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
91 matching releases

Retention of correspondence relating to UK Covid Inquiry: FOI release

Could you supply all emails received by the Scottish Government from the UK Covid Inquiry and the UK Government about retaining all correspondence for the inquiry? Could you supply all internal discussions, notes and briefings about Scottish Government ministers using private emails for government business, between Oct...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.28(1) s.36(1) s.37(1) s.17(1) 6 attachments
Published
2024-09-04
Reference
FOI/202400401815
Directorate
Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Culture in an Independent Scotland white paper correspondence: FOI release

Can you please disclose emails, and WhatsApps, sent between Scottish Government ministers and Scottish Government officials regarding the independence white paper entitled, 'Culture in an independent Scotland' sent/received on the following dates - February 2, 2024 February 3, 2024 February 4, 2024 February 5, 2024 Fe...

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-30
Reference
FOI/202400406120
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish National Investment Bank and Scottish Enterprise correspondence: FOI release

Full correspondence between Kate Forbes during her tenure as Finance Minister and the Scottish National Investment Bank. This would entail - 1. All correspondence (emails, letters, texts, WhatsApp messages etc) between Kate Forbes and the Scottish National Investment Bank, between 1st November 2020 and 28 March 2023. ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38 s.34(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-15
Reference
FOI/202300385487
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Confucius Institutes: FOI release

Please share any internal and external communications relating to concerns regarding the influence or actions of Chinese state actors in Scotland which have occurred since September 2022. Concerns may include – but not be limited to – risks posed by Confucius Institutes in Scottish universities, potential threats to S...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.26 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-14
Reference
FOI/202300381825
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

James Hamilton correspondence, WhatsApp review, Covid inquiry and Hugh Pennington Correspondence: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including internal, notes from any meetings, minutes and briefings about the chief nursing officer retiring, from between November 1 2023 and the date of this FOI. 2. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including internal,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.25(1) s.27(1) s.34(1) s.38 2 attachments
Published
2024-07-10
Reference
FOI/202400403162
Directorate
Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Income tax in ministerial correspondence February and March 2022: FOI release

Any correspondence received by Cabinet Secretary Kate Forbes MSP, Minister Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister Ivan McKee MSP, Minister Tom Arthur MSP regarding ‘income tax’ and the ‘reduction in income tax’ between 28 February 2022 and 22 March 2022 including, emails, Whatsapp messages and meeting minutes. Any corresponden...

FOI already published 80 score 285 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.28(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-02-07
Reference
202200297569
Directorate
Tax Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communications between First Minister and investment firm Baillie Gifford: FOI release

Any emails, texts, WhatsApp’s, minutes of meetings or other communications received or sent by the first minister, Rt Hon Humza Yousaf MSP, which mention the investment firm, Baillie Gifford from the start of July this year.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) 6 attachments
Published
2024-02-06
Reference
FOI/202300385292
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

All communications with SPS regarding Isla Bryson: FOI review

You asked for a review of our failure to respond to your request dated 27 January 2023 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: A copy of any written communication or records of verbal communication between ministers relating to Adam Graham/Isla Bryson, the minutes of any meetings where they w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 81 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-23
Reference
FOI 202300350955 Review of 202300340371
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, 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

Scottish Information Commissioner's Decision Notice: FOI release

Any internal or external correspondence, including any attachments, WhatsApp messages, text messages, instant messaging, memos, OneNotes, minutes, agendas, appendixes or other correspondence, relating to the Scottish Information Commissioner's Decision Notice, reference number 048-2022, and related FOIs.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202200297190
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding Covid-19 Inquiry and social media messaging policy: FOI release

1. A full list of media requests to Jason Leitch, and Scottish Government ministers regarding the Covid Inquiry between Oct 25 and the date of this FOI. Can you include who the organisation is and whether they got accepted or rejected? 2. How many ministers requested exemptions from the Enterprise Vault back-up system...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.17(1) s.17 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-11
Reference
FOI/202300383421
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Covid-19 Inquiry WhatsApp messages handover: FOI release

1. How many WhatsApp messages have, as of 26th October 2023, been handed over to the UK or Scottish Covid-19 inquiries? 2. How many WhatsApp messages have, as of 26th October 2023, yet to “go through the appropriate process” before (potentially) being handed over to the UK or Scottish Covid-19 inquiries?

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1)
Published
2023-12-06
Reference
FOI/202300382615
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

SQA exam results for 2021: FOI release

Any correspondence including but not limited to emails, letters, texts, WhatsApp messages or internal messaging apps such as Gchat and details of meetings including agendas, minutes, notes, handouts, attendance lists, location, and purpose, on the topic of the SQA exam results for 2021 to and from the Scottish Governme...

FOI already published 80 score 471 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-17
Reference
202100230956
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Mermaids charity: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) regarding the Mermaids Charity from 25 September 2022 onwards.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-16
Reference
202200329739
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Income tax budget: FOI release

Has the Scottish Government done any modelling on behavioural change as a result of the income tax rises voted through at Holyrood? If so can it be supplied and if not, an explanation why not? What were the options discussed by ministers for changing the income tax for the 2023 budgets? All correspondence (including em...

FOI not held 70 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-24
Reference
202300342976
Directorate
Tax Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Resource Spending Review: FOI release

all communications (emails, letters, texts, WhatsApp messages, phone calls, online meetings, in person meetings) between March 27th, 2023 and the present between Ministers(including the First Minister where applicable) officials working for Ministers and Special Advisors about the Resource Spending Review all communica...

FOI already published 80 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.25 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.20 4 attachments
Published
2023-10-16
Reference
202300362826
Directorate
Exchequer Strategy Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information pertaining to Ferguson Marine: FOI release

1. All correspondence (emails, text, whatsapps) mentioning a public inquiry into Ferguson Marine received and sent by the Scottish Government/Transport Scotland sent between February 1 and June 1. 2. Could you supply a copy of the value for money report written for the unnamed Hull 802 which Neil Gray used to give his ...

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) s.25(1)
Published
2023-09-14
Reference
FOI/202300371973
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communications relating to the arrest of Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: FOI release

All internal correspondence/communication regarding the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon. This should include (but not be limited to) emails, documents, WhatsApp messages, letters and call logs. All external correspondence/communication regarding the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon. This should include (but not be limited to) email...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-08-01
Reference
FOI/202300361223
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 Qualifications Authority (SQA) communications regarding national qualifications in 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, text or Whatsapp messages, phone calls or otherwise) concerning SQA national qualifications in 2021. I would like this information between 17 May 2021 and 29 May 2021. Any communications (including emails, text or Whatsapp messages, phone calls or othe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 337 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-04
Reference
FOI/202100209749
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, 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

Correspondence with Arran Groups: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between Scottish Government Ministers and business and community groups in the island of Arran regarding the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry fr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 97 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-26
Reference
FOI/202200305697
Directorate
Topic
Public sector