Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,922releases indexed
40,952attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,507partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-11-04newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,507 unclear 7,460 not held 3,292 released 1,599 already published 716 cost limit 637 clarification 377 withheld 251 transferred 83

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5225 s.20 4485 s.34(1) 3789 s.39(2) 3640 s.30 3038 s.17(1) 2981 s.25(1) 2557 s.10(4) 2089 s.11(2) 1639 s.29(1) 1249 s.2 1245 s.3 980

Timeline

2026-11 48 2026-10 227 2026-09 8 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,336 releases · 27.8 avg days Marine Directorate 991 releases · 29.7 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 972 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 741 releases · 39.6 avg days Constitution Directorate 710 releases · 35.8 avg days Population Health Directorate 678 releases · 28.6 avg days People Directorate 667 releases · 25.5 avg days
Clear
33 matching releases

Public inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation: FOI release

1. Any briefing documents, submissions, or policy advice prepared by Scottish Government officials for Ministers on the question of whether to establish a public inquiry or statutory review into groupbased CSAE in Scotland, between 1st January 2025 and 25th February 2026; and any correspondence between Ministers and Po...

FOI withheld 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-10-26
Reference
FOI/202600520941
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Justice appointment documentation: FOI release

Copies of any briefing pack, handover pack, introductory briefing, ministerial briefing, or similar document provided to Neil Gray MSP on 20 May 2026 in connection with his appointment as the Cabinet Secretary for Justice. For the avoidance of doubt, this should include any documents, annexes, issue summaries, portfol...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.33(2) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-08-10
Reference
FOI/202600517499
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Documentation, analysis and advice to Scottish Government ministers by civil servants about Scottish Government bonds: FOI release

All documentation, including briefings, analysis and advice sent to Scottish Government ministers by civil servants about Scottish Government bonds in 2025.

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.33(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-05-11
Reference
FOI/202600506220
Directorate
Exchequer Strategy Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill correspondence: FOI release

1. The correspondence that first informed the Scottish Government about the drafting error with the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020 which pointed out that the amendments made by the 2020 Act to devolve Empty Property Relief had not had the intended legal effect. 2. All correspondence between relevant Scottish G...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.33(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-23
Reference
FOI/202500495336
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Money and tax, Public sector

GP walk-in clinic information: FOI release

The cost spent to date on developing plans for the proposed 15 GP walk-in clinics. Any briefing documents presented to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and/or the First Minister on the planned GP walk-in clinics since 1 January 2025. A list of the locations that are under consideration to host a GP walk...

FOI withheld 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-09
Reference
FOI/202500492143
Directorate
Primary Care Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

GP walk-in clinic correspondence: FOI release

Since 1 August 2025 – any internal email correspondence sent by or to Health Ministers, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, and the First Minister or their officials and/or SPADS relating to plans to establish 15 GP walk-in clinics. This should include but not be limited to all emails containing the phrase “walk-in”.

FOI withheld 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-09
Reference
FOI/202500492116
Directorate
Primary Care Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Documentation regarding Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care GP walk-in centres meeting: FOI release

"On what date was the 12th October meeting first scheduled? Where did the meeting take place? Did all participants join the meeting in person, or did some join virtually? Please provide all correspondence, by email or direct messaging application, which discussed the scheduling of the meeting. Furthermore, please prov...

FOI withheld 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.30 s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-04
Reference
FOI/202500492259
Directorate
Primary Care Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Walk in GP policy announcement information: FOI release

Please confirm when the Cabinet were informed of this policy announcement. Please confirm whether the Royal College of GPs were informed in advance of the announcement. Please provide correspondence between ministers, civil servants and professional bodies relating to the development and announcement of this policy. ...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-04
Reference
FOI/202500491651
Directorate
Primary Care Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Materials regarding unexplained wealth orders: FOI release

For all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about unexplained wealth orders, from the last three months.

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-11-13
Reference
FOI/202500479137
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Public sector

First Minister's visit to Shetland costs and correspondence: FOI release

“Please could you provide: a) An itemised list of expenditures incurred during the First Minister's visit to Shetland August 20-21st. Please include expenses for all team members, not just the FM. b) Any documents or correspondence to or from your domain ("@gov.scot") regarding the visit, sent between August 18th and...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.27(1) s.39(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-10-08
Reference
FOI/202500483320
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Communications, guidance and financial arrangements to Health Boards: FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I hereby request the following information held by the Scottish Government, for the period 1 January 2020 to present: 1. Communications with NHS Boards Copies of all internal emails, memos, meeting minutes or briefing papers between the Scottish Government (includ...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings contracts spending s.2 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-23
Reference
FOI/202500468013
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Scottish Humanitarian funding: FOI release

“In July 2024, the Scottish Government announced that it was launching a review into "evolving future Scottish Government humanitarian funding mechanisms and processes." - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/07/13/humza-yousaf-scotland-first-minister-snp-250k-gazaunrwa/ Could you supply the current progress on t...

FOI withheld 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.29(1) s.38(1)
Published
2025-09-17
Reference
FOI/202500464114
Directorate
Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, International, Money and tax

Football related disorder roundtable documentation: FOI release

1) Minutes from the roundtable on football-related disorder which took place on June 17, 2025. 2) Any ministerial briefings for the event or correspondence relating to it in advance of the roundtable. 3) Any handouts or documents circulated at the meeting.

FOI withheld 80 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.33(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-08-12
Reference
FOI/202500471355
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Information about the NHS Scotland Workforce: Gender Transitioning Guide: FOI release

1. Please state when work on developing the draft (Gender Transitioning) Guide began (month/year). 2. Please state when the draft Guide was first distributed to Health Boards for consultation (month/year). 3. Please state which organisations have been consulted on the draft Guide, or asked to comment in any way. This...

FOI withheld 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.17
Published
2025-05-08
Reference
FOI/202500455189
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Capital borrowing and bonds programme costs: FOI release

In this FOI release (Capital borrowing and bonds programme costs) the Scottish government said it has incurred external costs of £20,000 plus VAT on the programme to issue the first Scottish government bond. Can you please provide: 1. A breakdown of which external vendors these costs were paid to and when. If the tota...

FOI withheld 55 score 15 working days correspondence meetings contracts spending s.2 s.29(1) s.38(1)
Published
2025-01-21
Reference
FOI/202400442830
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Emergency spending control decisions: FOI release

All decisions that have been taken under the SG imposed ‘emergency spending controls’ procedure where the Cabinet Secretary for FLG wrote to fellow Cabinet Secretaries stating that ‘emergency spending controls will now be introduced with immediate effect’. This was reported on 13 August 2024 but please list all decisio...

FOI withheld 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.29(1)
Published
2024-10-15
Reference
FOI/202400430193
Directorate
Financial Management Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Meeting between the First Minister and the Chinese Ambassador to the UK: FOI release

All briefing papers prepared for the First Minister's meeting with the Ambassador. All communications (emails, letters etc.) regarding the organisation of the meeting and after the meeting. Any notes, minutes or action points taken following the meeting. Any further information that definitively shows that the First Mi...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.32(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-10-08
Reference
FOI/202400427051
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Independent Scotland, Scottish currency, Building a New Scotland and independence polls: FOI release

1. Could you supply all work/analysis which has been done, including briefings and correspondence on this topic, on writing up a draft constitution for an independent Scotland, writing up withdrawal agreement from the UK and sending an envoy to Brussels, from the past 12 months? 2. Could you supply all work/analysis w...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.17(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-03
Reference
FOI/202400414314
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Freedom of Information guidance, monitoring the social media profiles of journalists and sex offender name changing: FOI release

1. Could you supply the full internal guidance/guidebook for dealing with FOIs which the Scottish Government abide by, including whether Special Advisers are given first look at them, and what details they are provided with? 2. Could you supply details about whether the Scottish Government monitor the social media pro...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-02
Reference
FOI/202400408156
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Law and order, Public sector

Council tax freeze financial modelling: FOI release

1) Any financial modelling undertaken of a potential council tax freeze in each financial year since 2016/17. For clarity, this should specifically be any financial modelling of the policy even if it was not implemented. E.g. in 2022/23, if modelling of a freeze was done alongside other policy options, it is a docume...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.38 6 attachments
Published
2024-08-14
Reference
FOI/202300381914
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Economy, Housing, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Independence Referendum: FOI release

1. Has the Scottish Government modelled how many embassies it would create in the event of independence and how much these would cost? If so, could you supply this modelling? If not, why? 2. All correspondence between the Scottish Government and European Council President Charles Michel between January 1 2023 and the ...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.29(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-13
Reference
FOI/202300377834
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the licensing of grouse shooting: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence between the Scottish Government and Police Scotland concerning the licensing of grouse shooting between 1st January 2021 and 24th February 2023; copies of all correspondence between the Scottish Government and NatureScot concerning the licensing of grouse shooting between 1st January 2021 a...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.27(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-05
Reference
202300345010
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Reports provided by KPMG: FOI release

You asked for copies of all the reports provided by KPMG under this contract to date. According to the contract timetable there was to a presentation of deliverables on 22nd September and a number of reports were to have been prepared by this date.

FOI withheld 55 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.29(1)
Published
2023-09-14
Reference
202200323257
Directorate
Social Care and National Care Service Development
Topic
Public sector

National Care Service cost: FOI release

How much money in total has been spent on the National Care Service bill so far, with a breakdown of these costs? Out of the costs of consultants, can you list every consultant company who has been given money to work on the proposals and how much has been handed to each one? How much money has been given to Derek Feel...

FOI withheld 55 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.29(1) s.30
Published
2023-09-06
Reference
FOI/202300364595
Directorate
Social Care and National Care Service Development
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector