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

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

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

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
389 matching releases

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

Communications involving the Scottish Government relating to beaver management: EIR release

Electronic copies of all communications involving the Scottish Government which relate to beaver management, including the process of obtaining and issuing licences from NatureScot to kill or control beavers, including any such communications which are critical of the approach taken at the relevant time. This request r...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5)
Published
2021-05-20
Reference
FOI/202100164199
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Farming and rural, Public sector

COVID-19 UK Four Nations meeting over Christmas period: FOI release

1. What medical advice were the SNP given in November when agreeing to Christmas mixing for all four nations? Did the SNP challenge the Conservative Government in Westminster on this plan? If so, what evidence is there? 2. Has the SNP made any challenge to the Westminster Conservative Government on the international tr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-13
Reference
FOI/202100145803
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Fisheries protection around the island of Rockall: EIR review

With apologies for the slight delay, further to my letter of 8th March 2021, I have now completed my review of our response to your request for: 1. All letters, emails and documents exchanged between the Scottish and Irish government relating to fishing rights for EU trawlers around the island of Rockall, dating from 1...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.20 s.39(2) s.10 s.10(5) s.10(4) s.11 s.11(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-05
Reference
FOI202100152931 review of 202100133316
Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Documents pertaining to teachers one off payment of £400: FOI release

All documentation regarding the decision to offer a single payment to teachersand lecturers rather than paying an amount determined by student numbers. All documentation regarding the decision to offer £400, including how this specific amount was calculated.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-27
Reference
FOI/202100163050
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to 'herd immunity' surrounding COVID-19: FOI release

All email correspondence or written correspondence or minutes of meetings that mention the phrase 'herd immunity' sent from or to the National Clinical Director, Prof Jason Leitch, Dr Catherine Calderwood, Dr Gregor Smith, the First Minister or Health Secretary. I would like this information from the end of February th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 118 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-20
Reference
FOI/202000091244
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

European Union (EU) flags on Scottish Government buildings: FOI release

"Any information you hold on the recent reports that the Scottish Government will fly EU flags on Scottish Government buildings. In particular, i) any minutes of meetings with Ministers or officials where the above was discussed. ii) any emails relating to the issue above. iii) all advice to Ministers on the above i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-19
Reference
FOI/202100160401
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence received by Permanent Secretary relating to second referendum: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-16
Reference
FOI/202100164037
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, letters, text or WhatsApp messages, phone calls) concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications in the academic year 2020-21. I would like this information from 17 November 2020 to 09 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202000121887
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19 European Convention on Human Rights compliance regarding visiting places of worship: FOI release

1. Under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights governments of religious practice may only be subject to limitations "as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rig...

FOI not held 70 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-12
Reference
FOI/202100141123
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Fisheries protection around the island of Rockall: FOI release

1) All letters, emails and documents exchanged between the Scottish and Irish government relating to fishing rights for EU trawlers around the island of Rockall, dating from 1 January 2019 to the date of this request. 2) All briefing documents prepared in advance of meetings or telephone conversations between Scottish ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.17(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-08
Reference
FOI/202100133316
Directorate
Topic
International, Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Scottish Government Resilience Room minutes from February and March 2020: FOI appeal

The minutes of the Scottish Government Resilience Room meetings held in February and March 2020. In addition I would like to have lists of all those who attended those meetings.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 3 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-01
Reference
FOI/202000047153 - appeal
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) revision of appeal process: FOI release

Ministerial direction SQA refer to and any information, paperwork, correspondence etc between SG and SQA and also more generally which explains the thinking behind the revision of the appeals process (please treat as an FOI). I am not sure whether you can also explain where responsibility lies for the design of the app...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000108636
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Tarbolton Landfill Site: EIR release

1. Information contained in copies of correspondence (including emails), internal and external reports, notes of internal and external meetings, and other documentation held by the Scottish Government (SG) in relation to any investigations, risk assessments, remediation strategies, requests for remediation funding or o...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) 8 attachments
Published
2021-03-25
Reference
FOI/202100133009
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

COVID-19: Closure of places of worship: FOI release

1) I would be extremely grateful if you could email me a full copy of the Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - as well as a full copy of all the evidence underpinning the same Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - specifically pertaining to worshippers and Places of Worship that the Scottish Minister(s...

FOI not held 70 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.2 s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202100133792
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +2 more … Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Culchunaig Farmhouse planning application: EIR release

Information regarding planning application 18/04194/FUL - Culchunaig Farmhouse, Westhill Inverness, you also asked specific questions regarding the handling of the same case. 1. Please inform me of the name of the signatory of the decision letter of 17 November in relation to the above aqpplication and an organogram sh...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.2 s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202000114543
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Environment and climate change, 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

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

Harassment Committee inquiry legal fees costs: FOI release

"£54,378 was the figure obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Daily Telegraph. This was used on external assistance with regards to the Alex Salmond enquiry. I would like to know who the money was paid to and in what capacity. I would also like any internal Government correspondence regarding the tra...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100137923
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

FOI request 202000077960 regarding Former First Minister various questions: FOI release

"I note the above Freedom of Information request answered on 23rd September Secondly, which official/officials provided the information which suggested the November 9th date? And on whose instruction was it included in the answer? Thirdly, and please treat this last point as an FOI in itself as well as a question, kind...

FOI already published 80 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) s.25 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-04
Reference
FOI/202000093492
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Scottish Government correspondence concerning National 5 exams in 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, typed or hand written notes, text messages or phone calls) regarding National 5 exams in 2021. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000099398
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector