Scottish Government FOI Index

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

Special Adviser to the First Minister communications: FOI release

All recorded communications sent to or from Senior Special Adviser David Hutchison during the period 24 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive. This includes emails, letters, briefing material, and messages held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.28(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496223
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Protests against housing asylum seekers in hotels: FOI release

Please provide any internal or external government communications made since 13/03/2025 which relate to protestors demonstrating against the housing of asylum seekers in hotels. Over the same timeline, please provide any communications which include any mentions of "Nazi", "Nazis", the "Homeland Party" or "Patriotic Al...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.12 s.25(1) s.28 s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-18
Reference: FOI/202500494671
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Public sector

Social media guidelines for Scottish Ministers and staff: FOI release

Provide any documents the Scottish Government has published on the following: 1. Guidelines for the use of social media by Scottish Ministers 2. Guidelines for the use of social media by Scottish Government Staff.

FOI released 100 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-18
Reference: FOI/202500495380
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

For Women Scotland Supreme Court Judgment meeting notes and briefings: FOI release

All meeting notes and briefings about the For Women Scotland Supreme Court Judgment between April 16 and 26 from within the Directorate for Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights.

FOI already published 80 score 84 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.30 s.45(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500481096
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Financial sustainability and taxes report by Audit Scotland correspondence: FOI release

Any recorded correspondence concerning Audit Scotland’s report Financial sustainability and taxes, published on 13 November 2025. This should include emails, letters, briefings, and any other recorded communications held on Scottish Government systems relating to the report or its findings.

FOI already published 80 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500496268
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to housing asylum seekers in Cameron Barracks, Inverness: FOI release

1. Correspondence related to the decision to house asylum seekers in Cameron barracks in Inverness. 2. Minutes of meetings where the decision to house asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks in Inverness was discussed. 3. Any documents relating to an assessment of the suitability of Cameron Barracks as a location to house...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.25(1) s.28 s.30 s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500492490
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Disclosure Scotland - Disclosures that contain 'Other relevant information' (ORI): FOI release

The amount of disclosures for April to current (Nov 2025) that contained 'Other relevant information' Please also categorise them into 'Acquitted' 'Not Proven' 'Not Guilty 'No further action/NFA' (If they contain these words - not the outcomes Can you please also tell me how ORI is considered? What tests need to be...

FOI released 75 score 12 working days correspondence ministers s.14 s.14A s.15 s.25(1)

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500495997
Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Home Office and Highland Council correspondence regarding Cameron Barracks: FOI release

1. Could you supply all minutes/notes from meetings and/or phone calls between the Scottish Government and the Home Office about Cameron Barracks in inverness, from the last three months? 2. Could you supply all correspondence sent between the Scottish Government and the Home Office about Cameron Barracks in inverness...

FOI withheld 80 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.28 s.30 s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2026-02-11
Reference: FOI/202500492483
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Written Authorities information: FOI release

You asked 'On how many occasions has written authority been sought from a minister under section 15(8) of Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000 by an accountable officer in any part of the Scottish administration, since 3 November 2021. In each case, please provide: the relevant minister the date it w...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.15(8) s.25(1)

Published: 2026-02-11
Reference: FOI/202500492484
Directorate: Financial Management Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Correspondence and funding from Scottish Government to Ferguson Marine: FOI release

1. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, analysis, about the promised £14.2m funding to Ferguson Marine, from the last three months? 2. How much of the £14.2m has been given to Ferguso...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-11
Reference: 202500485652
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Asylum seekers correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister and the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Housing regarding asylum policy and the accommodation of asylum seekers and/or refugees in Scotland. Information s...

FOI not held 70 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-10
Reference: FOI/202500489706
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Public health objection – titanium dioxide, folic acid fortification safety assessment: FOI release

1. the full safety assessment and scientific evidence used to re-approve titanium dioxide(E171). 2. the full evidence base and risk assessment used to justify mandatory folic-acid fortification. 3. the risk assessment (if any) for people with MTHFR variants 4. any public-health or economic impact review covering the ri...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-10
Reference: FOI/202500492092
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the impact of United States tariffs introduced in 2025 on the Scottish Whisky Industry: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence, including emails, briefing notes, memos, and meeting minutes, relating to the impact of United States tariffs introduced in 2025 under President Donald Trump on the Scottish whisky industry. This should include communications between Scottish Government officials and representa...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.17(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.33(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-10
Reference: FOI/202500493229
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

First Minister's trip to Springburn Academy documentation: FOI release

You asked for all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, and analysis, about John Swinney’s trip to Springburn Academy on June 23, between June 1 2025 and July 10 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500491172
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Independent Advisers’ investigation canvassing information: FOI release

A list of the officials (by name, or by position where naming is not possible) who “canvassed an opinion that Parliament may not have been misinformed” in the report of the Independent Advisers’ investigation into Angela Constance, published on 6th January 2026. You also asked to be provided with all correspondence (b...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.27(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202600500347
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Correspondence regarding stage 3 proceedings on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: FOI request

1. Any briefing prepared in advance of the start of Stage 3 proceedings on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill for Scottish Government Ministers. 2. Any speaking notes provided to Mairi Gougeon in advance of Stage 3 proceedings for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.2 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-04
Reference: FOI/202500491343
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural

Funding allocated to reduce NHS waiting lists information: FOI release

1) A breakdown of the £110million pledged and allocated to reduce long NHS waits. This should include where the money has been spent (i.e. NHS board), and also what specific conditions or deliverables have been attached to this money. 1a) Any internal report or briefing to ministers or to senior Health directorate civ...

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.25(1) s.30

Published: 2026-02-04
Reference: FOI/202500491832
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Classification and ancillary costs of former First Minister's travel to Qatar: FOI release

I am requesting information regarding the decision-making process, classification, and public expenditure related to trips undertaken by the former First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to Qatar between 29 March 2023 and 7 May 2024. Please provide: 1. Trip Classification Protocol: Any internal correspondence, briefing notes,...

FOI not held 45 score 12 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.39 s.30 s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-03
Reference: FOI/202500496383
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Immigration-related land use, Equality Act compliance and safeguarding information: FOI Review

Original request 202500486123 1. Immigration-Related Land Use • Recorded information (briefings, board or management papers, correspondence, leases/licences, meeting minutes, internal reports, or ministerial directions) from 1 Jan 2019–present on: • Use, proposed use, or upcoming plans involving forestry or woodland f...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.2 s.4 s.5 s.12 s.15 s.25(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) s.1 s.33 s.38 s.21 s.17(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2026-02-03
Reference: FOI/202500489170 Review of 202500486123
Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Registered Fostering Agency (RFA) queries: FOI release

What action is planned to eliminate the practice of RFA’s transferring money to their parent organisation in the form of loans? What steps are being taken to recover the public funds extracted by creative accounting?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.25(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-03
Reference: FOI/202500491955
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Documentation regarding Right To Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill: FOI release

Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings,briefings, analysis, about the Right To Addiction Recovery [Scotland] Bill, for the period 1st to 31st May 2025

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500490529
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Release of legally privileged information and use of WhatsApp on Scottish Government phones: FOI release

1. Could you provide how many occasions in the last two years that the Scottish Government has been forced to publicly release legally privileged information, and include what this info was and why it had to be released? 2. Could you supply how many incidents have been recorded of government staff, officials or minist...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491146
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Ministerial Code Advisers and Senior Civil Servants correspondence: FOI release

1. All the correspondence between Scottish Ministers/special advisers/senior civil servants and any of the ministerial code advisers since 3 January 2025. This should include emails, instant messages, letters, meetings (and minutes of those meetings) and phone calls. 2. How many Scottish Government employees are secon...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.25(1)I s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-29
Reference: FOI/202500490297
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Documentation regarding the First Minister's trip to London for the state visit of the President of the USA: FOI release

"Any documents that relate to John Swinney's visit to London for the state visit of Donald Trump in September. This could include minutes of any meetings held with anyone during this visit, be it Mr Trump, the Prime Minister or the King, or anyone else Mr Swinney met with. Can any documents that refer to this visit sen...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.27(1) s.39(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500489628
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, International, Public sector

Transport Scotland - Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services 3 (CHFS3) contract and vessel maintenance: FOI release

Copies of all information held by Transport Scotland relating to vessel maintenance scheduling obligations and timetable planning under the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services 3 (CHFS3) Grant Agreement with CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL).

FOI cost limit 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.12 s.6 s.3 s.25(1) s.17

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500490383
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport