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
477 matching releases

Letter referenced by John Swinney in Stage 3 debate on UNCRC Bill: FOI release

Internal or external correspondence between 04/03/2021 and 04/06/2021 on the topic of the letter referenced by John Swinney MSP in the Official Report from the Stage 3 debate on the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 81 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-10
Reference
202200280656
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Legal advice and correspondence relating to operation branchform: FOI release

1. The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counsel - in regards to Operation Branchform. 2. Any internal correspondence among senior civil servants, special advisers, and ministers (including any attachments or referenced briefings) on the topic o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.35(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-02
Reference
FOI/202300368382
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Historic injustice apology: FOI release

You asked for information relation to three apologies for historic injustice by the Scottish Government, namely those relating to historical adoption practices, criminalisation of same-sex male relations and persecution of women accused of witchcraft. The information you sought about each apology is: 1. All outputs of ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.18(1) s.28 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-02
Reference
FOI/202300368384
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Communications relating to Engagement of developing anti-racist infrastructure / Anti-Racism Interim Governance Group: FOI release

The following information: 1) FROM January 2021 and TILL June 2023, how many times did the then Minister for Equalities and Older People Christina McKelvie MSP meet BEMIS, CEMVO or CRER as strategic partners to the Scottish Government; what dates, who attended and for what purpose. 2) FROM November 2020 TILL June 202...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.29(1) s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2023-11-02
Reference
FOI/202300367874
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

ERDM folder dedicated to FOI 202100233415: FOI Release

You asked for “1) The contents of the one ERDM folder dedicated to FOI 202100233415 which includes 53 items detailed in the response to FOI 202300363650.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.47(1) s.49(3) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-30
Reference
FOI/202300368165
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding the ban on alcohol on trains from 1 January, 2022 to date: FOI release

Any correspondence including memos, minutes, agendas, attachments to emails, between ScotRail and the Scottish Government on the topic of the ban on alcohol on trains from January 1, 2022 to date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 221 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.29(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-20
Reference
202200313459
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence on the alcohol ban on ScotRail trains: FOI release

Please send me correspondence with the Scotrail on the alcohol ban on ScotRail trains. Please also send me the number antisocial behaviour incidents recorded each month since January 2018.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 221 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.29(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-20
Reference
202200313595
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Government information in relation to child safeguarding concerns: FOI release

all information held by the Scottish Government in relation to the child safeguarding concerns you raised in 2022 and 2023, including all documents held and communications (emails / letters) both internal and with other third parties such as Education Scotland; and all information held in relation to the review recentl...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 47 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) s.25(1) s.20 4 attachments
Published
2023-10-16
Reference
202300353761
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC) decision 065/2023: FOI release

The information the Scottish Government has been instructed to disclose following the SIC decision 065/2023. Internal correspondence on the initial handling of the FOI that led to the appeal which in turn led to the SIC decision noted above, and internal correspondence around how the appeal process was handled once the...

FOI already published 80 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 s.47(1) s.49(3) s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-09-20
Reference
FOI/202300365708
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

HM Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland investigation to Dundee University: FOI release

All information held by the Scottish Government – including the HM Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland – about the incident where a University of Dundee student posted video footage to social media that prompted an investigation by HMIAS in 2022. Please include all communication, both internal and external, relating to ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-09-18
Reference
FOI/202300368952
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Covid Public Inquiry Establishment Division: FOI review

Further to my letter of 3 November 2021 acknowledging your request for a review and Robert Spratt’s letter of 29 November 2021 explaining the delay in responding due to volume and complexity of the information covered, I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scot...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 278 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2023-09-15
Reference
202100251822 Review of 202100244389
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Independent valuation of the Scottish Government's securities: FOI review

You expressed you were not satisfied with our reply to your original Freedom of Information (FoI) request which was allocated reference number 20220031298479: “1) The Scottish Government in media statements has stated that an independent valuation of the Scottish Government's securities relating to the Lochaber Guaran...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 5 working days correspondence ministers s.33(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(2)
Published
2023-09-11
Reference
FOI/202200317840 Review of 20220031298479
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communications with Operation Branchform Mentions: FOI release

All emails sent or received by Scottish Ministers and/or Special Advisers containing the term “Branchform” or “Branch form”. Please provide the full contents of emails containing either of these terms dating back to 1 September 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.35(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-08-21
Reference
FOI/202300367384
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Deputy First Ministers meetings with Lady Poole: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to the following meetings: John Swinney's meetings with Lady Poole...

FOI already published 80 score 100 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 10 attachments
Published
2023-08-09
Reference
FOI/202300338420
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI Review

“Can you please provide ALL communications, including emails, between any member of the Scottish Government and any member of the Scottish Prison Service, in relation to any or all transgender prisoners, between 10-Jan-2023 and 02-Feb-2023.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 59 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.21(4) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2023-06-05
Reference
FOI/202300353625 Review of 202300341318
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Law and order, Public sector

2022 exam appeals - internal communications: FOI release

The following information regarding the 2022 exam appeals: All internal communication involving the following: Ministers Special Advisers Communication staff Learning Directorate staff Education Reform Directorate staff The time frame for this request is April 1, 2022 - present. Communication would include, but woul...

FOI already published 80 score 137 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202200328831
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence and Briefing relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

All government correspondence (including emails, whatsapps, text) between officials, civil servants, ministers, special advisers, outside sources that mention Isla Bryson or Adam Graham over the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300342026
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Services relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison Service in January 2023 relating to transgender prisoners. This could include but not limited to emails, briefing notes, text messages, WhatsApp messages and meeting minutes.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 67 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-04
Reference
FOI/202300340666
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence and Briefing held by Scottish Government relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

“Please provide me with all correspondence, briefing notes, minutes and other information held by the Scottish Government regarding Isla Bryson, formerly Adam Graham, who has been convicted of two rapes. Please include exchanges with other agencies regarding this person's imprisonment. Specifically, can you provide al...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 68 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.35(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2023-05-04
Reference
FOI/202300340450
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Documentation regarding 2022 National Qualifications: FOI Review

Original request - 202100231966 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 documents (such as advice, analysis, briefings, options documents etc) outlining / analysing / considering etc....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 173 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.38 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-19
Reference
FOI/202200312730 Review of 202100231966
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI Review

Original request - 202100231963 "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, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 178 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.38 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-19
Reference
FOI/202200312728 Review of 202100231963
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications relating to petition PE1458: FOI release

Information contained in documents, meetings, communications and discussions and any private chat groups or messenger services - within, and between – the Scottish Government and anyone acting for it – and any other person or organisation including the Lord President, Judicial Office, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Serv...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-03-31
Reference
FOI/202300345955
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Transport Scotland emails regarding publication date of Audit Scotland report: FOI Review

"This is a request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. It should be treated as a single request and not aggregated with others. On 11 May 2022, the Scottish Government publised a five-page PDF document on its website titled Ferguson Marine - response to submission to Ministers requesting approval of C...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 132 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-03-13
Reference
FOI/202200312123 Review of 202200299814
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Communications between Scottish Government and Tata Steel: FOI Review

A copy of all communications sent or received, and minutes of Scottish Government discussions with (a) Tata Steel UK and (b) Liberty Steel or the GFG Alliance over the last 12 months in regards to the 2016 purchase/sale agreement of the Dalzell steelworks.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 106 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.21(4) s.28(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-03-13
Reference
FOI/202200321085 Review of 202200313269
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector