Scottish Government FOI Index

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

224 matching releases

Correspondence relating to council tax freezes: FOI release

On the 18th October 2023, the Finance Minister Shona Robison made the claim that the decision to freeze Council Tax rates was made less than 48 hours before Humza Yousaf’s announcement and that the decision was made without following the normal consultation and communication methods. I would like to make a Freedom of I...

FOI not held 70 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.12 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17 6 attachments

Published: 2024-03-12
Reference: FOI/202300381631
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Caledonian Maritime Assets correspondence, 30 June to 31 December 2017: FOI release

All correspondence between the Scottish Government (including Ministers, Civil Servants, and Special Advisers) and Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive Officer, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited on dates between 30th June 2017 and 31st December 2017, and emails including the word: “launch”.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 117 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-09
Reference: 202200315069
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence with CEO of Business for Scotland and Believe in Scotland: FOI release

Please provide copies of all email correspondence between the Scottish Government (including Ministers, Civil servants, and Special Advisers) and Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, CEO of Business for Scotland and Believe in Scotland, 1st May 2021 - date.

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 4 attachments

Published: 2024-02-01
Reference: FOI/202300373212
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Communication with SQA regarding grading of 2022 exams: FOI release

All communication between the Scottish Government (ministers, special advisers, staff from education-focused directorates) and the SQA regarding the grading of 2022 exams. To be clear, this would include discussions / information related to grade boundaries, pass rates, attainment gaps, and likely public/media response...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-26
Reference: 202200315060
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Public sector

DRS correspondence with special advisers: EIR review

A copy of email correspondence from special advisers and Scottish Government officials during the period 1st November 2021 to 31st March 2022 where deposit return (DRS) was discussed.

FOI/EIR unclear 80 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: EIR/202300351098 Review of 202200318719
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence relating to S6W-09312, S6W-09314, S6W-09315: EIR review

All correspondence relating to the following written questions: S6W-09312 S6W-09314 S6W-09315 I have concluded that a different decision should be substituted. As the information you requested is 'environmental information' for the purposes of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs), we are r...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 s.39(2) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.38 s.40 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-19
Reference: EIR/202300340781 Review of 202200333311
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Public spending on A9 dualling programme from Tomatin to Moy: EIR release

Please provide the following information on public spending on the A9 dualling programme: 1. Please provide information on the number of tender submissions received by Transport Scotland for the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy tender that was submitted in 2022. 2. Please provide information on the tender price of the sub...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts spending s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4)

Published: 2024-01-15
Reference: FOI/202300374896
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Minutes and email correspondence from Sir Brian Souter meetings: FOI release

The minutes of any meetings that have taken place between government ministers and Sir Brian Souter from 2019 to date. The minutes of any meetings that have taken place between government special advisers and Brian Souter since 2019. Email correspondence between the Scottish government (including ministers, officials o...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.38(1) s.17(1) s.12 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-11
Reference: 202300357465
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Currency Group correspondence, January 2019 to February 2023: FOI release

You asked for copies of all email correspondence between the Scottish Government (including Ministers, civil servants, and Special Advisers) and Dr Tim Rideout, Convener of the Scottish Currency Group, 1 January 2019 to date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-04
Reference: 202300342981
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Structure of Scottish International Offices: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for Scotland’s international offices, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors). The pay grades for each staff member in the international offices...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-28
Reference: 202300358397
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Prison Service mobile phones for prisoners: FOI release

Whether any value for money review has been conducted of the Scottish Prison Service’s mobile phones for prisoners project since its introduction in April 2020. All correspondence between the Scottish Prison Service and Scottish Ministers and their Special Advisers regarding prisoner mobile phones. Please provide this ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) s.34(1) s.35(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.20 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-28
Reference: 202300358582
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Valneva plant in Livingston: FOI release

All the correspondence and any other messages - email, letter, WhatsApp, text and any other form of communication - between the Scottish Government, including the First Minister's office (including civil servants and special advisers) and Valneva, or any other company or agency involved, on the First Minister's visit t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 20 attachments

Published: 2023-12-21
Reference: 202200292252
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding proposals to introduce changes to the timetable because of driver shortages: FOI release

Provide a copy of all correspondence between Scottish Government ministers/special advisers/officials and Scotrail about proposals to introduce changes to the timetable because of driver shortages. Please also provide any correspondence between the Scottish Government and the ASLEF or RMT trade unions about pay negoti...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 152 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings contracts s.33(1) s.30 s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-20
Reference: 202200300946
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Meetings about a second independence referendum: FOI release

Minutes of meetings held between Nicola Sturgeon and Angus Robertson on preparations for a second independence referendum, including on a prospectus. Minutes of all meetings held between Nicola Sturgeon and the team working (including civil servants) on preparations for a second independence referendum, including on a ...

FOI not held 45 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2023-12-19
Reference: 202200280399
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with employees of Energy Action Scotland: EIR release

All Scottish Government correspondence (including Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers, and Press Officers) with employees of Energy Action Scotland, 1st January 2022 - date.

FOI/EIR released 100 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.11(2) s.34(1) 14 attachments

Published: 2023-12-19
Reference: 202300351738
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Public sector

UK Statistics Authority renewable energy statement: EIR release

Please provide details of all the correspondence received by the First Minister’s office from the Chief Statistician in Scotland relating to this matter as requested by the Chair of the UK Statistics Authority. Please also provide details of any correspondence sent from the First Minister’s office to the Chief Statisti...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 12 attachments

Published: 2023-12-18
Reference: 202300345980
Directorate: Chief Economist Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence relating to Nicola Sturgeon's trip to Italy: FOI release

Any correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon, her office, special advisers and MSPs in the week leading up to her trip to Bellagio in Italy about the trip. - if this costs too much, lessen the timeframe to five days before the trip and the day of the trip or take the MSPs out. Briefing notes prepared from any meetings th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-11
Reference: 202200311801
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Records of all calls and/or meetings between John Swinney and SQA: FOI release

Records of all calls and/or meetings (including video calls) between John Swinney (including his staff or any special advisers) and Fiona Robertson of the SQA. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, dates, times, attendees, personal notes, minutes The time frame for this request is 01/01/2020 - 31/8/2020 Rec...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 260 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-11
Reference: 202100211591
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications between the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information team and Michael Matheson: FOI release

Copies of communications between the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information team and Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport. Please include communications with his office and his Special Advisers, and restrict the search the dates between 4th April 2022 and 15th November 2022

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-07
Reference: 202200330329
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Screening of Adult Human Female film at University of Edinburgh: FOI release

Any information in the form of emails, briefing notes, situation reports, confirmation of verbal updates between civil servants, special advisers or any other Scottish Government employees and the First Minister about the film Adult Human Female and the filming of it that was cancelled at Edinburgh University.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-14
Reference: 202200334823
Directorate: Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scotland’s share of Europe’s potential offshore wind resource: EIR release

All internal Scottish Government discussion (including between Ministers, Civil Servants, and Special Advisers) relating to the question of Scotland’s share of Europe’s potential offshore wind resource, restricting the search to dates between 6th May 2021 and 20th October 2022. You also indicated how to narrow down you...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-10
Reference: 202200325962
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal advice and correspondence relating to operation branchform: FOI release

1. The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counsel - in regards to Operation Branchform. 2. Any internal correspondence among senior civil servants, special advisers, and ministers (including any attachments or referenced briefings) on the topic o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.35(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-11-02
Reference: FOI/202300368382
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Prison Service lessons learned review: FOI release

When the Scottish Prison Service CEO received the lessons learned review into the case of Isla Bryson which the Scottish Government claimed would happen on 3 February 2023. The final version of the Scottish Prison Service’s report on the lessons learned review and any draft versions of this report completed by the Scot...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-10-23
Reference: 202300342588
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Meeting minutes between government ministers and Sir Brian Souter: FOI release

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.38(1) s.17(1) s.12 s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-10-19
Reference: 202300357465
Directorate: Jobs and Wellbeing Economy Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Scottish Conservatives Removal of Office and Recall Bill: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (briefing, letters, emails, handwritten notes, memos, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, attachments and/ore otherwise) from and/or to civil servants and/or Special Advisers and/or Scottish Government MSPs regarding the Scottish Conservatives Removal of Office and Recall Bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-10-16
Reference: 202300361918
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector