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

180 matching releases

Gender Recognition Reform Bill correspondence: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between Ash Regan (formerly known as Ash Denham) and Nicola Sturgeon (and/or her officials) with regards to the Gender Recognition Reform ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-12
Reference: FOI/202300378440
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Redactions in WhatsAPP/text message documents: FOI Review

Original request 202400404999 All of the "out of scope" redactions in the document at https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi[1]202100255908/ 2. The extent of the redacted material within the 106 page document by using black block within the released document over the redacted content.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.36(1) s.38(2A) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-07
Reference: FOI/202400410703 Review of 202400404999
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Internal communications on presumed limit of land ownership: EIR release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act, I would like to request the following information: All internal communications involving relevant Ministers, Special Advisors, or ministerial staff, relating tothe topic of a presumed limit on land ownership, from 06/05/2021 to present. Communication would include, but ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-07-15
Reference: FOI/202300377903
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural, Public sector

James Hamilton correspondence, WhatsApp review, Covid inquiry and Hugh Pennington Correspondence: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including internal, notes from any meetings, minutes and briefings about the chief nursing officer retiring, from between November 1 2023 and the date of this FOI. 2. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including internal,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.25(1) s.27(1) s.34(1) s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2024-07-10
Reference: FOI/202400403162
Directorate: Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) Correspondence: FOI release

You asked for all correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between ministers of the Scottish Government and their special advisors mentioning the term 'United Nations Relief and Works...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-07-09
Reference: FOI/202400396004
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Correspondence regarding draft climate change plan: EIR release

Please can you provide copies of correspondence within the Scottish Government about the delaying of the new draft climate change plan. I'd like all correspondence from the start of July 2023 to the end of December 2023. Please provide any emails, texts, whatsapp messages and any other correspondence relating to the d...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers contracts whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-05-23
Reference: FOI/202400394829
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Appointment of Mike Russell as chairman of Scottish Lands and Estates: FOI release

The following regarding the appointment of Mike Russell as chairman of Scottish Lands and Estates. Describe in as much detail as process for selecting Mike Russell. Did he have to fill in an application? Which other candidates were considered? Was there an interview process? Was there any kind of scoring criteria used...

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

Published: 2024-05-15
Reference: FOI/202300390024
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Creative Scotland decision to fund Rein: FOI release

Supply any ministerial or first ministerial correspondence, or any other official correspondence from government to Creative Scotland on the subject of Rein, in the form of memos, emails, whatsapp or any other written or digital media in the period after March 10. Also I would be obliged if you supply any internal gov...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-05-13
Reference: FOI/202400406856
Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Information pertaining to WhatsApp messages: FOI Appeal

Request 1: I am writing to you to request the following information. For the month of August 2021, any WhatsApp messages or text messages sent or received by any government minister on government business. Request 2: I am writing to you to request the following information. For the entire month of March, 2021 (inc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 88 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17 s.26 s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.19 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-03-15
Reference: FOI Appeal of 202100255908 / 202100255912
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister meeting with President Erdogan of Turkey during Cop 28: FOI release

If you could provide copies of all correspondence and messages, including emails and WhatsApps, regarding the invitation and arrangements for the First Minister to meet President Erdogan of Turkey during Cop 28. Please also include any correspondence with the UK Government and any briefings prepared for the First Minis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.32(1)A s.38(1)B s.32 s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-20
Reference: FOI/202300388013
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Various questions regarding COVID-19: FoI release

1. How many of Humza Yousaf's cabinet use their personal emails for government business? List of who does. 2. What was the final outcome of Ruth Charteris investigating into missing WhatsApps as referenced here: https://news.sky.com/story/scotlands-first-minister-humza-yousaf-to-fully-investigate-concerns-messages-not-...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.2 s.17(1) s.3 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-09
Reference: FOI/202400392573
Directorate: Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

All communications with SPS regarding Isla Bryson: FOI review

You asked for a review of our failure to respond to your request dated 27 January 2023 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: A copy of any written communication or records of verbal communication between ministers relating to Adam Graham/Isla Bryson, the minutes of any meetings where they w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 81 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI 202300350955 Review of 202300340371
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Resignation of Eilidh Mactaggart: FOI review

All correspondence including emails, briefing notes, text and WhatsApp messages, documents and memos relating to the resignation of Eilidh Mactaggart, the CEO of the Scottish National Investment Bank.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: 202200285209
Directorate: International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Ministerial appointments to the Cairngorms National Park Authority board: FOI release

What evidence was provided (in the form of emails, telephone calls, documents, messages, including by WhatsApp, Snapchat and text) to the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity - to allow her to determine that the skills of current Ministerial Appointments to the Cairngorms National Park Authority...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.22 22 attachments

Published: 2024-01-03
Reference: 202300344896
Directorate: Environment and Forestry 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

All correspondence between the office of the First Minister, Crown Office and Police Scotland: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence, (including, reports, letters, email, WhatsApp, SMS, and phone correspondence) and logs of phone calls and meetings, from personal and corporate devices, between the office of the First Minister (both the former First Minister, and the new FM) and the Crown Office, and Police Scotland,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) s.20 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-27
Reference: 202300350290
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence in relation to the early cancellation of Abellio's contract to run ScotRail: FOI release

Correspondence and minutes of meetings between ScotRail senior management, Abellio, Transport Scotland, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson between October and December 2019 in relation to the early cancellation of Abellio's contract to run ScotRail. Correspondence and minutes of meetings between the same partners bet...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 277 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts whatsapp s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.38 8 attachments

Published: 2023-12-22
Reference: 202200299631
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications regarding resignation of Terry A'Hearn from SEPA: EIR release

All correspondence including emails, briefing papers, WhatsApp and text messages, memos and voice messages relating to the conduct allegations and resignation of Terry A'Hearn from Sepa. As the information you have requested is 'environmental information' for the purposes of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Re...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence briefings whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-21
Reference: 202200291288
Directorate: Environment and Forestry 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

The implementation of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019: FOI release

All briefing and correspondence between officials and ministers and all fourteen health boards (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) relating to the implementation of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Sc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.01 182 attachments

Published: 2023-12-15
Reference: 202200304110
Directorate: Chief Nursing Officer Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Forestry and the Scottish Government regarding the 2022-23 budget: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between Scottish Forestry and the Scottish Government regarding the 2022-23 Scottish Government budget, limited to correspondence dates be...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 26 attachments

Published: 2023-12-12
Reference: 202200285844
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding resignation and appointment of Transport Minister: FOI release

1. All correspondence (emails, whatsapps, texts) regarding the resignation of Kevin Stewart as transport minister and the appointment of his replacement Fiona Hyslop received and sent by the Scottish Government/Transport Scotland between June 1 and August 1 2. Is the Scottish Government/Transport Scotland commissionin...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-12
Reference: FOI/202300371786
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

A9 dualling project between Tomatin to Moy: EIR release

1. All advice and documentation received by Transport Scotland regarding the Tomatin to Moy dualling project. In particular, the timeline to procurement, advice on the offers made and how the process will be changed for the next round of procurement. 2. All correspondence received and sent by Drew Hendry regarding the...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.3 s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.6(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-12
Reference: FOI/202300369752
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Information on Paul Lowe leaving his role as Chief Executive of NRS: FOI release

When did the Scottish Government find out that Paul Lowe was leaving his role as chief executive of NRS and what were the reasons given for his departure? Will he receive a pay-off/redundancy package/any sort of financial benefit for leaving his role? If so, how much money will he get? All correspondence (including ema...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-01
Reference: 202300347942
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Queries concerning the nationalisation of ScotRail: FOI release

Can the Scottish government provide details of any correspondence (meetings, emails, text messages, WhatsApp messages, letters) between Scotrail/Abellio, Transport Scotland and Government Ministers relating to the Government takeover of Scotrail services? Can you provide details of any correspondence between Scotrail/A...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20

Published: 2023-11-23
Reference: 202200288636
Directorate
Topic: Public sector