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
224 matching releases

Internal communications regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI release

The Scottish Government has today confirmed that exams will take place in 2022 (if safe to do so) - https://www.gov.scot/news/national-qualifications-2022/. Please release any internal communication between the Scottish government members and staff (first minister, education secretary, special advisers, learning direct...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 234 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100231959
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI release

The Scottish Government has today confirmed that exams will take place in 2022 (if safe to do so) - https://www.gov.scot/news/national-qualifications-2022/. Please release details of any meetings (dates, attendees, whether it was in person/online/telephone) and associated documents (emails, minutes, briefing documents,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 239 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100231963
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) regarding exam support materials: FOI release

All communication between the Scottish Government (specifically ministers, special advisers, communications/PR staff and staff from the learning directorate) and the SQA regarding or relating to the exam support materials. The time frame for this request is 1 Jan 2022 to present.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202200290542
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Homes for Scotland communications about energy efficiency standards in buildings: FOI release

The Scottish Government has been consulting on energy efficiency standards in buildings. Homes for Scotland are actively lobbying MSPs on this issue and therefore I would be grateful if you could send me all records held by the Scottish Government of communications between ministers, special advisers or senior civil se...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.6 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-26
Reference
FOI/202200278380
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Internal communications regarding SQA appeals: FOI release

All internal communications involving ministers, special advisers and/or learning directorate officials regarding or referring to the appeals system for 2021 SQA results. The time frame for this request is 1/3/2021 - 2/6/2021

FOI partially withheld 90 score 191 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-18
Reference
FOI/202100208812
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Internal correspondence mentioning For Women Scotland work: FOI Review

Further to my letter of 14 January 2022, I have now completed my review of Any internal correspondence among civil servants within the Children and Families Directorate, Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate, senior civil servants, ministers and special advisers which includes the name of the charity "ForWom...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 68 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2022-06-30
Reference
FOI/202200272543 Review of 202100248103
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Scottish National Investment Bank CEO resignation correspondence: FOI release

1. All correspondence between Scottish Government ministers, special advisers and civil servants relating to the resignation of Eilidh Mactaggart from the Scottish National Investment Bank between January 25 2022 and March 16 2022. 2. All correspondence between Scottish Government civil servants, special advisers and m...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-05-11
Reference
FOI/202200288213
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Communications regarding lead teachers: FOI release

Copies of all communication involving the Scottish Government (ministers, advisers, learning directorate staff) regarding lead teachers (NB this includes attachments such as briefings, reports etc).

FOI already published 80 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.30 s.25 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-04-20
Reference
FOI/202200269303
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding class contact hours for Scottish teachers: FOI release

All correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, WhatsApp, Signal or SMS messages, documents or otherwise) involving the Scottish Government (Ministers, Special Advisers and Civil Servants) regarding proposals to reduce the number of class contact hours for Scottish teachers from the maximu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-04-07
Reference
FOI/202200286686
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector, Work and skills

Meetings with Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance: EIR release

Dates of meetings between Scottish Government Ministers, officials and special advisers and representatives of the Beyond Oil and Gas alliance and copies of any correspondence relating to the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance and Scotland's membership of it.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 45 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-22
Reference
FOI/202100254652
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence between Teneo Restructuring Limited in 2021: FOI release

“Any correspondence between Teneo Restructuring Limited and its employees including emails, letters, memos, meetings, handouts, and attachments to emails, with civil servants in the legal directorate or justice directorate, special advisers, the Lord Advocate’s office, The First Minister, Deputy First Minister, and Jus...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-09
Reference
FOI/202100256538
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Internal correspondence mentioning For Women Scotland work: FOI release

Any internal correspondence among civil servants within the Children and Families Directorate, Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate, senior civil servants, ministers and special advisers which includes the name of the charity "ForWomen Scotland" or discusses the organisation's work, since the start of 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-25
Reference
FOI/202100248103
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence between SQA and Scottish Government regarding appeals process: FOI Release

All communication between the SQA and Scottish Government (ministers, special advisers, learning directorate officials) regarding / referring to the appeals system for 2021 results, the details of which have now been published on the SQA website: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/79049.html The time frame for this request is...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 141 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-24
Reference
FOI/202100208810
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding LGB Alliance charity from 2021: FOI release

Any internal correspondence among civil servants within the Children and Families Directorate, Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate, senior civil servants, ministers and special advisers which includes the name of the charity "LGB Alliance" or discusses the charity's work, since the start of 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-12-08
Reference
FOI/202100248071
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Information Commissioner appeal Decision Notice 083/2021: FOI release

1. Any and all internal and external correspondence including emails, letters, WhatsApp messages, Signal messages, text messages relating to government business from officials, ministers, and special advisers and any other interested party relating to the consideration of the Scottish Information Commissioner appeal wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.26 s.30 s.35(1) s.35(2) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-10-28
Reference
FOI/202100223873
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Deputy First Minister communication regarding 2021 exam diet: FOI release

1. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos, or other correspondence between John Swinney, his ministerial office and/or special advisers and the SQA on the topic of the 2021 exams diet and alternative certification model between November 1, 2020 to the date of this request. 2. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos,...

FOI cost limit 70 score 87 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-11
Reference
FOI/202100203007
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID 19 deaths in care homes: FOI release

You asked for any correspondence between special advisers or officials in the community health and social care directorate and the National Records of Scotland (NRS) on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to 27 May 2021. You also ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100207401
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding vaccine deployment plan 2021: FOI review

1. Any correspondence between the First Minister, the Health Minister, their special advisers, and the civil service between the dates of January 10 to January 20 on the topic of the vaccine deployment plan 2021 published on January 14. 1a. This should include - but is not limited to - any correspondence on that topic ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 116 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.12 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-19
Reference
FOI/202100210338 - review of 202100151012
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Breakdown of number of request made by journalist: FOI review

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist Conor Matchett in the period 1 May 2021 to 31 May 2021. 2. Please give a rough breakdown of requests by subject matter. 3. Please give a breakdown of how many were appealed and reviewed internally and externally with a breakd...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers s.38(1) s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)
Published
2021-07-16
Reference
FOI/202100215144 review of 202100208816
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Discussion held relating to First Minister attending British-Irish Council meeting: FOI release

Internal communications (email, WhatsApp, text or any other form of electronic communication, as well as handwritten notes and minutes of any in-person, video or telephone meetings) between civil servants, special advisers, ministers and health officials about the prospect of the first minister travelling to the June 2...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-13
Reference
FOI/202100212995
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Discussion held relating to deaths in care homes: FOI release

1. Any correspondence between special advisers or officials in the community health and social care directorate and the Care Inspectorate on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to date, about the publication of statistics relating ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-08
Reference
FOI/202100207409
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Informal requests received from 31 October 2018 onwards: FOI release

FOI202100191813 “Thanks for you work on my behalf. I apologise for my carelessness in this foi. In fact Clegg says that the Record (so not just Clegg) made requests (so not formal foi’s necessarily). Can I ask whether there were any informal requests from 31 October. Maybe you considered this, but if not, can you accep...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-10
Reference
FOI/202100191813, 202100194412 and 202100195519
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence of Scottish Conservatives policy to stop overturning of council decisions: EIR release

From 21 November 2020 to present: Copies of any correspondence (briefing, emails, letters, handwritten notes, memos, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, attachments and/or otherwise) from and/or to civil servants and/or Special Advisers regarding the Scottish Conservatives policy to introduce a new law to stop Scott...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.6(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-26
Reference
FOI/202100189834
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Scottish Conservatives policy to end rough sleeping: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (briefing, emails, letters, handwritten notes, memos, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, attachments and/or otherwise) from and/or to civil servants and/or Special Advisers regarding the Scottish Conservatives policy to end rough sleeping by 2026.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.3(2) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-20
Reference
FOI/202100189881
Directorate
Topic
Housing, 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