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
240 matching releases

Governance and management of South Lanarkshire and Glasgow Clyde colleges: FOI release

1. Please confirm what action the Scottish Government has taken in relation to the current governance crisis in South Lanarkshire College. 2. Please confirm what action the Scottish Government took in relation to the governance crisis in Clyde College in 2015? 3. Please confirm what role the current Principal of South ...

FOI unclear 55 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1)
Published
2022-02-24
Reference
FOI/202200275968
Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence with UK Government regarding UNCRC Bill: FOI release

Correspondence between the UK and Scottish Governments in relation to the UNCRC (incorporation) (Scotland) Bill between September 2019 and March 2021.

FOI already published 80 score 121 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.28 s.36 s.25 s.28(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-26
Reference
FOI/202100219052
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Correspondence between SQA and Scottish Government regarding appeals process: FOI Release

All communication between the SQA and Scottish Government (ministers, special advisers, learning directorate officials) regarding / referring to the appeals system for 2021 results, the details of which have now been published on the SQA website: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/79049.html The time frame for this request is...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 141 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-24
Reference
FOI/202100208810
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID 19 Coronavirus testing: FOI release

1) I would like to know how many false positives Scotland has had since testing started for sars-cov-2?? 2) I would like to know how many people are testing more than twice a week as this would mean figures are being falsified if your counting the same person twice or three times would it not? 3) Why testing healthy pe...

FOI/EIR withheld 55 score 16 working days correspondence contracts spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.8(1)
Published
2021-12-13
Reference
FOI/202100250206
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Covid-19 bereaved families: FOI release

1. All correspondence, emails, record of phone calls, notes, including text messages received either by John Swinney or Humza Yousaf from Aamer Anwar seeking or making arrangements to meet Covid19 Bereaved Families for Justice Group or in relation to a request for a Public Inquiry or the date of a Public Inquiry into C...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.5 s.12 s.6 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-12-08
Reference
FOI/202100247071
Directorate
Performance, Delivery and Resilience Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 details of vaccine passports, vaccine policy and covid isolation: FOI release

Information on a variety of issues including - Vaccine Passports, Testing, and Injections for Children. We have broken down the key components of your request as they were handled by different areas. The separate sections are then numbered for ease of understanding. We have identified 10 main questions from your reques...

FOI not held 45 score 45 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2021-11-30
Reference
FOI/202100244670
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Information held relating to abortion protests: FOI release

1. Any correspondence to and from Scottish Ministers on the topic of protests outside facilities providing abortions or sexual health care. 2. Any correspondence, meeting notes, minutes or any other documentation relating to meetings or discussions between the Scottish Government, local authorities and/or COSLA on the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.3 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-15
Reference
FOI/202100243716
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Covid-19 vaccine passport: FOI release

1. Can you confirm: will the word “vaccine” be used on this document. Further will it be officially called and titled a covid or a vaccine passport? 2. A statement was made by Nadhim Zahawi MP in the House of Commons in relation to vaccine passports and the fact that the experimental “vaccine” trial required to have so...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.5 s.25(1) s.20 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-08
Reference
FOI/202100240769
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Information Commissioner appeal Decision Notice 083/2021: FOI release

1. Any and all internal and external correspondence including emails, letters, WhatsApp messages, Signal messages, text messages relating to government business from officials, ministers, and special advisers and any other interested party relating to the consideration of the Scottish Information Commissioner appeal wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.26 s.30 s.35(1) s.35(2) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-10-28
Reference
FOI/202100223873
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cost to Scottish Government of its participation of recent inquiry’s: FOI release

1. Any estimate and breakdown of the cost to the Scottish Government of its participation in the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints. 2. Any estimate and breakdown of the cost to the Scottish Government of the James Hamilton inquiry. 3. Any estimate and breakdown o...

FOI unclear 55 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.2 s.12 s.17(1) s.25(1)
Published
2021-10-07
Reference
FOI/202100209285
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Advice given to Scottish Government regarding weddings: FOI release

Any clinical advice received by the SG (either internally or externally) that relates to the decision to include children of all ages in the limits for weddings but not other indoor settings. I would also like copies of any risk assessments or other policy documentation produced or held by the SG which consider or disc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.20 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-28
Reference
FOI/202100219009
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID 19 correspondence relating to local level coronavirus restrictions: FOI release

All internal correspondence and written material, including but not limited to correspondence between officials and ministers, relating to The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 28) Regulations 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-28
Reference
FOI/202100217336
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Expenditure of James Hamilton QC inquiry: FOI release

Could you please tell me who paid for the James Hamilton QC inquiry and how much it cost.

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.25(1)
Published
2021-06-09
Reference
FOI/202100189377
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Communication relating to licence for falconry and aviculture: FOI release

Any communications made from the 01/01/2017 that Scottish Government holds relating to Section 16.1(e) of the Wildlife and Countryside 1981, including communication with Nature Scotland (SNH) and Defra / Natural England. Section 16.1(e) relates to the power to grant licenses for the purpose of falconry or aviculture.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.16 s.36(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-07
Reference
FOI/202100196898
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

COVID-19 UK Four Nations meeting over Christmas period: FOI release

1. What medical advice were the SNP given in November when agreeing to Christmas mixing for all four nations? Did the SNP challenge the Conservative Government in Westminster on this plan? If so, what evidence is there? 2. Has the SNP made any challenge to the Westminster Conservative Government on the international tr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-13
Reference
FOI/202100145803
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Documents pertaining to teachers one off payment of £400: FOI release

All documentation regarding the decision to offer a single payment to teachersand lecturers rather than paying an amount determined by student numbers. All documentation regarding the decision to offer £400, including how this specific amount was calculated.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-27
Reference
FOI/202100163050
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, letters, text or WhatsApp messages, phone calls) concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications in the academic year 2020-21. I would like this information from 17 November 2020 to 09 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 58 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) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202000121887
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19 European Convention on Human Rights compliance regarding visiting places of worship: FOI release

1. Under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights governments of religious practice may only be subject to limitations "as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rig...

FOI not held 70 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings 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
2021-04-12
Reference
FOI/202100141123
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, 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

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

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