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

All correspondence between the Scottish Government and P&O Ferries: FOI release

You asked for details of all contact between the Scottish Government and P&O Ferries between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2020, including copies of all written correspondence (letters and emails); details (including time, date, participants) of any meetings between SG officials and/or ministers and P&O staff or its repr...

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2021-02-08
Reference
FOI/202100135421
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Public sector

FOI request 202000077960 regarding Former First Minister various questions: FOI release

"I note the above Freedom of Information request answered on 23rd September Secondly, which official/officials provided the information which suggested the November 9th date? And on whose instruction was it included in the answer? Thirdly, and please treat this last point as an FOI in itself as well as a question, kind...

FOI already published 80 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) s.25 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-04
Reference
FOI/202000093492
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Questions regarding @ScotGovFM and First Minister Twitter accounts: FOI release

A copy of any guidance and/or instructions issued to Scottish Government ministers for their use of both official government and personal social media accounts. If 1. does not answer this point, why the @ScotGovFM account is used so infrequently (during the month preceding this request, October 7 – November 7 it posted...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1)
Published
2021-01-27
Reference
FOI/202000108984
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Topics

Questions concerning scientific evidence, guidelines and statistical information related to COVID-19: FOI release

1. Scientific evidence for face covering guidelines in schools, shops and on public transport; 2. All medical risk assessments associated with face coverings for adults and children; 3. Scientific evidence for all imposed lockdown guidelines since February 2020. 4. Medical risk assessments associated with lockdown meas...

FOI not held 45 score 102 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.6 s.2 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.27(1)
Published
2021-01-26
Reference
FOI/202000082329
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 Pandemic guidance and framework questions: FOI release

1). Can you please explain what spurs the virus actually means please? 2). Can you please provide information about the criteria by which the Scottish Government will consider this pandemic situation over? 3). I would also like a copy of the Scottish Governments risk assessment for wearing face coverings and the risk a...

FOI not held 45 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1)
Published
2021-01-25
Reference
FOI/202000115243
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, 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

Correspondence types and case compliance in financial year ending March 2020: FOI release

How many correspondence cases did Scottish Government receive in the financial year ending March 2020 split across the various types (complaints, FOI, DPR, etc.)? Please also include any stats on compliance regarding timely responses where relevant. What volume of cases received from April - Sept 2020 were COVID19 spec...

FOI/EIR cost limit 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.81 s.76 s.20 s.10 s.25(1) s.12
Published
2021-01-20
Reference
FOI/202000106664
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Total cost of the daily media briefings by the Scottish government: FOI release

1. How much does it cost the Scottish government to use the BBC as a broadcaster for the daily briefing for the first minister could you break the cost down to category 2. Could you tell me the legislation that was used to implement the coronavirus legislation and the legislation used to implement the travel restricti...

FOI unclear 55 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.25(1) s.20
Published
2021-01-15
Reference
FOI/202100133093
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Questions concerning the Scottish Governments response to COVID-19: FOI release

1) Please provide all scientific information and evidence to justify the isolation and locking up of healthy people? 2) Please provide all scientific information and evidence for the imposed 2 meter distance rule? 3) We are leveling the curve, Technically on the second peak. Please provide all scientific information an...

FOI unclear 55 score 94 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2021-01-11
Reference
FOI/202000076599
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy: FOI release

"The economic impact survey the First Minister made reference to in her Covid briefing yesterday 18/11/2020. She stated that “the impact to the economy of letting Covid run unchecked would be greater than the impact these lockdowns are having”. To make such a factual claim the First Minister must have done a full and d...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.25(1)
Published
2020-12-23
Reference
FOI/202000113608
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, Public sector

COVID-19 restrictions related to congregational singing: FOI release

In relation to "Singing, chanting and the playing of instruments" it is stated that "Scientific studies indicate that it is the cumulative aerosol transmission from both those performing in and attending events that involve singing and the playing of wind and brass instruments, that is likely to create risk" Can you t...

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.20
Published
2020-12-23
Reference
FOI/202000116835
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Law and order, +1 more … Public sector

COVID-19 and organised classes for children: FOI release

Question 1 - any evidence or investigation undertaken pertaining to the risk assessment or relative infection rates and spread of Covid-19 in the following settings overall and by age breakdown if available; 1. Indoor classes for children 2. Hospitality settings 3. Nursery schools 4. Supermarkets 5. Parks and recreatio...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2020-12-15
Reference
FOI/202000093059
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Statistics on Scottish Government Car Service: FOI release

You asked for: The amount the Scottish Government spent on the Government Car Service in each year from 2010/11 to 2020/21 (to the date of this request). Number of cars in the Scottish Government, Government Car Service in each year from 2010/11 to 2020/21 (to the date of this request). The number of FTE staff working...

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.27(1)
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000103801
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Questions regarding Early Learning and Childcare: FOI release

You requested the following information: Please provide figures for how many settings are currently providing 1140 funded hours and how many are providing less. Can you please show the figures overall as well as split by Council and split into PVI and LA settings. Please state whether each Council is being given full...

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.6 s.25(1)
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000104094
Directorate
Early Learning and Childcare Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Questions concerning legislation and police powers in enforcing restrictions: FOI release

1. Copies of all the scientific evidence used to determine the efficacy of Scotland's 4 tiers rules. 2. Details of devolved legislative powers being used by Scotland to enforce these 4 tiers. 3. Details of devolved legislative powers being used or will be used to prevent travel in / out of Scotland and around Scotlan...

FOI unclear 55 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.4 s.6 s.25(1) s.20 s.49
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000103347
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Law and order, +1 more … Public sector

Questions concerning COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland: FOI release

1. Was it legal to implement ANY restrictions to peoples’ liberties during this Covid mess made by the government and where can I find out when this legislation was given under law ? 2. Presently IS it legal to continue restrictions? 3. Is it now legal to trample over people human rights (as no one has ever answered ...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-07
Reference
FOI/202000106239
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

Questions concerning COVID-19 testing: FOI release

1. Has the SARS-CoV-2 virus been physically isolated and, if so, where and when? 2. Does a positive RT-PCR test constitute a case in the Scottish Government statistics? 3. Is there any correction factor for the false positive errors and other errors applied to the test results prior to inclusion in statistics given to ...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1)
Published
2020-12-03
Reference
FOI/202000106690
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, 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

Article 7 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child (UNCRC) questions: FOI release

1. What is the timeline for Article 7 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child (UNCRC) to be fully enshrined in Scots Law? 2. Which minister has responsibility for drafting the legislation that complies with UNCRC? 3. What is the currently recorded Scottish Government definition of “as far as possible”...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1)
Published
2020-11-11
Reference
FOI/202000092641
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, International, 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

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

Briefings and minutes of meetings with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) concerning 2020 awards: FOI release

Minutes of any meetings, and any briefings produced for these meetings, between the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, that are (at least in part) on the subject of the 2020 SQA Awards. I would like this information from 25 July to 20 August. Any cor...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000087831
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Questions concerning Ferguson Marine bonds: FOI release

1. How many bonds are there and what was their value. 2. Why was the value of the bond not redacted from information provided by the Scottish Government. 3. The value of the settlement amount paid by HCC International Insurance Company plc (HCCI) to Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). Copies of all corresponde...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.36(1)
Published
2020-10-30
Reference
FOI/202000082177
Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector