Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

6,100releases indexed
9,352attachments found
25.8avg calendar days
2,462partially withheld
2024-10-07oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 2,462 unclear 1,572 not held 995 released 407 already published 268 cost limit 210 clarification 94 withheld 73 transferred 19

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 1716 s.34(1) 1271 s.20 1243 s.39(2) 1053 s.30 1029 s.17(1) 909 s.25(1) 776 s.10(4) 648 s.11(2) 520 s.29(1) 452 s.2 399 s.3 301

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 416 releases · 26.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 370 releases · 27.6 avg days Marine Directorate 231 releases · 26.7 avg days People Directorate 217 releases · 23.5 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 216 releases · 26.0 avg days Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate 204 releases · 31.5 avg days Population Health Directorate 192 releases · 24.8 avg days Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate 182 releases · 23.8 avg days
Clear
41 matching releases

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government correspondence regarding the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and the office of the First Minister regarding the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020. Information should include but ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-23
Reference
FOI/202500495526
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Details of the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy's visit to COP 30: FOI release

1. A list of individuals the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy and/or her officials met with at COP 30. 2. Any briefings provided to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy ahead of her visit to COP 30. 3. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsAp...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.32 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-18
Reference
FOI/202500494736
Directorate
Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, International, Public sector

Correspondence which mentions former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party: FOI release

Firstly, a copy of all WhatsApp messages sent by the First Minister today (19th January) And then: A copy of all WhatsApp messages sent to First Minister today (19th January). A copy of any email sent from the first minister’s inbox that contains name Peter Murrell (in January 2026) A copy of any email sent from Fi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers contracts whatsapp s.17 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-18
Reference
FOI/202600502246
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Briefings and correspondence for the First Minister's visit to Zambia and Malawi: FOI release

1. Any briefings provided to the First Minister ahead of the visit. 2. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister and Zambian Government Officials regarding the visit. Information should include but n...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.29(1) s.38(1) s.29 s.30 s.32 s.39 s.41 2 attachments
Published
2026-01-27
Reference
FOI/202500490069
Directorate
Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Supporting Transgender Pupils in Schools Guidance for Education Authorities and Schools correspondence: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and the office of the First Minister regarding the “Supporting Transgender Pupils in Schools Guidance for Education Authorities...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-01-14
Reference
FOI/202500486893
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence and meetings relating to Sheku Bayoh: FOI release

Meetings a) The total number of meetings - formal or informal - held between Humza Yousaf MSP and Aamer Anwar at which the death of Mr Sheku Bayoh, the investigation into it, or the possibility or establishment of a Public Inquiry were discussed. b) The dates, times, and locations of each such meeting. Records / Minu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.29 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-12-08
Reference
FOI/202500491784
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

East Calder Medical Centre materials: FOI release

Request 1: Ministerial Briefings I am requesting copies of any ministerial briefings, including but not limited to briefing notes, summaries, internal memos or background papers, provided to any Scottish Government Minister between 1 January 2024 and 30 July 2025 regarding East Calder Medical Centre. This includes doc...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.29(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) s.25 2 attachments
Published
2025-11-04
Reference
FOI/202500478023
Directorate
Health and Social Care Finance Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Religious observance and religious education in schools information: FOI release

Part 1. Please provide details of all correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and her officials concerning the proposals to amend the legislation on religious observance and religious education in schools and the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatib...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2025-10-16
Reference
FOI/202500471377
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Documentation on the First Minister's statement on the situation in Gaza: FOI release

Any briefing or speaking notes provided to the First Minister ahead of his statement on Wednesday 3 September 2025 on the Situation in Gaza, or the Scottish Government debate on Palestine. Any briefing or speaking notes provided to any other cabinet minister ahead of the statement on Wednesday 3 September 2025 on the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-10-14
Reference
FOI/202500483240
Directorate
Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Communications related to Scottish Information Commissioner decision notice: FOI release

"For thoroughness, and to eliminate any need for any investigation of the Authority under section 65 of FOISA, the Authority was invited to assist the Commissioner by requesting a voluntary affidavit from the named Special Adviser. It was requested that this clarify the named Special Adviser’s role in the redaction pro...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.65 s.30 s.36(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-25
Reference
FOI/202500470557
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Documentation on Mobile Messaging Applications Policy: FOI release

All documentation, including correspondence (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about the ban on WhatsApp on work devices following recommendations in the Martins report, between June 10 2025 and July 1 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-01
Reference
FOI/202500477780
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

NHS National Treatment Centre correspondence: FOI release

[PART 1] Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the office of the First Minister regarding NHS national treatment centres . Information should include but not be l...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.38(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2025-08-13
Reference
FOI/202500473943
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence relating to meetings with representatives of Israeli embassy and the Israeli government: FOI Appeal

Any correspondence since January 2024 relating to meetings with representatives of the Israeli embassy in the UK or meetings with other representatives of the Israeli government.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 219 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.32(1) s.30 s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.3(2) 4 attachments
Published
2025-06-24
Reference
FOI/202400432808 - Appeal
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Documentation regarding Dundee University and Scottish Higher Education sector funding: FOI release

A copy of all briefing notes, speaking notes, emails and other written communication, including Whatsapp and text messages, to and from the Finance Secretary/DFM Shona Robison relating to Dundee University and £15m funding for the Scottish Higher Education sector.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-05-08
Reference
FOI/202500454581
Directorate
Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Former Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport WhatsApp messages during the COVID-19 pandemic: FOI Review

Original request (202400395588) I wish to make a Freedom of Information Request for MSP Maree Todds WhatsApp messages from her ministeral role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 61 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.37(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202400405863 Review of 202400395588
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Former Minister for Mental Health's WhatsApp messages during the Covid 19 pandemic: FOI Review

Original request 202400426487 MSP Claire Haughey What's App messages from her ministerial position during the Covid 19 pandemic.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202400430870 Review of 202400426487
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Shona Robison's Covid 19 WhatsApp messages: FOI Review

Original request 202400427831 MSP Shona Robison's What's App messages from her ministerial position during the Covid 19 pandemic.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI202400430842 Review of 202400427831
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Director General Scottish Exchequer WhatsApp messages during Covid-19 pandemic: FOI release

“Alyson Stafford Director-General Scottish Exchequer What's App messages during the Covid 19 pandemic.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202400427872
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Former Minister for Mental Health WhatsApp messages from February 2020 to February 2021: FOI release

1. Requesting Clare Haughey's WhatsApp messages from February 2020 to February 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202400438990
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Mairi McAllan's WhatsApp messages during the Covid-19 pandemic: FOI Review

Original request: 202400435281 You asked for Mairi McAllan's WhatsApp messages from the Covid 19 pandemic.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 78 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202400436608 Review of 202400435281
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding NHS treatment waiting lists targets: FOI Review

Original request 202400444061 1. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) regarding the target announced yesterday of ending two year waits for NHS treatment by March 2026 sent by the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social C...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) s.30 s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-02-14
Reference
FOI/202500447283 Review of 202400444061
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector