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

240 matching releases

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

Gender recognition bill: FOI release

Which firm is being instructed to represent the Scottish government in the judicial review petition? Is it the Scottish government legal directorate or an external law firm? Which counsel have been instructed to represent the government in the judicial review petition? Please supply names and advocate stables. Please p...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.35 s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2023-11-06
Reference: 202300351736
Directorate: Justice 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

ERDM folder dedicated to FOI 202100233415: FOI Release

You asked for “1) The contents of the one ERDM folder dedicated to FOI 202100233415 which includes 53 items detailed in the response to FOI 202300363650.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.47(1) s.49(3) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-10-30
Reference: FOI/202300368165
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Consideration of alternatives to judicial review of section 35 Order: FOI release

Further to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice's statement to Channel 4 News on 12 April that "the Scottish Government has given due consideration to the other alternatives [to bringing legal action on the current Section 35 Order], to ensure that we didn't get into a place of having a judicial review" (see here: ...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.35 s.36(1) s.25(1) s.27(1) s.3(2) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2023-10-24
Reference: 202300351714
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence on the alcohol ban on ScotRail trains: FOI release

Please send me correspondence with the Scotrail on the alcohol ban on ScotRail trains. Please also send me the number antisocial behaviour incidents recorded each month since January 2018.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 221 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.29(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-10-20
Reference: 202200313595
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government information in relation to child safeguarding concerns: FOI release

all information held by the Scottish Government in relation to the child safeguarding concerns you raised in 2022 and 2023, including all documents held and communications (emails / letters) both internal and with other third parties such as Education Scotland; and all information held in relation to the review recentl...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 47 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) s.25(1) s.20 4 attachments

Published: 2023-10-16
Reference: 202300353761
Directorate: Learning 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

Deputy First Ministers meetings with Lady Poole: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to the following meetings: John Swinney's meetings with Lady Poole...

FOI already published 80 score 100 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 10 attachments

Published: 2023-08-09
Reference: FOI/202300338420
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI Review

“Can you please provide ALL communications, including emails, between any member of the Scottish Government and any member of the Scottish Prison Service, in relation to any or all transgender prisoners, between 10-Jan-2023 and 02-Feb-2023.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 59 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.21(4) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2023-06-05
Reference: FOI/202300353625 Review of 202300341318
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Law and order, 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

Correspondence and Briefing held by Scottish Government relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

“Please provide me with all correspondence, briefing notes, minutes and other information held by the Scottish Government regarding Isla Bryson, formerly Adam Graham, who has been convicted of two rapes. Please include exchanges with other agencies regarding this person's imprisonment. Specifically, can you provide al...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 68 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.35(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments

Published: 2023-05-04
Reference: FOI/202300340450
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

The potential impact on Scots from the cost-of-living crisis: FOI release

Any reports, briefings, presentations, or other documents or information such as polling and analysis, on the potential impact on Scots from the cost-of-living crisis, received by the deputy first minister in May, June and July 2022'. Following correspondence with yourself, the request was changed to 'Any reports, brie...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.27 s.27(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-02-08
Reference: FOI/202200331389
Directorate: Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Discussions regarding the judicial review: FOI release

All notes, correspondence, actions to be taken from the meetings on November 2 and 13 between the First Minister, the permanent secretary and external legal advisers to discuss the judicial review.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 160 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.26 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-01-26
Reference: FOI/202100173910
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Lord Advocate meeting with Deputy First Minister: FOI release

1) Minutes of any meeting between the Deputy First Minister John Swinney and the Lord Advocate on February 23, 2021; 2) Emails, texts and records of phone calls between the Deputy First Minister and the Lord Advocate, with necessary redactions of personal information, on 23 February 2021; and 3) Any follow-up contacts ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 96 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-01-26
Reference: FOI/202100210688
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Redress Scotland solicitor fees: FOI release

1. Are solicitors allowed to charge a 10 percent fee for helping the survivors of csa or are they just entitled to a set amount of fees? https://www.gov.scot/publications/redress-survivors-historical-child-abuse-care-scotlandact-2021-statutory-guidance-payment-legal-fees-related-decisions-made-redressscotland/#:~:text=...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.96 s.2 s.25(1)

Published: 2022-12-06
Reference: FOI/202200315429
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Civil Service briefings produced on the UNCRC prior to the bill being introduced: FOI release

Copies of any briefings or memos or other analysis on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, produced by the Civil Service prior to the Bill being introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

FOI already published 80 score 235 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.10(1) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-10-31
Reference: FOI/202100257620
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Public sector

External legal advice incurred relating to Referendum: FOI release

1) The cost of all external legal advice incurred by the Scottish Government producing the Lord Advocate’s written case to the Supreme Court on the question of whether a referendum on Scottish independence relates to reserved matters. 2) If possible, the lawyers/firms in receipt of the funds the Scottish Government pro...

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

Published: 2022-10-05
Reference: FOI/202200312733
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence with Lord Advocate regarding the Supreme Court: FOI release

1) Any correspondence, including meetings, notes, memos, agendas, ministerial briefings and minutes, between the Scottish Government and the office of the Lord Advocate on the topic of the Lord Advocate's reference to the Supreme Court between January 1, 2022 and June 28, 2022. This should include any emails, letters, ...

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

Published: 2022-08-22
Reference: FOI/202200312193
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Independence referendum and prospectus resources: FOI release

Given the rapidly increasing likely resources now being employed on another independent referendum, please supply me with exact details of that resource and the expected total budget, the Scottish Government is providing for the First Minister's referendum and independence planning, communications and public engagement...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1)

Published: 2022-08-02
Reference: FOI/202200308344
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Documentation regarding 2022 National Qualifications: FOI release

The Scottish Government has today confirmed that exams will take place in 2022 (if safe to do so) - https://www.gov.scot/news/national-qualifications-2022/. Please release any documents (such as advice, analysis, briefings, options documents etc) outlining / analysing / considering etc. the options available for nation...

FOI already published 80 score 240 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-07-27
Reference: FOI/202100231966
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Various reports files sizes: FOI release

"Please could you provide me with the exact number of pages and their respective file sizes, when sent as attachments, of the following documentation that is held by the Scottish Government: The Investigating Officer's (Judith Mackinnon) Report of February 2018. The Investigating Officer's (Judith Mackinnon) Report of...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.25(1) s.36(1)

Published: 2022-07-25
Reference: FOI/202200304533
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal considerations regarding Dalzell Steelworks: FOI release

“1. Please provide a copy of the information the Scottish Government holds on how disputes about state aid rules are resolved post-Brexit. Does the Scottish Government have any documentation which states that the Court of Session and Supreme Court now have responsibility for interpreting and ruling on any dispute relat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 90 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.36 s.38(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2022-07-14
Reference: FOI/202200272825
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Covid-19 reopening of schools: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, typed or hand-written notes, phone calls or otherwise) concerning the reopening of schools. Any briefings or analysis issued to Ministers on the subject of (at least in part) the reopening of schools. This was to cover the period 25 February 2021 to 04...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 221 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.28(1) s.28 s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-02-28
Reference: FOI/202100178134
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector