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

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
382 matching releases

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

COP26 climate change summit policing costs: FOI release

1. The memorandum of understanding between the UK Government and Scottish Government on the cost of policing the COP26 summit and how the costs will be recovered by Police Scotland. 2. Correspondence sent or received between January 2020 and August 2021 by special advisers, ministerial offices, ministers, or officials ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-10-14
Reference
FOI/202100232898
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Law and order, 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

Information pertaining to the Aviation Working Group: FOI release

1. The date, time, location, attendance list, minutes, notes, agendas, handouts, presentations or memos for any meeting of the aviation working group announced by then Transport minister Michael Matheson in February, 2021. 2. Any correspondence within the Scottish Government between ministers, ministerial offices, spe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-10-07
Reference
FOI/202100231558
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communications regarding Freedom of Information request: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes or any other documents) regarding an FOI request that sent on the 5th of May 2021 (reference number 202100199466). I would ask for correspondence between the lead official and/or Scottish Government ministers and/or the SG FOI Unit and/or special advis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202100217275
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

Reform discussion held with Scottish Qualification Authority: FOI release

All communication between the Scottish Government (cabinet secretaries, the first minister, special advisers and/or learning directorate staff) and the SQA regarding or referring to the reform of the SQA. This request includes any attachments where applicable.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-13
Reference
FOI/202100209364
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, 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

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 relating to Ferguson shipyard in 2020-21 financial year: FOI release

Please provide any correspondence between First Marine International or Royal Haskoning DHV and (a) the Economy Secretary, (b) the Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, (c) special advisers or (d) Scottish Government officials about the Ferguson shipyard in the 2020/21 financial year.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-08
Reference
FOI/202100197764
Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence relating to former Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work: FOI release

Please provide all Scottish Government correspondence (internal or external) related to Derek Mackay MSP for the one-month period from Monday, February 3, 2020 to Tuesday, March 3, 2020. This would include correspondence involving ministers, MSPs and civil servants.

FOI cost limit 70 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100190045
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
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

Meeting between Health Homes and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport: FOI release

1) Any minutes, handouts, shared documents, agendas, notes, briefing papers, follow-up emails, notes taken by attendees from the meeting between the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport and care home groups in the week commencing Feb 15 referenced by Jason Leitch at the daily coronavirus briefing on February 24. 2) A...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.3 s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-13
Reference
FOI/202100164833
Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, 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

Communications regarding Chromebook purchases for local authorities: FOI release

The Scottish Government has purchased Chromebooks which have then been offered to local authorities for distribution to pupils in need. I would like to know how the government arrived at the decision to purchase Chromebooks rather than an alternative. I would therefore like the government to provide all materials regar...

FOI unclear 80 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-08
Reference
FOI/202100136555
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Minutes of meeting between First Minister and Bill Gates 2018: FOI release

The minutes of the meeting between Nicola Sturgeon and Bill Gates in January 2018. I would also like to know how much money Bill Gates, The Bill and Melinda Foundation and ANY of his affiiated companies, charities etc have given the Scottish Government/SNP, and what this money has been used for? I would also like to kn...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-01
Reference
FOI/202100156917
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Programme for Government, Public sector

Internal emails on specific dates: FOI release

1. All emails sent by Liz Lloyd, Chief of Staff to the First Minister, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 2. All emails sent by any diary secretary or assistant who works for Liz Lloyd, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 3. All emails sent by Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government, to Liz Lloyd on 28 and 29 Janua...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100148280
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Extending response times to freedom of information requests: FOI review

Supply all correspondence/emails (including attachments) - to or from government ministers, special advisers or senior civil servants - dated on or prior to 2 April 2020 relating to the proposal to extend response times to freedom of information requests set out in Schedule 6 Part 2 of the [Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 153 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000068453
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector