Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,640releases indexed
40,478attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,386partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-09-02newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,386 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 700 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5149 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3727 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2994 s.17(1) 2922 s.25(1) 2520 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 1 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,312 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 978 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 961 releases · 30.9 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 737 releases · 39.7 avg days Constitution Directorate 702 releases · 35.9 avg days Population Health Directorate 665 releases · 28.5 avg days People Directorate 657 releases · 25.6 avg days
Clear
889 matching releases

All written evidence to James Hamilton QC's investigation: FOI release

- All written evidence to James Hamilton's QC investigation into the FM under the ministerial code. This includes evidence from the FM, her chief of staff Liz Lloyd and any other individuals within the Scottish Government who have submitted evidence.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100161098
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding enhanced restrictions for places of worship: FOI release

“I would like to make an foi request with regards to the latest restrictions in place on places of worship. Can you provide details of any meeting minutes, or other recorded information, that pertains to any discussion or consideration made to ensure the regulations and guidance on places of worship comply with the Eu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100132535
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +1 more … Public sector

Communications concerning Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill and changes to Freedom of Information rules: FOI release

All communication between ministers, officials and press officers regarding the proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 238 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000025358
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Extending response times to freedom of information requests: FOI review

Supply all correspondence/emails (including attachments) - to or from government ministers, special advisers or senior civil servants - dated on or prior to 2 April 2020 relating to the proposal to extend response times to freedom of information requests set out in Schedule 6 Part 2 of the [Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 153 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000068453
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Information relating to adult disability payment: FOI release

All of the eligibility criteria for entitlement to adult disability payment.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 8 working days correspondence spending s.25(1) s.3 s.4 s.5 s.10 s.14 s.22
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202100137574
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Minutes and material with Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills regarding Higher Qualifications: FOI release

Minutes of any meetings involving the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, regarding Higher or Advanced Higher National Qualifications in 2020-21. Please could I also have any briefing material issued for these meetings. I would like this information from 20 November 2020 to 4 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.27(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000121891
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Spending review: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the UK Government’s Spending Review as announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ri...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000129463
Directorate
Public Spending Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

FOI statistics and overdue responses: FOI release

Can you please provide all reports (or lists) provided by the government's central FOI unit to government ministers in the period from 1 September 2020 to date that (a) contain a list of overdue FOI requests (b) shows FOI response performance. Please provide all correspondence that was sent to Ministers along with the ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000099262
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Discussions concerning Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) interim report: FOI release

1. Details of all the discussions between Scottish Ministers and the OECD on the subject of its producing an interim report (including copies of all correspondence, documents, reports, minutes, letters and emails). 2. A copy of all the internal Scottish Government discussions (including with Scottish Government agencie...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-19
Reference
FOI/202000120882
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) review submissions and correspondence: FOI release

1. A copy of any submissions (evidence, reports, opinions or similar) received to date by the Scottish Government or National Coordinator, sent to them for the purposes of being passed to the OECD, which were returned to the sender without being considered by the OECD (either not referred to the OECD, or referred to th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.27(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.30 s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-19
Reference
FOI/202000120876
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Equality and Human Rights Commission: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government Justice Directorate and the Equality and Human Rights Commission from the months of May, June, July and August 2020. 2. Meeting minutes or other documents mentioning the Equality and Human Rights Commission from the months of May, June, July and August 2020 held by the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.29(1) s.36 s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000092321
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Stonewall Scotland: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government Justice Directorate and Stonewall Scotland from the months of May, June, July and August 2020. 2. Meeting minutes or other documents mentioning Stonewall Scotland from the months of May, June, July and August 2020 held by the Scottish Government Justice Directorate.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000089694
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and LGBT Youth Scotland: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government Justice Directorate and LGBT Youth Scotland from the months of May, June, July and August 2020. 2. Meeting minutes or other documents mentioning LGBT Youth Scotland from the months of May, June, July and August 2020 held by the Scottish Government Justice Directorate.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.29 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000089697
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Equality Network: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government Justice Directorate and the Equality Network from the months of May, June, July and August 2020. 2. Meeting minutes or other documents mentioning the Equality Network from the months of May, June, July and August 2020 held by the Scottish Government Justice Directorate.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000089701
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Information relating to Police Scotland work with Sri Lanka: FOI release

Please provide copies of any records held by the Justice Directorate between 15 October 2020 and 8 December 2020 relating to Police Scotland's work with Sri Lanka. I expect your search to include records held by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and his team.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000121879
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National Qualifications: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails and phone calls) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the 2021 SQA National Qualifications. I would like this information from 02 October 2020 to 02 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 10 attachments
Published
2021-01-22
Reference
FOI/202000107143
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Successful tender submissions for BSL-based Video Relay Service: FOI release

"tender submission that was successful" in relation to the Scottish Government contract for a BSL-based Video Relay Service.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 17 working days correspondence briefings contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) s.25(1)
Published
2020-12-14
Reference
FOI/202000109719
Directorate
Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence concerning the approval of the proposed exam moderation system: FOI release

What form and when the recommendations of the SQA for the award of grades after the cancellation of exams were approved by Scottish Ministers, including the First Minister and the Scottish Cabinet. In particular did Ministers approve the proposed moderation system and on what basis ?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000092924
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19 roadside breath testing procedures: FOI release

a) ALL communications including emails within Police Scotland and any other bodies within government(MSPs ,Other Politicians, Scientific officers, Public Health officials, Police unions, etc.) with regard to the Covidsafe procedures to be carried out on Roadside Breath testing on members of the Public Particular refere...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 51 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-01
Reference
FOI/202000066509
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Meetings with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: FOI release

Since January 2018 how many meetings (including teleconferences or videoconferences) are recorded as having taken place between Scottish Ministers, Scottish Chief Medical Officers and Scottish National Clinical Directors and the founders or representatives of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 15 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.27
Published
2020-11-10
Reference
FOI/202000099775
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Scientific evidence which influenced the decision to restrict the opening of gyms: FOI release

I would like to ask for an FOI detailing the scientific reasons and facts for not allowing Scottish Gyms to open. Specifically information which contradicts or disproves the reasons that other countries (and WHO) must have considered before they decided it was safe, with mitigations, to open gyms. Included in the FOI ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 65 working days over deadline correspondence s.25(1) s.17(1) s.27(1)
Published
2020-11-10
Reference
FOI/202000077723
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills and SQA correspondence in early August 2020: FOI release

In your request you asked for: Any correspondence (including emails, letters, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls or otherwise) between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and the SQA. I would like this information from 02 August to 06 August.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-09
Reference
FOI/202000084793
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill FOI legislation changes: FOI release

In relation to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill (https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/114929.aspx) I would like to request the following material: Any briefings or analysis documents outlining the need for / details of proposed changes to FOI legislation

FOI partially withheld 90 score 156 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000025366
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the review into the 2020 SQA awards process: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls) on the subject of the review into the 2020 SQA Awards process that is to be led by Mark Priestley. I would like this information from 09 August 2020 to 23 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000090265
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

COVID-19 impact on Attainment Scotland Fund and school closures: FOI release

Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding the impact of the Attainment Scotland Fund. I would like this information from 01 January 2020 to 15 September 2020. Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding t...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1)
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000089953
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector