Scottish Government FOI Index

21,864releases indexed

39,478attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,113partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-06-12newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,113 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

2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263

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

2,272 matching releases

James Hamilton QC investigation remit correspondence: FOI release

- All communication between John Swinney and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. -All communication between the Scottish Government and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-16
Reference: FOI/202100139181
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation evidence submitted: FOI release

- All evidence submitted to James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. - Details of all meetings held by James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. Please include minutes, call logs, list of a...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-16
Reference: FOI/202100139187
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

COVID-19 testing for university students: FOI release

Any briefing papers or advice to ministers concerning COVID-19 testing for university students,and any communications between Scottish Government officials regarding these briefings or advice. I would like this information from 15 September 2020 to 30 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28 s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-15
Reference: FOI/202000113889
Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the launch of Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB): FOI release

1. 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 official launch of the Scottish National Investment Bank on 23 November 2020. 2...

FOI transferred 80 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.17(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.39(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-11
Reference: FOI/202000129473
Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Government Audit and Assurance Committee (SGAAC): FOI release

"The minutes (and associated materials, such as, but not limited to agendas, papers, reports or presentations) for any meetings held between senior Scottish Government staff and nonexecutive directors and deputy directors of the Scottish Government. I am interested in records relating to any meetings that have taken pl...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.33 s.38(1) s.33(1) s.33(2) s.38(1)B s.34(1)

Published: 2021-02-11
Reference: FOI/202100134076
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport meeting with Care Home Relatives Scotland (CHRS): FOI release

Details of the meetings the Minister for Older People, Christina McKelvie, has had with each of the following since March 2020: Care home staff Care home residents Care home residents’ family members Care home resident or family member lobbying groups Representatives of Scottish care Please detail the date, length an...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38 s.30

Published: 2021-02-11
Reference: FOI/202000116009
Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Places of worship COVID-19 guidance: FOI release

Information that was used in the preparation of guidance for the meeting of churches as we moved into phases 2 and 3. Specifically all information concerning the following matters: 1. Data/information concerning the decision of the Scottish Ministers a. that singing could not take place in churches and b. to what exten...

FOI withheld 80 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.5 s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-09
Reference: FOI/202000094719
Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Information relating to Police Scotland work with Sri Lanka: FOI release

Please provide copies of any records held by the Justice Directorate between 15 October 2020 and 8 December 2020 relating to Police Scotland's work with Sri Lanka. I expect your search to include records held by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and his team.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-09
Reference: FOI/202000121879
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Public sector

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

Correspondence pertaining to Sexual Harassment Complaints Committee between specific dates: FOI release

1) Correspondence between written by civil servants on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Sexual Harassment Complaints between July 1 and August 12. 2) Correspondence written by ministers on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scot...

FOI not held 70 score 109 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-01-14
Reference: FOI/202000074369
Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Civil Servants preparation in giving evidence to Committee for Former First Minister inquiry: FOI release

Details of the preparation of civil servants for appearances ahead of witness sessions in the Alex Salmond Holyrood inquiry. I would like details of all civil servants to appear in person before the committee up to and including today's session [3 November 2020], including the Permanent Secretary. There is no need to i...

FOI not held 70 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.36(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-01-13
Reference: FOI/202000106713
Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

COVID-19 related information regarding previous and future Health Protection Regulations: FOI release

1. What is the 14 (or 7)-day incidence of reported cases (per 100k) in the Council of Aberdeen City (7/14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100k) 2. What is the Scottish Governments benchmark for new local lockdown restrictions? It couldn’t be just arbitrarily. 3. On which facts is the dangerousness of the ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 97 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.4A s.17 s.17(1) s.30 s.25

Published: 2020-12-21
Reference: FOI/202000072147
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, 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

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 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

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

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

Report of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery: FOI release

A copy of all communications between Mr Benny Higgins and Scottish Government ministers and officials regarding the drafting, revision and publication of 'Towards a Robust, Resilient Wellbeing Economy for Scotland: Report of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery'. The relevant correspondence which relates specificall...

FOI unclear 80 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 10 attachments

Published: 2020-10-28
Reference: FOI/202000055037
Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, 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

School closures: FOI release

"1. What powers do the Scottish Government have to close down Schools anytime they want? 2. When did the Scottish Government require these powers to close down schools at any time? 3. When the Schools closed down this year because of the Corona Virus, who made the decision to close them down? full list of people involv...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.37 s.38 s.4 s.2 s.30 s.29(1) s.19

Published: 2020-09-30
Reference: FOI/202000078735
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector