Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,863releases indexed
39,476attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,112partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,112 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-05 410 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 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
459 matching releases

Internal correspondence mentioning For Women Scotland work: FOI release

Any internal correspondence among civil servants within the Children and Families Directorate, Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate, senior civil servants, ministers and special advisers which includes the name of the charity "ForWomen Scotland" or discusses the organisation's work, since the start of 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-25
Reference
FOI/202100248103
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence between SQA and Scottish Government regarding appeals process: FOI Release

All communication between the SQA and Scottish Government (ministers, special advisers, learning directorate officials) regarding / referring to the appeals system for 2021 results, the details of which have now been published on the SQA website: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/79049.html The time frame for this request is...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 141 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-24
Reference
FOI/202100208810
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Covid-19 bereaved families: FOI release

1. All correspondence, emails, record of phone calls, notes, including text messages received either by John Swinney or Humza Yousaf from Aamer Anwar seeking or making arrangements to meet Covid19 Bereaved Families for Justice Group or in relation to a request for a Public Inquiry or the date of a Public Inquiry into C...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.5 s.12 s.6 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-12-08
Reference
FOI/202100247071
Directorate
Performance, Delivery and Resilience Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Information held relating to abortion protests: FOI release

1. Any correspondence to and from Scottish Ministers on the topic of protests outside facilities providing abortions or sexual health care. 2. Any correspondence, meeting notes, minutes or any other documentation relating to meetings or discussions between the Scottish Government, local authorities and/or COSLA on the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.3 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-15
Reference
FOI/202100243716
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Preparation used to support the decision making outlined in Short-terms lets legislation: FOI release

Under FOISA, please provide the modelling, information, analysis, any calculations and documentation used to support the Scottish Government's decision making, outlined in Short-term lets - licensing scheme and planning control area legislation: draft business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) [https://www.gov.sc...

FOI clarification 80 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-10
Reference
FOI/202100232330
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Information Commissioner appeal Decision Notice 083/2021: FOI release

1. Any and all internal and external correspondence including emails, letters, WhatsApp messages, Signal messages, text messages relating to government business from officials, ministers, and special advisers and any other interested party relating to the consideration of the Scottish Information Commissioner appeal wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.26 s.30 s.35(1) s.35(2) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-10-28
Reference
FOI/202100223873
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications relating to the Tinker Experiment: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100200656 All government emails , letters or memos or internal notes or transcripted telephone calls regarding The Tinker Experiment and any reference to an apology- with a particular interest on any documentation between the Government and its lawyers on the matter ( any communication to our...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29 s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-09-16
Reference
FOI/202100228699 review of 202100200656
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Issue of section 19 of Road Safety Act: FOI review

1. Copies of any correspondence, notes, reports, minutes, or any other documents shared between the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, and the Scottish Government and the Scottish Police Authority, since 1 Jan 2018 that relates to the issue of section 19 of the Road Safety Act 2006. 2. Copies of any correspondenc...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 15 working days correspondence meetings s.19 s.28(1) s.30 s.29(1)
Published
2021-08-12
Reference
FOI/202100223994 review of 202100214134
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

COVID 19 wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport: FOI review

1. All documents and information relating to the Scottish Government's decision to make the wearing of face coverings on public transport compulsory on Monday 22nd June 2020, including the scientific evidence on which the decision was based, the rationale of the decision and the full minutes of the meetings between the...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-08-06
Reference
FOI/202100215047 review of 202100136327
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Local Serving Rates: FOI release

Please provide all information concerning the Rates List, including that which concerns: (1) which bodies were involved in decision-making around the rates listed in the Rates List; (2) correspondence, telephone attendance notes, documents, charts and/or meetings reports and minutes concerning the Rates List created ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202100216757
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Health and social care, Public sector

E-scooter trials in Scotland: FOI review

Please can you confirm whether the Scottish government holds any information produced since the UK government's announcement of e-scooter trials in Great Britain in May 2020 which relates to the matters of: a) The amendment of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, and an...

FOI cost limit 70 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.12 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-23
Reference
FOI/202100217324 review of 202100206613
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

COVID 19 deaths in care homes: FOI release

You asked for any correspondence between special advisers or officials in the community health and social care directorate and the National Records of Scotland (NRS) on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to 27 May 2021. You also ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100207401
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence to/from the Health Secretary relating to deaths in care homes: FOI release

Any correspondence copied to the health secretary, sent to the health secretary, or including the phrase "Cab Sec" on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to 27 May 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100207405
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Costs of legal services regarding former First Minister's judicial review: FOI release

"Information contained in documents & discussions relating to, and all information contained in: fees, all fee notes & Faculty Services Fee notes, accounts & receipts - for costs, expenses & fees paid to: Roddy Dunlop QC Christine O'Neill QC in relation to legal advice and all legal services provided to the Scottish ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 60 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-06-17
Reference
FOI/202100184741
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Law and order, Public sector

Informal requests received from 31 October 2018 onwards: FOI release

FOI202100191813 “Thanks for you work on my behalf. I apologise for my carelessness in this foi. In fact Clegg says that the Record (so not just Clegg) made requests (so not formal foi’s necessarily). Can I ask whether there were any informal requests from 31 October. Maybe you considered this, but if not, can you accep...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-10
Reference
FOI/202100191813, 202100194412 and 202100195519
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Lord Advocate correspondence relating to publication of Alex Salmond’s submission: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) received or sent by the Lord Advocate (or his office) on 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23 February 2021 regarding the publication of Alex Salmond’s Ministerial Code subm...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.26 s.11 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-08
Reference
FOI/202100166329
Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development review: FOI release

All correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Education (including Officials of his office) with OECD relating to the OECD review of Scottish education. In particular, I would like to see all correspondence and information relating to the contract between the Scottish Government and OECD.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100175114
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Justice on cutting unpaid work hours: FOI release

Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the Cabinet Secretary for Justice's office and any other stakeholder, either external or internal, regarding the topic of cutting unpaid work hours issue...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-01
Reference
FOI/202100187501
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Money and tax, Public sector

Communications between Special Advisors and civil servants relating to independence: FOI release

From 1 March 2021 to present. Copies of all correspondence (emails, attachments, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise relevant) between Special Adviser and civil servants regarding the draft independence referendum bill that was published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-27
Reference
FOI/202100186120
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affair referendum correspondence: FOI release

From 8 March 2021 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, whatsapp messages, texts, letters, handwritten notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) to and/or from Mike Russell with any reference to the draft independence referendum bill published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-27
Reference
FOI/202100186146
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Heat Networks (Scotland) bill: FOI release

Copies of the correspondence received, the response sent (including any further follow up correspondence) and any discussions surrounding this (including internal discussions) between the Scottish Government and representatives of the Crown regarding Queen's Consent and the Heat Networks Bill. Please also include copie...

FOI already published 80 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.25 s.41 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-25
Reference
FOI/202100181726
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence regarding draft bill on another independence referendum: FOI release

Copies of correspondence from/to and/or between members of the Constitution and Cabinet Directorate on the draft bill on another independence referendum announced in the 2020-21 Programme for Government.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-18
Reference
FOI/202100174032
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Analysis relating to the inclusion of sex/gender within Hate Crime Bill: FOI release

Analysis provided by officials which led to the Scottish Government’s initial decision to reject Lord Bracadale’s recommendation to include what he termed “gender” as a protected characteristic in the Bill, and any subsequent analysis which was used to confirm this position. Any further detailed analysis undertaken by ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-05-06
Reference
FOI/202100165382
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Law and order, Public sector