Scottish Government FOI Index

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

132 matching releases

Project Chestnut correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence on Project Chestnut since January 1, 2023, to date among Senior Civil Servants, Special Advisers or Ministers.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 61 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-08-14
Reference: FOI/202300372636
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Salaries and number of ministers, special advisors and civil servants in 2003, 2013 and 2023: FOI release

For each of the years 2003, 2013 and 2023 can you provide please the following information: 1. The total number of Ministers in post at The Scottish Government/The Scottish Executive. 2. The total salaries for these Ministers for the year in question. 3. The total number of civil servants dedicated to the Private Of...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.4 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.27(1)

Published: 2024-08-01
Reference: FOI/202400421758
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public Sector

Civil servant wages: FOI release

1. How much is the Scottish Government spending on wages of civil servants now, and in each of the following years: 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022? Breakdown of these costs and how many there are employed? 2. How much is the Scottish Government spending on special advisers and press officers now, including how many of each...

FOI already published 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.25(1) s.27(1) s.17(1) s.12 s.30

Published: 2024-04-18
Reference: FOI/202300389550
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Scottish Government staff associated with Ministers: FOI release

"The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for all of the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-03-28
Reference: FOI/202400392767
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Special Advisors employed by Scottish Government: FOI release

How many special advisers does the Scottish Government currently employ, broken down by (a) portfolio, (b) job tile, and (c) pay grade?

FOI unclear 55 score 8 working days correspondence special advisers s.25(1)

Published: 2024-02-27
Reference: FOI/202400392620
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Handling of freedom of information request number 202200290584: FOI release

All the data the Scottish Government has relating to the handling of the FOI request referenced 202200290584, including all internal correspondence, phone calls, handwritten notes or other such documentation). Please also include all data relating to the involvement of ministers and special advisers.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) 10 attachments

Published: 2024-01-29
Reference: 202200303308
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communication with SQA regarding grading of 2022 exams: FOI release

All communication between the Scottish Government (ministers, special advisers, staff from education-focused directorates) and the SQA regarding the grading of 2022 exams. To be clear, this would include discussions / information related to grade boundaries, pass rates, attainment gaps, and likely public/media response...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-26
Reference: 202200315060
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Public sector

2022 exam appeals - internal communications: FOI review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) originally submitted on 19 May: Please release the following information regarding the 2022 exam appeals: All internal communication involving the following: Ministers Special Advisers Communic...

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-17
Reference: FOI/202300357586 Review of 202200328831
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner's ruling No.004/2023: FOI release

In relation to the Scottish Information Commissioner's ruling No.004/2023 and the decision by Scottish Ministers to appeal this ruling: Which Scottish Minister(s) decided to appeal the above ruling and/or gave the the go-ahead to appeal? Any and all internal and external correspondence including emails, letters, Whats...

FOI already published 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.36(1)

Published: 2024-01-11
Reference: 202300347350
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Framework For The Provision Of Commercial Advisors: FOI release

The contracts and specification within the Framework for the Provision of Commercial Advisors. Any details the agreed level of confidentiality between the Scottish Government and contracted consultants such as any NDAs or impact on FOISA legislation within said framework or any award against said framework. Corresponde...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers contracts s.25(1) s.3 4 attachments

Published: 2024-01-09
Reference: 202300363667
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence about the proposal to set up a public energy company: FOI release

All correspondence between Scottish Government special advisers, communications staff and ministers, and all briefing notes provided to ministers, about the proposal to set up a public energy company from the beginning of September 2017 to the end of December 2017 and proposals to set up a national public energy agency...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.29 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-21
Reference: 202200298818
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Conservatives Winter Recovery Plan: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (briefing, letters, emails, handwritten notes, memos, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, attachments and/or otherwise) from and/or to civil servants and/or Special Advisers and/or Scottish Government MSPs regarding the Scottish Conservatives Winter Recovery Plan.

FOI already published 80 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-17
Reference: 202300361915
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Special Adviser expenses in past 5 years: FOI release

How many Special Advisers were employed in each of the past five years and what was the total salary cost in each year? What was the total amount claimed in expenses by Special Advisers in each of the past five years broken down by (a) travel, (b) hotel accommodation and (c) food & drink. What was the cost, mode of tra...

FOI released 100 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers contracts spending s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-12
Reference: FOI/202300373199
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Records of all calls and/or meetings between John Swinney and SQA: FOI release

Records of all calls and/or meetings (including video calls) between John Swinney (including his staff or any special advisers) and Fiona Robertson of the SQA. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, dates, times, attendees, personal notes, minutes The time frame for this request is 01/01/2020 - 31/8/2020 Rec...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 260 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-11
Reference: 202100211591
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Independence Referendum Bill Supreme Court Correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence between special advisers, senior civil servants within either the constitution or legal directorate, and ministers within the Scottish Government and SNP party officials around the Supreme Court reference of the independence referendum bill. This should cover the calendar year of 2022 and exclude MSP...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200332044
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

£20m independence fund: FOI release

What is the Scottish Government now doing with its £20m independence fund due to the Supreme Court ruling? If they are using it for independence how are you justifying it considering the Supreme Court ruled the government cannot legally legislate for a referendum? Any correspondence (including emails, WhatsApps) betwee...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-11-28
Reference: 202200331939
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Comparability of Ireland's GDP with Scotland's GDP: FOI release

All internal Scottish Government discussion (including between Ministers, Civil Servants, and Special Advisers), 6th May 2021 to date, on the question of the comparability of Ireland's GDP with Scotland's GDP.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.30 s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-21
Reference: 202300353396
Directorate: Chief Economist Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence relating to Europe's offshore wind resources: FOI release

This request relates to a previous FOI response, reference: 202200325962 On page 5 of the correspondence attachment to the above referenced FOI response, an email sent on 30th September 2022 states that the below paragraph of text was provided to “another team: “The claim about 25% of Europe's offshore wind resources...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-11-12
Reference: 202200333683
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal advice and correspondence relating to operation branchform: FOI release

1. The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counsel - in regards to Operation Branchform. 2. Any internal correspondence among senior civil servants, special advisers, and ministers (including any attachments or referenced briefings) on the topic o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.35(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-02
Reference: FOI/202300368382
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence sent by Scottish Government Special Advisers, mentioning “Humza Yousaf” or just “Humza”, between 15th February 2023 and 1st March 2023: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence sent by Scottish Government Special Advisers, and mentioning “Humza Yousaf” or just “Humza”, between 15th February 2023 and 1st March 2023.

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

Published: 2023-10-30
Reference: 202300345536
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Minutes of all Scottish Government Resilience Room meetings held between 30th January 2020 to present: FOI release

Minutes of all Scottish Government Resilience Room meetings held between 30th January 2020 – present, and; a list of all those who attended these meetings, or at least the organisations/services they represented.

FOI already published 80 score 54 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-10-24
Reference: 202300342186
Directorate: Performance, Delivery and Resilience Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications with Operation Branchform Mentions: FOI release

All emails sent or received by Scottish Ministers and/or Special Advisers containing the term “Branchform” or “Branch form”. Please provide the full contents of emails containing either of these terms dating back to 1 September 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.35(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-08-21
Reference: FOI/202300367384
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

2022 exam appeals - internal communications: FOI release

The following information regarding the 2022 exam appeals: All internal communication involving the following: Ministers Special Advisers Communication staff Learning Directorate staff Education Reform Directorate staff The time frame for this request is April 1, 2022 - present. Communication would include, but woul...

FOI already published 80 score 137 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-05-23
Reference: FOI/202200328831
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Correspondence and Briefing relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

All government correspondence (including emails, whatsapps, text) between officials, civil servants, ministers, special advisers, outside sources that mention Isla Bryson or Adam Graham over the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-05-09
Reference: FOI/202300342026
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) information: FOI release

Question 1 - How much money has the Scottish Government handed out to Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) over the last five years? Breakdown of when and what the money was spent on. Question 2 - How much money has SHAAP paid to the Scottish Government over the same time period? Breakdown of when and wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts spending s.25(1) s.38(1) 12 attachments

Published: 2023-05-03
Reference: FOI/202300347130
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Money and tax, Public sector