leslie Evans) pre-retirement leave and documentation showing when and by whom it was authorised.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 4 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200287678
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government Glasgow office project public contracts: FOI release

Any information, reports, ministerial briefings, or recommendations from this contract for a business case to inform Scottish Government's future Glasgow office requirements.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.33 s.33(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200289720
Directorate: Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Russia-bound flight from Inverness after introduction of flight restrictions to Russia: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence sent to or from government ministers and/or civil servants, since 1st May 2020, in which there is discussion of a Russia-bound flight which took off from Inverness Airport on February 26, 2022, one day after restrictions were introduced flights linked to Russia.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200328814
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Screening of Adult Human Female film at University of Edinburgh: FOI release

Any information in the form of emails, briefing notes, situation reports, confirmation of verbal updates between civil servants, special advisers or any other Scottish Government employees and the First Minister about the film Adult Human Female and the filming of it that was cancelled at Edinburgh University.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200334823
Directorate: Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister's IWD 2022 speech and pardons for witchcraft: FOI release

Internal Scottish Government correspondence regarding the First Minister’s International Women’s Day Speech which she gave to Parliament on the 8 March 2022. Please provide all correspondence related to that speech between the dates of 22 February 2022 and 8 March 2022 inclusive. An email search of the term “Witchcraft...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 45 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.20 14 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200287654
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Public sector

External review carried out by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: FOI release

Information contained in all communications, discussions, documents and meetings within the Scottish Government and with any other public authority or person in relation to the external review to be carried out by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (of allegations and disclosures and material in relation to actions carried ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.30 s.38(1) s.17(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200334659
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

S6O-01493 briefing notes, top line and background information provided to Minister for Environment and Land Reform: EIR release

A copy of any briefing notes, top lines and background information provided to the Minister for the Environment and Land Reform in order to answer S6O-01493 asked by Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP in the Chamber on 3rd November 2022 as well as the supplementary questions asked by Liam Kerr MSP, Mark Ruskell MSP and Jim Fairlie...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-12
Reference: 202200328762
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scotland’s share of Europe’s potential offshore wind resource: EIR release

All internal Scottish Government discussion (including between Ministers, Civil Servants, and Special Advisers) relating to the question of Scotland’s share of Europe’s potential offshore wind resource, restricting the search to dates between 6th May 2021 and 20th October 2022. You also indicated how to narrow down you...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-10
Reference: 202200325962
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Statutory Plant Health Notices for Phytophthora ramorum: EIR release

What is Scottish Forestry’s Phytophthora ramorum policy review process and what is the current status of this process? In Annex 2 of the SPHN document [Biosecurity on sites served with a Statutory Plant Health Notice for Phytophthora ramorum on larch], it says a key rationale for the policy is: 'to minimise financial l...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.39(2)

Published: 2023-11-10
Reference: 202300341045
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Total spend, broken down by financial or calendar year, on external legal advice: FOI release

1. The total spend, broken down by financial or calendar year, on external legal advice since April 1, 2020. (i.e. 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 to date) a) Please break this down by the list of associated cases or disputes, and their individual cost. b) If possible, please provide the final settlement or damages or othe...

FOI cost limit 45 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.12 s.20 s.26 s.21 s.33(1)

Published: 2023-11-09
Reference: 202200332510
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Evidence for COVID-19 face masks: FOI release

Have the Scottish Government ever consulted any industrial hygenists or occupational health and hygiene specialists (example link provided) to assess the safety and efficacy of masking to reduce the spread of COVID-19, if so what was the outcome ? Since 2020 till present have the Scottish Government ever conducted any ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.12

Published: 2023-11-08
Reference: FOI/202300373214
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Costings of events hosted at Bute House

You asked for: 1. A total, and breakdown on all costings related to entertainment hosted at Bute House over the past three years. This may include many events such as (but not limited to) engagements, receptions, drinks/lunches/dinners with guests/visitors, etc., broken down by year if possible. 2. A total on all spe...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.20

Published: 2023-11-06
Reference: 202300355692
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Information around the 25% statement: EIR release

Responding to questions about the use of the discredited statistic that Scotland has 25% of Europe’s offshore wind potential, multiple Scottish Government ministers and FOI responses have described that statistic as “outdated”. A detailed report published by These Islands on 9th November 2022 demonstrated that the 25% ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)

Published: 2023-11-06
Reference: 202300350262
Directorate: Offshore Wind Directorate
Topic: Public sector