Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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
1,991 matching releases

Correspondence related to Scottish Government officials discussing stockpiles of FFP3 masks: FOI release

1. Copies of any communications involving the Scottish Government’s Resilience Division and/or Scottish Government ministers, between the start of 2015 and the end of 2019, in which there is discussion about stockpiles of FFP3 masks.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 139 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.28(1) s.38(1) s.3(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-03
Reference
FOI/202000060337
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

COVID-19 Correspondence from small retailers concerning lockdown rules: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters or otherwise) received by Scottish Ministers/special advisors between 29 October to 11 November from those identified as working in small/non-essential retailers as owners, employers, staff or otherwise who have written concerned about the prospect of a second national lock...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-01
Reference
FOI/202000110673
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National Qualifications: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails and phone calls) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the 2021 SQA National Qualifications. I would like this information from 02 October 2020 to 02 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 10 attachments
Published
2021-01-22
Reference
FOI/202000107143
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, 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

First Minister recuse from Harassment Complaints Committee interaction : FOI release

1. On what date did the First Minister recuse herself from any decision making in terms of the Scottish Government’s interaction with the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints? 2. Where was the decision first recorded and when was it first made public? 3. Please provide me with copies o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-12
Reference
FOI/202000099260
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the hospitality sector during lockdown: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters or otherwise) received by Scottish Ministers/special advisors between 29 October to 11 November from those identified as working in the hospitality industry either as owners, employers, staff or otherwise.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-15
Reference
FOI/202000110668
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, +1 more … 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

Correspondence concerning the approval of the proposed exam moderation system: FOI release

What form and when the recommendations of the SQA for the award of grades after the cancellation of exams were approved by Scottish Ministers, including the First Minister and the Scottish Cabinet. In particular did Ministers approve the proposed moderation system and on what basis ?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000092924
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the Nike conference in February 2020: FOI release

1. The number of Scottish Government staff who were invited to the Nike conference in Edinburgh on the 26 and 27 February 2020. 2. The number of Scottish Government staff who attended the Nike conference in Edinburgh on the 26 and 27 February 2020. 3. Any correspondence (including emails and letters) to the First Min...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 113 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-26
Reference
FOI/202000041942
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

Minutes and agendas for meetings concerning Gourock Harbour Infrastructure & Vessels Project group: EIR review

Agenda reports and other times considered by the Gourock Harbour Infrastructure & Vessels Project group, plus minutes all meetings for the last 24 months. If this information is too large, please consider this as several requests, e.g. for Feb-Aug 2020.

FOI/EIR unclear 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.20 s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-16
Reference
FOI/202000094716
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Marine and fisheries, Public sector, +1 more … Transport

Correspondence on the subject of teacher workload: FOI release

You asked for: "Any correspondence (including letters and emails) from members of the public to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, or the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, on the subject of teacher workload. I would like this information from 09 February 2020 to 09 September 2020."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-13
Reference
FOI/202000085864
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, 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

NHS Test and Trace and sound levels in the hospitality sector: FOI release

1. if students in halls of residence or private lets test positive - an example, Say a Fife student (their home address) was in halls in Glasgow for instance, which health board does the result get registered too? Its surely registered somehow with your NHS number too or how else do you identify people newly tested and...

FOI not held 70 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17 s.27(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000092162
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … 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

COVID-19 guidance for universities, colleges and student accommodation: FOI release

“At the end of August 2020, the Scottish government distributed a draft document, entitled 'Coronavirus (Covid-19): Guidance for universities, colleges and student accommodation providers' to interested parties, to gather their comments, before the finished guidance was published on September 1. On the printed page, th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000092295
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the review into the 2020 SQA awards process: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls) on the subject of the review into the 2020 SQA Awards process that is to be led by Mark Priestley. I would like this information from 09 August 2020 to 23 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000090265
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the pausing of new applications to the First Home Fund: FOI release

Information from 1 September 2020 to present, copies of correspondence (emails, minutes of meetings, texts, minutes of calls, and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or Housing Minister Kevin Stewart regarding the decision to temporarily stop applications to the pilot scheme of the First Ho...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000091486
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Hospitality business owners' correspondence: FOI release

1. Copies of any emails received by Scottish Ministers from 1 August 2020 to date from anyone identified as owners of a hospitality business such as a bar, a restaurant, a café, a nightclub or similar. 2. How many meetings have Ministers in the Scottish Government had with anyone identified as owners of a hospitality b...

FOI cost limit 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000092800
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Children's soft play centres correspondence: FOI release

Copies of any emails received by Scottish Ministers from 1 August 2020 to 30 September 2020 from anyone identified as owners or operators of children’s indoor or soft play centers or similar. You also asked how many meetings have Ministers in the Scottish Government had with anyone identified as owners or operators of ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.1(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000092805
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Children and families, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, +1 more … Public sector

Scottish Licenced Trade Association (SLTA) correspondence: FOI release

1. Copies of any correspondence such as letters, emails or otherwise received by Ministers in the Scottish Government from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association from 1 June to date of submission. 2. Copies of any correspondence such as letters, emails or otherwise sent by Ministers in the Scottish Government to the S...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000092794
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, +1 more … Public sector

Briefings and minutes of meetings with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) concerning 2020 awards: FOI release

Minutes of any meetings, and any briefings produced for these meetings, between the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, that are (at least in part) on the subject of the 2020 SQA Awards. I would like this information from 25 July to 20 August. Any cor...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000087831
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Natural Research and Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform correspondence: EIR release

All email correspondence between Minister Roseanna Cunningham (and civil servants working on her behalf) and the research team at Natural Research regarding the production of Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 982, Analyses of the fates of satellite tracked golden eagles in Scotland.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.11(2) s.34(1) s.11(6) s.11 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000080700
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Marine Mammal Protection Act: EIR release

1. On 3rd June, Mike Palmer, Deputy Director for marine planning and policy at Marine Scotland, stated to the ECCLR Committee that ‘In March—so, really very recently—we finally got written confirmation from the US authorities that they would require us to take legislative action by way of amending our licensing regime....

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) s.10(4) 12 attachments
Published
2020-10-29
Reference
FOI/202000044610
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector