Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,640releases indexed
40,478attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,386partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-09-02newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,386 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 700 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5149 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3727 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2994 s.17(1) 2922 s.25(1) 2520 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 1 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,312 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 978 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 961 releases · 30.9 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 737 releases · 39.7 avg days Constitution Directorate 702 releases · 35.9 avg days Population Health Directorate 665 releases · 28.5 avg days People Directorate 657 releases · 25.6 avg days
Clear
912 matching releases

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affair referendum correspondence: FOI release

From 8 March 2021 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, whatsapp messages, texts, letters, handwritten notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) to and/or from Mike Russell with any reference to the draft independence referendum bill published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-27
Reference
FOI/202100186146
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefings relating to draft independence bill published 22 March: FOI release

From 1 January 2021 to present: Copies of all briefings prepared by civil servants on the draft independence bill published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-20
Reference
FOI/202100186097
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding potential timing for independence referendum: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, whatsapp messages, texts, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) from/between/to civil servants and/or Special Advisers on the appropriate timing for an independence referendum to take place once the legislation for it would be passed in the next parliamentary term.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-20
Reference
FOI/202100187817
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding draft bill on another independence referendum: FOI release

Copies of correspondence from/to and/or between members of the Constitution and Cabinet Directorate on the draft bill on another independence referendum announced in the 2020-21 Programme for Government.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-18
Reference
FOI/202100174032
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information relating to Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment: FOI release

Regarding the levels of take-up with new Scottish benefits. I would appreciate if you could make available any data that you hold in electronic format.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.8 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-17
Reference
FOI/202100181642
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Meeting between Health Homes and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport: FOI release

1) Any minutes, handouts, shared documents, agendas, notes, briefing papers, follow-up emails, notes taken by attendees from the meeting between the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport and care home groups in the week commencing Feb 15 referenced by Jason Leitch at the daily coronavirus briefing on February 24. 2) A...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.3 s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-13
Reference
FOI/202100164833
Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

COVID-19 return to school: FOI review

Further to my acknowledgement letter of 16 March, I have now completed my review of our failure to respond to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA). You said: “The government is already in breach of the law and is now asking me to allow it to go to 150% of the stated time limit , wit...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-05-12
Reference
FOI/202100176220 review of 202100149409
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Information regarding the Tied Pubs Bill: FOI release

A copy of advice ministers received from civil servants regarding Tied Pubs before the Stage 1 debate of the Tied Pubs Bill in the Scottish Parliament. A copy of correspondence (written and digital) between ministers and civil servants regarding the Tied Pubs Bill before and after the Stage 1 debate. You clarified you ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.36(2) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-11
Reference
FOI/202100183693
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Official meeting with Homes for Scotland 31 October 2019: FOI release

Derek McKay meeting with Homes For Scotland Nicola Barclay on 31 October 2019. Details being sought include: 1. Pre meeting briefing(s) 2. Agenda 3. Venue and list of attendees 4. Minutes or notes from meeting 5. Post meeting action points

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.38(1) s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-10
Reference
FOI/202100175100
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Communications regarding National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications 2021: FOI release

All correspondence between John Swinney, Special Advisers or government officials and the SQA regarding plans / options for the awarding of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2021. The time frame for this request is Jan 1 2021 - Jan 31 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-06
Reference
FOI/202100162263
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, 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

Creation of Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group: FOI release

Copies of all information including, but not limited to, minutes, correspondence, notes of telephone calls and emails held by Scottish Government on :- The decision to create the “Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group”, relating to the choice of “misogyny” and not the broader “sex” as discussed as pa...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-21
Reference
FOI/202100156901
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Internal communications relating to expansion of free school meals: FOI review

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, text or WhatsApp messages, typed or handwritten notes) on the subject of the policy of the expansion of free school meal provision for primary school pupils from 2022. I would like this information from 20 October 2020 to 27 November 2020. I understand ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence briefings whatsapp s.29(1)A s.29(1) s.36(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202100135539 review of 202000118815
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, 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

Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) communications: FOI release

"All communications, including but not limited to minutes, telephone calls, emails, between the Scottish Government, Independent GiRFEC panel members, steering group members, GiRFEC lead, and the ICO relating to GiRFEC, including but not limited to wellbeing, SHANARRI, thresholds, Named Person, lawful basis for process...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 65 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-14
Reference
FOI/202000114465
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Information regarding NHS Scotland Chairs and Chief Executives groups 2020: FOI release

Agendas, minutes and all other meeting papers for the meetings of the NHS Scotland board chairs group starting with the June 2020 meeting to present. Agendas, minutes and all other meeting papers for the meetings of the NHS Scotland chief executives group starting with the June 2020 meeting to present.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 82 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-04-14
Reference
FOI/202000104213
Directorate
People, Appointments and Governance
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

COVID-19 comparison of shielded and non-shielded population report: FOI Review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: a) All information held - dating from 5/10/20 onwards inclusive - with regard to this study… https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.17.20196436v3.full.pdf …and any future iterations ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-31
Reference
FOI/202100157910 review of 202100138399
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, 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 regarding Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill: FOI release

"Regarding the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill may you provide me with: Any correspondence or discussions the Scottish Government has had with UK ministers regarding this."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.28 s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202000109684
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Programme for Government, Public sector

Communication relating to funding for outdoor education centres: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails, text or Whatsapp messages or phone calls) between civil servants and Ministers on the subject of funding for outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 23 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38 s.33 s.29 s.38(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-18
Reference
FOI/202000113897
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Scottish Government's capital borrowing: FOI release

I understand the Scottish Government is able to borrow from the National Loans Fund, from banks on commercial terms or through issuing bonds. Can I please receive a breakdown for how much was borrowed from each of these for each of the last five financial years; and at what interest rate? Can you please release all rel...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.5 s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100140004
Directorate
Tax Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Junior Doctors' 48 hour Expert Working Group report: FOI review

The information sought is the Report to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport by the Junior Doctors' 48-hour Expert Working Group, chaired by Professor Philip Cachia at the request of the Cabinet Secretary, Ms Jeane Freeman. The Report is believed to have been submitted to the Cabinet Secretary on 3rd January 2020...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-15
Reference
FOI/202100136631 Review of 202000101577
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
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

Briefings referencing a Section 30 order: FOI release

Copies of all briefings prepared by civil servants which include reference to a Section 30 order. On 5 January 2021, you clarified that your request was information referencing a Section 30 order in the context of an independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.29(1)
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000121883
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

Four nation discussions of COVID-19 and alignment of restrictions: FOI release

1. Minutes from any formal four nations discussions with Michael Gove and other representatives from UK, Welsh Governments and Northern Ireland executive between October 1 and January 15 on the topic of Covid-19 and four nations alignment on restrictions/measures. 2. Notes taken by Scottish Government staff or ministe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.28(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/20210014372
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector