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

Correspondence with Ross Greer MSP: FOI release

1. All correspondence between Ross Greer MSP and Kate Forbes MSP since January 1, 2022, including emails, phone calls (including minutes of these), in-person meetings, Whatsapp messages, Twitter messages, Signal messages and any other smartphone communication. 2. All correspondence between Ross Greer MSP and John Swinn...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.30(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-10-05
Reference: FOI/202200315607
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Single sex spaces: FOI released

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) regarding single-sex spaces in Scottish Government facilities since 7 May 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-10-05
Reference: FOI/202200314448
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Nicola Sturgeon St Andrews trip: 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 The PGA Tour/European Tour/The Open or any other company or agency involved about...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.33(2) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-15
Reference: FOI/202200311419
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

The decision to close Abernyte Primary School: FOI release

The dates, times and attendees of all meetings, including virtual meetings, conference calls and video conferences, attended by Mr Swinney or Mr Richard Lochhead at which Abernyte Primary School was discussed. Notes, minutes, summaries or records of any meeting attended Mr Swinney or Mr Richard Lochhead in regard to Ab...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-08
Reference: FOI/202200279750
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

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

Communication regarding UK Shared Prosperity Fund: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government correspondence or briefings (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages (or otherwise) received by Cabinet Secretary Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP, Minister...

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

Published: 2022-06-22
Reference: FOI/202200300529
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Clyde fishing ground closure between 1st October 2021 and 18th January 2022: EIR release

All correspondence between Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon MSP, Minister Mairi McAllan MSP, Minister Lorna Slater MSP and civil servants regarding the Clyde fishing ground closure between 1 October 2021 and 18 January 2022 including, emails, Whatsapp messages and meeting minutes.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-04-21
Reference: FOI/202200273687
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Clyde fishing ground closure: EIR release

Correspondence with all stakeholders / pressure groups / industry representatives regarding the Clyde fishing ground closure. This can be any Scottish Government Cabinet Secretaries, Ministers or civil servants in the period 1 October 2021 and 18 January 2022 and include emails, Whatsapp messages and meeting minutes.

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

Published: 2022-04-20
Reference: FOI/202200273744
Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Victims, Criminal Justice and Fatal Accident Inquiries (Scotland) Bill: FOI release

1. Any analysis conducted by the Scottish Government of the Victims, Criminal Justice and Fatal Accident Inquiries (Scotland) Bill consultation. Please provide any analysis conducted after 14 December 2021 to the present date. 2. Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or h...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-04-11
Reference: FOI/202200284394
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, 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

Correspondence regarding preparation of prospectus for an independent Scotland: FOI Review

Your original request asked for: 1) The number of full time equivalent staff in the Scottish Government who are currently, or are planned to begin work on the "prospectus for an independent Scotland", as mentioned in the Programme for Government on September 7. 2) Any internal correspondence sent from or to the First M...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.20(5) s.20(6) s.17 s.30 s.38 s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-03-10
Reference: FOI/202200270532 Review of 202100239831
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communication relating to 2021 SQA awards: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text or Whatsapp messages) on the subject of the 2021 SQA Awards. Any communications between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the 2021 SQA Awards. In both cases I would like this information between 28 June 2021 and 12 Jul...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 127 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-03-01
Reference: FOI/202100226849
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance correspondence: EIR release

Correspondence (including emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages and internal memos) between Scottish Government ministers and the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance. Communication (including emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages and internal memos) within the Scottish Government regarding the Beyond Oi...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-02-22
Reference: FOI/202100260383
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Justice Secretary correspondence with SPS regarding prison drug use: 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 the Cabinet Secretary for Justice (or his ministerial office), and the Scottish Prison Service regarding the use of drugs in priso...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-02-08
Reference: FOI/202100254626
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, 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

Correspondence relating to planning permission appeal PPA-250-2341: EIR release

"Relating to planning permission appeal PPA-250-2341: Copies of all correspondence, including WhatsApp, text messages and emails, between the Scottish Government and Philip Neaves, Felsham PD. This should also include any correspondence sent to or received from Felsham PD."

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

Published: 2021-10-18
Reference: FOI/202100233292
Directorate: Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector

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

Correspondence with Wildland Ltd: FOI release

I am writing to request all correspondence between Fergus Ewing, former Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and civil servants working with him, and Wildland Ltd. I am looking for copies of all letters, emails, minutes of meetings, presentations, reports, and messages via Whatsapp, Signal or similar from April 2019 unt...

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

Published: 2021-07-12
Reference: FOI/202100210699
Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Ministerial communications relating to public protest 13 May 2021: FOI release

I am interested in ministerial communications with other public bodies regarding the public protest around attempts by Home Office immigration officials to details two men in Pollokshields, Glasgow on May 13. Details: https://theferret.scot/men-freed-as-intimidating-immigration-raid-ends/ It has been reported that the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-06-16
Reference: FOI/202100201852
Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, International, Public sector

Correspondence with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) relating to cyber-attack: FOI release

For all correspondence between Scottish Ministers and the SEPA senior management team that relates to the Christmas 2020 cyberattack. To include sms, WhatsApp, Signal and other messages, and briefings received by ministers, dated from the date the hack started to 31st March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.35(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-06-16
Reference: FOI/202100202192
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Introduction of a national tutoring scheme internal communication: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, texts or WhatsApp messages) on the subject of the introduction of a national tutoring scheme for school pupils. I would like this information from 15 February 2021 to 29 March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-05-20
Reference: FOI/202100187582
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, 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

Information relating to backdating business support grants: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office since 1 September 2020 concerning proposals to backdate the value of business support grants (...

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

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202000129444
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, 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 Deputy First Minister's appearance on Politics Scotland: FOI release

From 1 January 2020 to present: Copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, memos, briefings and/or otherwise) from and/or to Special Advisors regarding John Swinney’s appearance on Politics Scotland on Sunday 10 January 2021.

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

Published: 2021-03-11
Reference: FOI/202100136050
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector