Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,099releases indexed
37,554attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
7,804partially withheld
2017-11-17oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 7,804 unclear 6,977 not held 2,955 released 1,470 already published 656 cost limit 586 clarification 342 withheld 235 transferred 74

Top Exemptions

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

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48 matching releases

Documentation that mentions Former SNP Chief Executive Officer: FOI release

Please disclose any emails or WhatsApps sent between Scottish Government officials, including any special advisers, which contain the words “Peter Murrell” sent between 1 January 2026, and February 17, 2026.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts whatsapp s.25(1) s.17(1) s.17 s.30 s.3 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-04-07
Reference
FOI/202600507146
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Graduate entry and LLB tuition fee application information: FOI release

I request the following information for the last 5 Academic Years (2020-21 to 2024-25): 1. For each academic year, the application data - ie number of applications - for tuition fee funding for LLB (Graduate Entry/Accelerated) courses in Scotland that were: Received Approved Rejected 2. For rejected applications in ...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.17(1) s.73 s.3 2 attachments
Published
2026-03-10
Reference
FOI/202600500997
Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Disclosure Scotland's response to the UK Supreme Court judgement: FOI Review

Original Request 202500477264 1. Legal and Policy Review Any internal communications, legal advice, briefings, minutes, or emails that reference the implications of the Supreme Court ruling for Disclosure Scotland’s policies, equality duties, safeguarding procedures, or communications. Any Equality Impact Assessments ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.29(1) s.30 s.1 s.36(1) s.17(1) s.3 2 attachments
Published
2026-02-16
Reference
FOI/202500481644 - Review of 202500477264
Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Student Awards Agency Scotland student support regulations and ministerial guidance: FOI Review

Original Request 202500480810 1) Eligibility rules, guidance and terminology 1.1 Current eligibility policies and any post-2019 change logs covering residency/immigration categories and evidence requirements, including ministerial guidance relied upon. 1.2 Any internal guidance/training issued to staff addressing th...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.1 s.2 s.3 s.5 s.15 2 attachments
Published
2026-01-12
Reference
FOI/202500484523 Review of 202500480810
Directorate
Topic
Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Short life working group information: FOI Review

Original request 202500472952 1. Minutes/notes of all meetings of the short life working group established to co-ordinate the Scottish Government's response to the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland vs. The Scottish Ministers; 2. A copy of the terms of reference for the working group, and any notes on how t...

FOI already published 80 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.27(1) s.27 s.25(1) s.30 s.38 s.34(1) s.38(1) s.1 s.3 2 attachments
Published
2026-01-12
Reference
FOI/202500477689 Review of 202500472952
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) board member appointment information: FOI release

You asked for information on the “changing legal requirements” which had impacted the appointment of three new members to the board of Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS), specifically: 1. A detailed explanation of the specific legal changes referenced in relation to CHS appointments. 2. A list of other public bodies,...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.17(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-01-12
Reference
FOI/202500484747
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government D-U-N-S (Data Universal Numbering System) Number: FOI release

Please provide Correspondence regarding commercial registration of The Scottish Government under D-U-N-S® number 232226415: 1. Commercial Registration Logic Provide all documentation, internal correspondence, or legal advice confirming the purpose and function of registering The Scottish Government as a commercial en...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.3 s.5 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2026-01-06
Reference
FOI/202500482508
Directorate
Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Sponsorship and oversight of the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) queries: FOI Review

Original request 202500478551 You asked for the following information regarding the Scottish Government’s sponsorship and oversight of the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC), with particular focus on its legal compliance, safeguarding policies, use of public funds, and ideological neutrality.

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.30 s.38(1) s.38(1)B s.3 s.17 s.17(1) s.38 s.34(1) s.15 4 attachments
Published
2025-12-23
Reference
FOI/202500482902 Review of 202500478551
Directorate
Exchequer Strategy Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Beaw Field Wind Farm planning permissions: EIR release

1. Status of deemed planning permission(s). Please confirm, as a matter of fact and law: a) Whether the 2017 deemed planning permission lapsed on 30 November 2022; and b) Whether the 2023 deemed planning permission lapsed on 30 November 2024; If not, please identify the Ministerial decision or other legal basis on wh...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.27 s.3 s.36 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.36C s.42 s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2025-12-09
Reference
EIR/202500480807
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Energy, Environment and climate change, +1 more … Public sector

Expenditure and authorisation of Palestinian and Israeli Flags: FOI release

Please provide the following information for the period 1 January 2024 to 5 September 2025: 1. The total expenditure by the Scottish Government on purchasing or displaying Palestinian flags. This should include, but not be limited to, the Palestinian flags that were raised in front of Scottish Government buildings suc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence meetings spending s.3 s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2025-12-08
Reference
FOI/202500483502
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Illegal immigration and crime statistics: FOI release

1. Population Figures & Geographic Distribution The most recent estimates or recorded figures of illegal immigrants in Scotland. A breakdown by local authority area, if available. 2. Criminal Background & Public Safety The number of such individuals known to have criminal convictions in their country of origin, spe...

FOI already published 55 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.3 s.4 s.7 s.17(1) s.22 s.12 s.25 s.19
Published
2025-12-03
Reference
FOI/202500480324
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Privacy rights of Ukrainian refugees: FOI release

When Ukrainians presented to Scottish Govt for accommodation at hotels under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme or the Super Sponsor Scheme, between 2022 and 2025 - 1. Were they asked to sign paperwork explaining how Scot Govt would handle their personal data? 2. Did Ukrainians sign these forms or issued with a printed cop...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 17 working days correspondence s.25(1) s.3 s.6 s.9 s.29 s.13
Published
2025-12-02
Reference
FOI/202500481563
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Consideration of Section 5 FOISA Designation of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other bodies: FOI release

1. Has the Scottish Government considered, since 1 January 2020, the designation of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) as a Scottish public authority under section 5 of FOISA? Please provide any internal or external legal advice, ministerial submissions, policy papers, or correspondence on this subje...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.5 s.3 6 attachments
Published
2025-12-02
Reference
FOI/202500481032
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Student Awards Agency Scotland student support regulations and ministerial guidance: FOI release

1) Eligibility rules, guidance and terminology 1.1 Current eligibility policies and any post-2019 change logs covering residency/immigration categories and evidence requirements, including ministerial guidance relied upon. 1.2 Any internal guidance/training issued to staff addressing the Equality Act definition of “s...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.1 s.2 s.3 s.5 s.20 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.35(1) s.30 s.4 2 attachments
Published
2025-11-20
Reference
FOI/202500480810
Directorate
Topic
Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Secretariat to Former Independent Adviser to the Scottish Government: FOI release

1. In FOI/202300382811 GOVERNMENT PHONES ISSUES TO MINISTERS there is a list of names of officials that the Scottish Government states are senior enough to be named. If the name of the official who carried out the secretariat role for James Hamilton is included in this list then there is no legitimate reason that thei...

FOI transferred 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.3 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-24
Reference
FOI/202500469235
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Deputy First Minister's involvement in matters concerning the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry: FOI release

You asked for information regarding the Deputy First Minister's involvement in matters concerning the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry, specifically with the Solicitor General and Scottish Police Federation. Details of the specific questions are provided below with answers. 1. How many times has Ms Forbes met with the Solic...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.1 s.3 s.8 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.6 s.9 s.12 s.14 s.20 2 attachments
Published
2025-09-04
Reference
FOI/202500470029
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a Woman: FOI release

The total costs incurred by The Scottish Government in relation to other development, promotion, and subsequent defence of policies or legal positions involving the definition of the term ‘women’ - particularly where it concerns the gender identity alongside, or in place of biological sex. Please include: 1. Legal co...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.3 s.17(1)
Published
2025-07-21
Reference
FOI/202500462238
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Enforcement of mask-wearing in schools: FOI release

1. Definitive documentation that grants Scottish regional councils the authority to enforce mask-wearing in schools without parental or child consent. 2. Details on how this authority was established, including any legal or statutory basis, and how such authority aligns with or circumvents human rights obligations. 3...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence s.3
Published
2025-06-10
Reference
FOI/202500456359
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Education, Health and social care, Public sector

Information pertaining to Scottish Information Commissioner decision 004/2023: FOI release

In relation to the legal advice released by the Scottish Government in October 2024 in relation SIC decision notice 004/2023 and the court case XA10/23. The following passages exist: "It shows that Ministers failed to convey accurately the true position when making submissions to the Commissioner" and "Scottish Minist...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.3 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202500452221
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Visitor Levy Act queries: FOI release

Please provide the specific reason used by the Scottish Government to decide that the visitor levy would be treated as part of the accommodation provider’s turnover. Please provide the specific reason provided to HMRC by the Scottish Government for treating the visitor levy as part of the accommodation provider’s turn...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.3 s.5 s.17(1) s.36(1) s.3(2)
Published
2025-02-24
Reference
FOI/202500449922
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the death of former First Minister: FOI release

I would like to request all the following information relating to the death of former First Minister Alex Salmond 1. All emails, texts, WhatsApps and minutes between officials and ministers discussing the death of Mr Salmond. 2. All correspondence on email, text, WhatsApp or Teams of the discussions between UK Govt a...

FOI cost limit 70 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending whatsapp s.3 s.28(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2025-01-17
Reference
FOI/202400436889
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector

A90/A937 Laurencekirk Junction correspondence: EIR release

Information in relation to the A90/A937 Laurencekirk Junction, specifically:- “1. Compulsory Purchase Process and Statutory Delays: All internal correspondence, legal opinions, and documents (including minutes of meetings) from January 2016 onwards related to the compulsory purchase process and any disputes causing d...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 302 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2 s.3 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2025-01-16
Reference
FOI/202400434750
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Data collected by the Fisheries Observer programmes from 2018 until 2023 inclusive: EIR Review

Original request (202400403446) Can you please provide all data collected by the Fisheries Observer programmes from 2018 until 2023 inclusive (5 years), ideally on a per trawl basis, and including catch location, date, (ideally vessel name and PLN but you may consider this to be protected data, we do not), Vessel powe...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending s.20 s.10(4) s.1 s.3 s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-09
Reference
EIR/202400412709 Review of 202400403446
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Correspondence concerning United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): FOI release

1. What was the reason Humza Yousaf gave to overrule officials to give money to UNRWA as reported here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/03/08/humza-yousaf-gave-250k-gaza-despite-officialadvice/ -Could you supply any analysis done on this decision and why it was overruled? 2. Could you supply all internal c...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17 s.36 s.30 s.38(1) s.38 s.3 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-30
Reference
FOI/202400403608
Directorate
EU Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Fairer Council Tax: consultation and proposals: FOI release

1. How much money has been spent on the Scottish Government looking into the Fairer Council Tax proposal over the last five years, with a breakdown of each year and what the money has been spent on? 2. How many consultations has the government published about this topic and similar policies on the Fairer Council Tax p...

FOI not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.2 s.3 s.29(1) s.30 s.38 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-15
Reference
FOI/202300387208
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector