Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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
1,221 matching releases

Published homelessness statistics August 2020 communication: FOI release

Correspondence (emails, letters, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, whatsapp messages, texts and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or Kevin Stewart regarding the homelessness statistics published in August 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-31
Reference
FOI/202000126243
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) revision of appeal process: FOI release

Ministerial direction SQA refer to and any information, paperwork, correspondence etc between SG and SQA and also more generally which explains the thinking behind the revision of the appeals process (please treat as an FOI). I am not sure whether you can also explain where responsibility lies for the design of the app...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000108636
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 correspondence: FOI release

Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the UK Government and the Scottish Government regarding the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill. Please limit between 1 April 2020 and the present dat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-24
Reference
FOI/202000111668
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence relating to 50,000 affordable homes target: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of briefings prepared by civil servants regarding the 50,000 affordable homes target.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 10 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202000118539
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

COVID-19: Closure of places of worship: FOI release

1) I would be extremely grateful if you could email me a full copy of the Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - as well as a full copy of all the evidence underpinning the same Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - specifically pertaining to worshippers and Places of Worship that the Scottish Minister(s...

FOI not held 70 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.2 s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202100133792
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +2 more … Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

James Hamilton QC independent investigation: FOI release

1 - An Independent Investigation currently being led by James Hamilton QC is investigating possible breaches of the ministerial code by the First Minister. If he concludes that the FM did not knowingly mislead parliament as well as did not break other parts of the MC then I presume that the First Minister would not res...

FOI released 75 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.1 s.25(1)
Published
2021-03-18
Reference
FOI/20210016129
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information relating to Higher and Advance Higher exams 2021: FOI release

The Scottish Government has previously announced that National 5 exam diets would be cancelled but that Higher and Advanced Higher diets would go ahead. Education secretary John Swinney has since stated that alternate approaches have been developed and that a decision could be made as late as February to switch to thes...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-17
Reference
FOI/202000114519
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Briefings in reference to disability unemployment rates: FOI release

Copies of any civil servant briefings prepared on disability unemployment rates, or that reference disability unemployment rates.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-17
Reference
FOI/202100140775
Directorate
Topic
Economy, Equality and rights, Public sector, +1 more … Work and skills

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

Responsibilities for specific Ministerial positions: FOI release

1. A copy of the responsibilities of each of the following ministerial positions as at 16th December 2019. The First Minister Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport Minister for Public Health and Sport 2. If not included in the descriptions above, a copy of the responsibilities of whichever minister(s) or cabinet sec...

FOI unclear 80 score 1 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-11
Reference
FOI/202100152438
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Response timeframe for email enquiries: FOI release

You asked "Does the Scottish Government have a target timeframe in which it aims to respond to email enquiries? Is information available on how well this target is met?"

FOI unclear 55 score 84 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1)
Published
2021-03-09
Reference
FOI/202000102772
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

COVID-19 scientific evidence discussions concerning restrictions within hospitality sector: FOI release

Any records relating to the scientific, statistical, or medical evidence related to public health controls on the spread of Covid-19 and how these relate to the hospitality sector, such as pubs and restaurants, at any point between the date of this request [4 November 2020] and 1 March 2020. We would like to limit our ...

FOI unclear 80 score 79 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.3 s.4 s.20 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-09
Reference
FOI/202100146009
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, 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

Understanding teacher estimates for grading pupils receiving qualifications in 2020: FOI release

In relation to teacher estimates to grade pupils receiving qualifications in 2020, you asked: what work has been done/activities been undertaken to better understand why teacher estimates were so much higher than historic attainment please provide me with any written information exploring this issue – including, but n...

FOI already published 80 score 55 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-02
Reference
FOI/202000117808
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Scottish Conservative Conference: FOI release

1. 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 Scottish Conservative Conference, held between Friday 20 November and Saturday ...

FOI not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000129480
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

James Hamilton QC investigation evidence submitted: FOI release

- All evidence submitted to James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. - Details of all meetings held by James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. Please include minutes, call logs, list of a...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139187
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Government stance on independence referendum: FOI release

Have Scottish Government employees started work on a White Paper on independence, or an equivalent document to the 2013 document, Scotland’s Future? When did this work start? How many officials have been working on this? What is the cost in terms of employee time, etc, of the preparation of that document? Have the reco...

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2021-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000117911
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Expenditure of independence referendum: FOI release

Since the SNP administration took office in 2007, how much of taxpayers money has been spent on the SNP’s independence project.

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1)
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000117524
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, 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