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

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

Extending response times to freedom of information requests: FOI review

Supply all correspondence/emails (including attachments) - to or from government ministers, special advisers or senior civil servants - dated on or prior to 2 April 2020 relating to the proposal to extend response times to freedom of information requests set out in Schedule 6 Part 2 of the [Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 153 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000068453
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence with Community Justice Scotland regarding unpaid work hours: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and Community Justice Scotland regarding the reduction of outstanding unpaid work hours issued as ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-02
Reference
FOI/202000107025
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Money and tax, Public sector

Junior Doctors’ 48 hour Expert Working Group report: FOI release

You asked the Scottish Government to release a copy of the 48 hour Expert Working Group report in paper and electronic formats.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000101577
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector, Work and skills

Discussions held relating to the cancellation of exams 2021: FOI release

1. Can you please advise and assist in the provision of any written correspondence and comms, extant in email, written transcript, minutes of meetings or letters, which mentions the following: Cancellation of National 5 Exams in 2021 (or similar language and synonyms). Postponement of Higher and Advanced Higher Exams ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000098431
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Spending review: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the UK Government’s Spending Review as announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ri...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000129463
Directorate
Public Spending Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Equality and Human Rights Commission: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government Justice Directorate and the Equality and Human Rights Commission from the months of May, June, July and August 2020. 2. Meeting minutes or other documents mentioning the Equality and Human Rights Commission from the months of May, June, July and August 2020 held by the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.29(1) s.36 s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000092321
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Internal communication relating to British Sign Language Progress Report: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes, phone calls or otherwise), regarding the British Sign Language Progress Report. I would like this information from 01 June 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.36(1) s.29(1) s.30 10 attachments
Published
2021-02-17
Reference
FOI/202000096790
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence on the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Review: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, typed or hand-written notes, text messages otherwise) on the subject of the SFC Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability. I would like this information from 20 September 2020 to 20 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-12
Reference
FOI/202000115504
Directorate
Topic
Public Sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Government Audit and Assurance Committee (SGAAC): FOI release

"The minutes (and associated materials, such as, but not limited to agendas, papers, reports or presentations) for any meetings held between senior Scottish Government staff and nonexecutive directors and deputy directors of the Scottish Government. I am interested in records relating to any meetings that have taken pl...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.33 s.38(1) s.33(1) s.33(2) s.38(1)B s.34(1)
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202100134076
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Equality Network: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government Justice Directorate and the Equality Network from the months of May, June, July and August 2020. 2. Meeting minutes or other documents mentioning the Equality Network from the months of May, June, July and August 2020 held by the Scottish Government Justice Directorate.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000089701
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Restitution order under Section 104 Scotland Act 1998: FOI release

You asked for: 1. When the Scottish Government made a request for an order under Section 104 of the Scotland Act 1998 to enable the use of Restitution Orders as set out in the Victims and Witnesses Act 2014 which ended up being entitled the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Modification) Order 20...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence meetings s.10 s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000118535
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, 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

Cabinet on the Referendums Bill and Programme for Government 2020: FOI release

From 27 July 2020 to present (2 September 2020 - the date of requests): Copies of any correspondence (emails, hand-written notes, briefing, Whatsapp messages, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or any member of the Scottish Government cabinet on the refe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-20
Reference
FOI/202000083702
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Scottish Government correspondence concerning National 5 exams in 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, typed or hand written notes, text messages or phone calls) regarding National 5 exams in 2021. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000099398
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning updating the ‘Scotland’s Future’ publication: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, written notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or members of the Scottish Government Cabinet regarding the need to update the ‘Scotland’s Future’ paper originally published in November ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30
Published
2020-11-25
Reference
FOI/202000096481
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Programme for Government 2020-21: FOI release

You asked for ‘From 1 August to 7 September 2020: Copies of any internal briefings from civil servants for the Scottish Government Cabinet and/or special advisors regarding the Programme for Government 2020-21.’

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-16
Reference
FOI/202000089239
Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence with Victim Support Scotland and Victim Centred Approach Operational Group: FOI release

You asked for: Any written correspondence (or transcripts of verbal correspondence if possible) between Victim Support Scotland and the Scottish Government from 1 January 2020 to present regarding implementing the measures outlined in the Victims Taskforce workplan. Any written correspondence (or transcripts of verbal...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-13
Reference
FOI/202000083508
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order

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

Association of Scotland's Self Caterers (ASSC) COVID-19 exemption: FOI release

All documents or transcripts relating to the legal advice or clarification provided to the Association of Self Catering Scotland on 22 September 2020 regarding the exemption granted to all self catering accommodation Scotland from the single two households only rule. This has been widely publicised by ASSC on social me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.2 s.3 s.4 s.7 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000090205
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

COVID-19 testing for University students: FOI release

Any communications (including letters and emails) between the Scottish Government and Scottish universities on the subject of COVID-19 testing for university students or general guidance concerning COVID-19. I would like this information from 01 August 2020 to 27 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) s.38 s.29 8 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000091995
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

1,140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare provision: FOI review

Your original request was: Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, letters, text/ Whatsapp messages, typed or hand-written notes, or briefing material) regarding the statutory entitlement to 1,140 hours of funded ELC. I would like this information from 10 June until 08 July. Your email to A...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.29 s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000079332
Directorate
Early Learning and Childcare Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector