Scottish Government FOI Index

21,792releases indexed

39,278attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,073partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

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 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days

Clear

320 matching releases

Correspondence regarding US mesh surgeon’s trip to Scotland: FOI release

1. A copy of the correspondence sent to Dr Veronikis inviting him to Scotland to help mesh injured women. 2. A copy of Dr Veronikis’ replies. 3. Details of who sent the correspondence to Dr Veronikis.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 108 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.3 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202000062501
Directorate: Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, International, Public sector, +1 more … Work and skills

COVID-19 scientific evidence discussions concerning restrictions within hospitality sector: FOI release

Any records relating to the scientific, statistical, or medical evidence related to public health controls on the spread of Covid-19 and how these relate to the hospitality sector, such as pubs and restaurants, at any point between the date of this request [4 November 2020] and 1 March 2020. We would like to limit our ...

FOI unclear 80 score 79 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.3 s.4 s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-09
Reference: FOI/202100146009
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, Public sector

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

Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA) support in relation to COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

In the last six months : 1. Has the Scottish Government requested the deployment of service personnel under the MACA (Military Aid to Civil Authority)? If so, please can you confirm what was assistance asked for, when it was asked for and what was the response form the UK Government 2. What assessment has been carrie...

FOI unclear 55 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.3 s.4

Published: 2021-03-03
Reference: FOI/202100135824
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Christmas cards sent by First Minister in December 2020: FOI release

1. The number of Christmas cards sent by the First Minister in December 2020 to individuals who are in the ‘shielding’ category with regards to COVID-19. 2. The number of Christmas cards sent by the First Minister in December 2020 to other individuals. 3. Whether Christmas cards were sent by first or second class mail....

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.3 s.19

Published: 2021-02-18
Reference: FOI/202100133363
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Questions concerning legislation and police powers in enforcing restrictions: FOI release

1. Copies of all the scientific evidence used to determine the efficacy of Scotland's 4 tiers rules. 2. Details of devolved legislative powers being used by Scotland to enforce these 4 tiers. 3. Details of devolved legislative powers being used or will be used to prevent travel in / out of Scotland and around Scotlan...

FOI unclear 55 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.4 s.6 s.25(1) s.20 s.49

Published: 2020-12-11
Reference: FOI/202000103347
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Law and order, +1 more … Public sector

ScotRail and the support during the pandemic: FOI release

You asked for the following information:- 1. The full amount from when the government started paying Scotrail wages to the present day. 2. How much revenue has Scotrail lost since the pandemic started in March to the present day? 3. What other public service has had extra money put into it since the start of the pan...

FOI not held 45 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.27(1) s.3

Published: 2020-12-04
Reference: FOI/202000094525
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Questions concerning the COVID-19 voluntary restrictions involving students: FOI release

1. Please can the Scottish government confirm that it has taken legal advice on measures which target students and can this be provided. 2. Please can you confirm whether the Scottish government is directing or allowing police to specifically target students. 3. Has the Scottish government taken any legal advice on t...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.3 s.4 s.36(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2020-11-11
Reference: FOI/202000091329
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Landslide mitigation works and contract: EIR release

You asked for the following: "1. I asked who in contracts is responsible for the BEAR Scotland contract. My understanding of Treasury rules is if there is a significant change in the terms or scope of a contract then the whole contract should be reappraised. BEAR Scotland were contracted as a road maintenance company ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.3 s.20 s.39(2)

Published: 2020-11-06
Reference: FOI/202000096254
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

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

Childcare provision: FOI release

Letters or emails from members of the public sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills John Swinney MSP, the Minister for Children and Young People, Maree Todd MSP, or the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, on the subject of childcare provision. I would like this information from 30 June 2020 to 20 July 20...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.3 2 attachments

Published: 2020-09-14
Reference: FOI/202000064105
Directorate: Early Learning and Childcare Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Loganair contracts or agreements due to COVID-19: FOI release

1. Details of any contracts or agreements in place between the Scottish Government and airline service provider “Loganair” - particularly any alterations/amendments/reviews in light of the COVID 19 situation from Feb 2020 onwards, as well as associated correspondence (recent, from Jan 1st 2020). 2. Any communications o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.3 s.31(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2020-07-27
Reference: FOI/202000045020
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector, Transport

Government Minister question decision of Government Official: FOI release

1. Are there any circumstances where a government minister is prevented from querying the decision of a government official. 2. If so, what are they. 3. Is the civil service in Scotland legally independent from the Scottish Government

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.3

Published: 2020-07-22
Reference: FOI/202000046900
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd funding: FOI release

“Please advise what the procedures and thresholds/limits are applicable to the Scottish Cabinet, and specifically provide details of the transaction that granted Ferguson Marine 45MM cash, with copies of the paper trail, the recommendation and the sign off for releasing the funds. Also please provide the paper trail an...

FOI already published 80 score 64 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.2 s.3 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.3(3) s.33(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2020-06-04
Reference: FOI/202000018506
Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Details of any 'inside IR35' contractors at the Scottish Government: FOI release

1. How many open positions you have for "inside IR35" workers/contractors? (ie. how many positions are you advertising but so far have not found suitable people to fill) 2. Scottish Government- How many filled "inside IR35" positions do you have? (ie. how many people are working for you with "inside IR35" conditions) 3...

FOI not held 45 score 14 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.3 s.4 s.5

Published: 2020-03-06
Reference: FOI/202000017653
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit - questions on formulation of the report: FOI release

i. What criteria was used to determine which authors to consider for the report? ii. How many academics, or others, were considered as authors before Dr Hepburn was chosen? iii. Who made the final choice of Dr Hepburn as author? iv. What was the brief, if any, given the Dr Hepburn by the Scottish Government?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.38(1) s.3

Published: 2020-02-21
Reference: FOI/202000014416
Directorate
Topic: Brexit, Communities and third sector, Public sector

Number of properties factored in Scotland: FOI release

You asked for the number of properties factored in Scotland broken down as follows: An overall number By city location

FOI not held 45 score 3 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.3(6) s.3(9) s.3 s.7(7) s.7(3)

Published: 2020-02-10
Reference: FOI/202000014788
Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Communities and third sector, Housing, +1 more … Public sector

Whitesands Proposal and Public Enquiry: EIR review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for information relating to the Whitesands Proposal and Public Inquiry. You asked for the information below covering the period October 2018 to 2 December 2019 relating to the Whitesands Proposal...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.3 s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-02-05
Reference: FOI/202000014586
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Various questions concerning the Citizens’ Assembly: FOI review

1. A copy of any / all documentation required to be signed by the citizens. 2. All instructions and guidance provided to Mark Diffley or his company regarding the selection of citizens. 3. All information held setting out how selection bias was to be identified and overcome in the selection of citizens. 4. All infor...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.2 s.3 s.4 s.17 s.25(1) s.17(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2019-12-30
Reference: FOI/201900007669
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Whitesands Proposal and Public Enquiry: EIR release

You asked for the information below covering the period October 2018 to 2 December 2019 relating to the Whitesands Proposal and Public Inquiry: 1. Copies of all communications between any officer in the Managing Flood Risk Team with any officer in Dumfries and Galloway Council. This should include any notes of meetings...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 13 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.3 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(4) 6 attachments

Published: 2019-12-23
Reference: FOI/201900008515
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Various questions concerning the Citizens’ Assembly: FOI release

Provide the following information (all information provided in this section must be pre-existing at the date of this request): 1. A copy of any / all documentation required to be signed by the citizens. 2. All instructions and guidance provided to Mark Diffley or his company regarding the selection of citizens. 3. All ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.2 s.3 s.4 s.1 s.17(1) s.6 s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2019-11-26
Reference: FOI/201900005919
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Review of the governance of higher education in Scotland: FOI release

You asked for answers to the following: 1. What was the result of that consultation regarding the election of chairs of universities – in essence who supported or opposed mandatory elections, and why? 2. Did the Government also consult on the method of election of the chairs? If so, what was the result of that consulta...

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.33 s.1 s.3

Published: 2019-11-21
Reference: FOI/201900005478
Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Scottish Government's childcare expansion correspondence: FOI release

You asked for the contents of any emails or letters to Nicola Sturgeon (including emails to either the First Minister or SNP account) in 2019 from childcare providers/nurseries on the topic of the Scottish Government's childcare expansion.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.3 2 attachments

Published: 2019-11-19
Reference: FOI/201900005377
Directorate: Early Learning and Childcare Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme – various questions: FOI release

You asked for recorded information held by the Scottish Government that relates to the operation of the Help to Buy scheme, specifically: 1. Copies of all meeting notes, agendas, power point presentations or other materials produced / consumed by members of the Help to Buy (Scotland) Working group since August 23 2017....

FOI clarification 55 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.3 s.38(1) s.34(1)

Published: 2019-11-13
Reference: FOI/201900004933
Directorate
Topic: Housing, Money and tax, Public sector

Financial questions on First Minister, Scottish Government and oil reserves: FOI Release

You asked for List of expenses claimed by the First Minister of Scotland in the years of 2017 and 2018. How much money was received from the UK Government by the Scottish Government in 2017 and 2018. The current and 2018 deficit of the Scottish Government. The current, as of last estimates, value of Scottish oil reser...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending s.3 s.17(1)

Published: 2019-10-24
Reference: FOI/19/02270
Directorate: Public Spending Directorate
Topic: Public sector