Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,829releases indexed
39,404attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,094partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-19newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,094 unclear 7,198 not held 3,060 released 1,536 already published 668 cost limit 607 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4920 s.20 4265 s.34(1) 3577 s.39(2) 3466 s.30 2876 s.17(1) 2768 s.25(1) 2375 s.10(4) 1978 s.11(2) 1565 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1155 s.3 905

Timeline

2026-05 376 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 963 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 920 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 860 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 728 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 632 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
2,154 matching releases

COVID-19: Evidence against stopping cross-border travel: FOI release

Evidence against stopping cross-border travel to prevent transmission of Covid-19 1. Could you please provide the evidence considered by UK governments, including the Scottish Government, used to determine that it was *not* necessary to stop international cross-border passenger travel, or implement quarantine measures?...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence s.3(2) s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-25
Reference
FOI/202000120344
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 correspondence: FOI release

Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the UK Government and the Scottish Government regarding the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill. Please limit between 1 April 2020 and the present dat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-24
Reference
FOI/202000111668
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence with Equality Network regarding ILGA Europe Rainbow Map: FOI release

All the correspondence your officials have had with the Equality Network regarding ILGA Europe's Rainbow Map and Index since 2018.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202100150744
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Briefing relating to UK Government Free Trade Agreement: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of any briefings provided by civil servants on UK Government new Free Trade Agreements.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings s.28 s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202000115718
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to 50,000 affordable homes target: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of briefings prepared by civil servants regarding the 50,000 affordable homes target.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 10 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202000118539
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

All written evidence to James Hamilton QC's investigation: FOI release

- All written evidence to James Hamilton's QC investigation into the FM under the ministerial code. This includes evidence from the FM, her chief of staff Liz Lloyd and any other individuals within the Scottish Government who have submitted evidence.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100161098
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scottish Government's capital borrowing: FOI release

I understand the Scottish Government is able to borrow from the National Loans Fund, from banks on commercial terms or through issuing bonds. Can I please receive a breakdown for how much was borrowed from each of these for each of the last five financial years; and at what interest rate? Can you please release all rel...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.5 s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100140004
Directorate
Tax Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Junior Doctors' 48 hour Expert Working Group report: FOI review

The information sought is the Report to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport by the Junior Doctors' 48-hour Expert Working Group, chaired by Professor Philip Cachia at the request of the Cabinet Secretary, Ms Jeane Freeman. The Report is believed to have been submitted to the Cabinet Secretary on 3rd January 2020...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-15
Reference
FOI/202100136631 Review of 202000101577
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence with Minister for Justice containing the word Trump 2021: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence sent and received by Humza Yousaf between January 1, 2021 and January 12, 2021 containing the following keyword: "Trump".

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-11
Reference
FOI/202100135747
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Correspondence regarding enhanced restrictions for places of worship: FOI release

“I would like to make an foi request with regards to the latest restrictions in place on places of worship. Can you provide details of any meeting minutes, or other recorded information, that pertains to any discussion or consideration made to ensure the regulations and guidance on places of worship comply with the Eu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100132535
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +1 more … Public sector

Electronic Counting for Local Elections tender: FOI release

A copy of the successful tender for the procurement, Electronic Counting for Local Elections, and, in addition, for the identity of all of the other organisations who tendered.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1)
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000126345
Directorate
Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefings referencing a Section 30 order: FOI release

Copies of all briefings prepared by civil servants which include reference to a Section 30 order. On 5 January 2021, you clarified that your request was information referencing a Section 30 order in the context of an independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.29(1)
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000121883
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Work and skills

Support provided to animal health and welfare: FOI release

You asked for a breakdown of funding in support of animal health and welfare, how much is given to what organisations and on what grounds are the funds to be used for and are they fully transparent in disclosing these funds in the public’s interest. You requested information for the following financial years: 2012/2013...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202000110416
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Farming and rural, Money and tax, Public sector

Internal emails on specific dates: FOI release

1. All emails sent by Liz Lloyd, Chief of Staff to the First Minister, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 2. All emails sent by any diary secretary or assistant who works for Liz Lloyd, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 3. All emails sent by Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government, to Liz Lloyd on 28 and 29 Janua...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100148280
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Engineering companies’ meetings Ministerial briefing documents: FOI release

Concerning two meetings attended held by ministers, the first being a phone call meeting attended by Fiona Hyslop on 26/03/20 with Doosan Babcock, Castle Engineering and Scottish Engineering amongst others. The second is a meeting between Ivan McKee and John McCarrol of JFD on 03/04/20. I would like to request the bri...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202100133437
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Energy, Public sector

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

Minutes and material with Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills regarding Higher Qualifications: FOI release

Minutes of any meetings involving the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, regarding Higher or Advanced Higher National Qualifications in 2020-21. Please could I also have any briefing material issued for these meetings. I would like this information from 20 November 2020 to 4 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.27(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000121891
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

COVID-19: cancellation of 2021 Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) exams: FOI release

Shouldn’t the Young People have a say in whether they think Scottish Exams should be cancelled? What was wrong with using community centre facilities such as halls etc to do exams? Or is that too much money out of your budget as a Government, or is it simply that young people do not matter to you? Send me a report of o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000121881
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

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

Communications regarding Rapid Review of National Qualifications Experience 2020: FOI release

Any minutes of, or briefings prepared for, the meeting held on 15 September 2020 between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and Mark Priestley, regarding the Rapid Review of National Qualifications Experience 2020. Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000104898
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19: Care home guidance: FOI Review

All correspondence between the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland on the issue of care home guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am seeking this information in relation to the 'Information and guidance of care home settings' document - last updates on June 15th, 2020. This should include all emails,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 96 working days over deadline correspondence s.21(4) s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000090557 Review of 202000048160
Directorate
Digital Health and Care Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the draft bill for an independence referendum: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence (emails, letters, hand-written notes, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, briefings and/or otherwise) between civil servants, Special Advisors and/or the Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell regarding the publishing of the draft bill for an independence referendum outlined in the Scottish Gove...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000122177
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector