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
2,268 matching releases

Correspondence regarding the Cabinet Secretary for Finance containing the words “£8.2 billion”: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence sent to or by Kate Forbes MSP and/or her special advisors that contain the form of words “£8.2 billion” between 5 November and 11 November.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-01
Reference
FOI/202000110156
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Emails to and from Michael Russell with the word “independence” in them 2020: FOI release

Copies of all emails to and from Michael Russell with the word “independence” in them (including in the message, an attachment and/or otherwise), from 1 October 2020 to present.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-21
Reference
FOI/202000106675
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet on the Referendums Bill and Programme for Government 2020: FOI release

From 27 July 2020 to present (2 September 2020 - the date of requests): Copies of any correspondence (emails, hand-written notes, briefing, Whatsapp messages, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or any member of the Scottish Government cabinet on the refe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-20
Reference
FOI/202000083702
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence with Electoral Commission regarding the Referendums Bill: FOI release

Between 1 July 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, letters, hand-written notes, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and the Electoral Commission regarding the Referendums Bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-19
Reference
FOI/202000105330
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Muftah Salem Eljamel, AKA Sam Eljamel: FOI release

You asked for: Please provide copies of the correspondence about Muftah Salem Eljamel, AKA Sam Eljamel, the former Neurosurgeon who worked for NHS Tayside, which were sent and received by the Scottish Government, Chief Medical Officer, or any government ministers and civil servants from January 2012 through to January...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-30
Reference
FOI/202000084805
Directorate
Health and Social Care Finance Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Vaccination Transformation Programme Board minutes: FOI release

The Agendas, meeting papers and minutes from all meetings of the Vaccination Transformation Programme Board since March 2019.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence meetings s.30
Published
2020-11-26
Reference
FOI/202000104176
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence concerning updating the ‘Scotland’s Future’ publication: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, written notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or members of the Scottish Government Cabinet regarding the need to update the ‘Scotland’s Future’ paper originally published in November ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30
Published
2020-11-25
Reference
FOI/202000096481
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence involving Joanna Cherry MP: FOI release

Any mention of Joanna Cherry in communications sent Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) by Scottish Government Ministers or Special Advisors to Scottish Government minist...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-16
Reference
FOI/202000087424
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Programme for Government 2020-21: FOI release

You asked for ‘From 1 August to 7 September 2020: Copies of any internal briefings from civil servants for the Scottish Government Cabinet and/or special advisors regarding the Programme for Government 2020-21.’

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-16
Reference
FOI/202000089239
Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the ‘Muriel Spark’ celebrations: FOI release

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and the following organisations/individuals regarding the ‘Muriel Spark’ celebrations: Scottish Book Trust (SBT) Creative Scotland (CS) Birlinn (Birlinn Limited) Alan Taylor Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Postcode Culture Trust (PCT) Date range 1 July 20...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) s.30
Published
2020-11-12
Reference
FOI/202000074236
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Correspondence with EU Commission in 2020 to present: FOI release

Your request You asked for: 1) Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone or video calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between Scottish Government ministers and the EU Commission in the time period 1 January 2020...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) s.32(1) s.7 s.60 46 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000077292
Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Public sector

Briefings analysing the UK Internal Market Bill: FOI release

From 1 July 2020 to present: • Copies of any civil servants briefings analysing the UK Internal Market Bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000089283
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill FOI legislation changes: FOI release

In relation to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill (https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/114929.aspx) I would like to request the following material: Any briefings or analysis documents outlining the need for / details of proposed changes to FOI legislation

FOI partially withheld 90 score 156 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000025366
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Bifab (Burntisland Fabrications) meetings prior to 6 April: FOI Review

The last ten sets of minutes of meetings dated before the first one you sent me in foi 202000045872, relating to Bifab (Burntisland Fabrications).

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000073460
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Energy, Public sector

Bifab (Burntisland Fabrications) meetings prior to April: FOI Review

The last ten sets of minutes of meetings dated before the first one you sent me in foi 202000045872, relating to Bifab (Burntisland Fabrications)

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000072943
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Energy, Public sector

1,140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare provision: FOI review

Your original request was: Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, letters, text/ Whatsapp messages, typed or hand-written notes, or briefing material) regarding the statutory entitlement to 1,140 hours of funded ELC. I would like this information from 10 June until 08 July. Your email to A...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.29 s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000079332
Directorate
Early Learning and Childcare Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 2020 awards and qualifications certification model: FOI release

All communications (including emails, letters, text messages, hand written or typed notes) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the moderation process for the 2020 awards and qualifications certification model. I would like this information from 01 July 2020 to 04 August 2020. All communication...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-28
Reference
FOI/202000071396
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

First Minister, Deputy First Minister and SQA 2020 exam methodology correspondence: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between Education Secretary John Swinney and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher qualifications. 2. All briefing notes, me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000072824
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence on the marking and grading methodology for 2020 exam results: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between any Cabinet Secretary, minister, advisor or representative of the Scottish and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-20
Reference
FOI/202000072834
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Travel advice during Pandemic: FOI Review

i Source, analysis and all correspondence relating to the “thorough review” of the decision to add Spain to 57 other countries from which incoming travellers will not have to isolate when they arrive in Scotland on 20 July 2020; ii Source, analysis and all correspondence relating to the decision of the Scottish Govern...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.30 s.3(2) s.32(1) s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-10-15
Reference
FOI/202000087775
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, International, Public sector

Communications regarding full time reopening of schools: FOI release

"Any communications from local authorities to the Scottish Government (including letters, emails, or otherwise) regarding guidance for the fulltime reopening of schools in August 2020. I would like this information from 24 June 2020 to 21 July 2020."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-09-29
Reference
FOI/202000065075
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Eat Out to Help Out Scheme potential impact: FOI release

1- What analysis, briefing or memos has been prepared by the Scottish Government, for Scottish Ministers, officials or advisers on the UK Government's 'Eat Out to Help Out Scheme' and/or the potential impact this scheme could have on Scotland since the scheme was first announced on 8 July 2020. Please provide copies of...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-29
Reference
FOI/202000074565
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, Public sector

Coronavirus legislation, rules and regulations and ongoing reviews: FOI release

Coronavirus legislation and rationale for continuation of rules and regulations regarding lockdown must be reviewed every twenty one days by law. Please provide me with following. Dates , times of each meeting to date since the start. Policy decisions, with rationale and minutes determining outcomes informing continua...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 71 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-29
Reference
FOI/202000043924
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Schools re-opening full time decision making correspondence: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, letters, typed or hand-written notes, text messages and briefings) regarding the decision for schools to reopen full-time on 11 August, as announced by the Deputy First Minister on 23 June 2020. I would like this information from 01 June 2020 until 23 J...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-24
Reference
FOI/202000057060
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Non-Domestic Rates Income reduction: FOI release

Any internal correspondence between officials and ministers from 20 March to date about the reduction of Non-Domestic Rates Income. Any internal briefings or memos produced for ministers from 20 March to date about the cost reducing non-domestic rates across Scotland

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-17
Reference
FOI/202000066359
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector