Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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

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

Clear
238 matching releases

Correspondence regarding potential timing for independence referendum: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, whatsapp messages, texts, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) from/between/to civil servants and/or Special Advisers on the appropriate timing for an independence referendum to take place once the legislation for it would be passed in the next parliamentary term.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-20
Reference
FOI/202100187817
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Meeting between Health Homes and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport: FOI release

1) Any minutes, handouts, shared documents, agendas, notes, briefing papers, follow-up emails, notes taken by attendees from the meeting between the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport and care home groups in the week commencing Feb 15 referenced by Jason Leitch at the daily coronavirus briefing on February 24. 2) A...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.3 s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-13
Reference
FOI/202100164833
Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Communications regarding National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications 2021: FOI release

All correspondence between John Swinney, Special Advisers or government officials and the SQA regarding plans / options for the awarding of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2021. The time frame for this request is Jan 1 2021 - Jan 31 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-06
Reference
FOI/202100162263
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, 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

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

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

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

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

Records of bullying, harassment or abuse allegations: FOI release

Any record of bullying, harassment or abuse allegations made against Scottish Government ministers, whether proved or disproved. Please limit to the time period 3 May 2007 to present. · Any record of bullying, harassment or abuse allegations made against Director-Generals or Directors, whether proved or disproved. Plea...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 90 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.20 s.34(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-13
Reference
FOI/202000018100
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence between Kevin Stewart and/or any special advisers who work alongside the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning and the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) between 1st March 2020 and 1st June 2020. This should include minutes, agendas or notes (including handwritten notes) of any mee...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-13
Reference
FOI/202000043559
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

“Extended Presumption Against Short Sentences – Monitoring Information July 2019 – December 2019” statistical publication: 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 Peter Malek, Justice Analytical Services and (i) Scottish Government ministers, (ii) special advisers, (iii) officials, (i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-25
Reference
FOI/202000017806
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence regarding meeting involving the Scottish Government (including Deputy First Minister), Education Scotland and ADES: FOI release

Please release the following information under FOISA regarding the 23 October 2019 meeting involving the Scottish Government (including Deputy First Minister), Education Scotland and ADES All communications regarding the meeting All materials prepared in advance of the meeting All notes from the meeting, including any...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-01-16
Reference
201900009848
Directorate
Topic

Correspondence relating to the former First Minister investigation and communications concerning the Permanent Secretary: FOI release

You asked for: 1. Further to the existing replies to my earlier requests please list the Scottish Government meetings with external legal advisers relating to the investigation concerning Alex Salmond in July and August 2018 and the civil servants, government ministers, special advisers and any others at these meeting...

FOI withheld 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.2 s.30 s.38(1)
Published
2019-11-27
Reference
FOI/19/02429
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Delays to introduction of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders: FOI Review

a) all legal advice and/or guidance on whether Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) can be introduced in Scotland with conditions of residence attached instead of waiting for further legislation in the UK Parliament; and b) all information contained in documents and correspondence with regard to the delay in the intr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2019-10-24
Reference
FOI/201900004674
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner decision 121/2019 and FoI/18/02260 correspondence: FOI release

You asked for “Any correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, documents or otherwise) since August 2018 on the topic of FoI/18/02260 and/or the Scottish Information Commissioner decision 121/2019 between any of the following people: Scottish Government Ministers, spec...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.47(1) 6 attachments
Published
2019-09-20
Reference
FOI/201900003579
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Various questions on case against Former First Minister: FOI release

You asked for: 1. Please specify the job description of Ms Katy Bowman, Special Adviser to the First Minister both at present and in 2014. 2. Please identify the line management responsibilities of Ms Liz Lloyd, First Minister’s chief of staff, to Ms Katy Bowman, Special Adviser to the First Minister. 3. Please iden...

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.5 s.6 s.17(1) s.3 s.18(1) s.28 s.12 s.35(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1)
Published
2019-09-13
Reference
FOI/19/01942
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Notes and correspondence with North Lanarkshire Council - St Ambrose school campus, Coatbridge: FOI release

You asked for: • "Any briefing documents provided to Scottish Ministers on St Ambrose school campus in Coatbridge within the last year (prior to 20 June 2019)" (Fol/19/10503) • "Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls or otherwise) between Scottish Government ministers, senior civil servants or special advis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-29
Reference
FOI/19/01503, FOI/19/01504
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Appointment of the Chair of the State Hospital, correspondence: FOI release

You asked for the following information: All correspondence, memos or notes including meetings and phone calls relating to the appointment of Kenny MacAskill as Chair of the State Hospital whether from by or to officials, special advisers and Ministers; All notes or diary entries for meetings between officials, specia...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-04-09
Reference
FOI/19/00649
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Work Place Parking Levy - correspondence, reports and briefings: FOI release

All correspondence, internal reports and briefings relating to the 'Work Place Parking Levy' presented or distributed to special advisers, cab sec finance/transport/local govt and minister for public finance since draft budget statement Dec 2018

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-03-20
Reference
FOI/19/00472
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Data relating to the handling of FOI/18/02237 and associated questions: FOI release

1. Please provide all the data the Scottish Government has relating to the handling of FOI/18/02237, including all internal correspondence, phone calls, handwritten notes or other such documentation). Please also include all data relating to the involvement of ministers and special advisers. 2. Using the same paramete...

FOI already published 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 s.4 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-03-05
Reference
FOI/19/00293
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Internal correspondence pertaining to response to Parliamentary question S5W-20557: FOI release

You asked for all internal correspondence and briefing, including draft responses, pertaining to the response to Parliamentary question S5W-20557, and a breakdown of the handling of the question and the response, detail who handled it and how many times.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-03-04
Reference
FOI/19/00050
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding the response to FOI request 18/02676: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes or any other documents) between the lead official on FOI request 18/02676 and/or Scottish Government ministers and/or the SG FOI Unit and/or special advisers regarding the response to that FOI request. Information should include: a detailed timeline (...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.14(2) s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2019-02-18
Reference
FOI/19/00302
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information on the (Fairness at Work) 'procedure' introduced in 2017: FOI release

Information on the initial development of ‘the procedure’ referenced in Nicola Sturgeon’s statement to Parliament on 8 January 2019. Information should include: any dates showing the stages of development of ‘the procedure’ prior to its inception in December 2017; any information on who was involved in the developmen...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.35(1) s.30
Published
2019-02-13
Reference
FOI/19/00133
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Jeane Freeman correspondence with various UK government departments: FOI release

1. Can you please provide me with copies of all correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People (Shirley-Anne Somerville) and: (a) The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (b) Special Advisers at the Department of Work and Pensions (*) (c) The Social Security Advisory Committee ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.25(1) s.28(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2019-02-08
Reference
FOI/18/03764
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Public sector