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
382 matching releases

Understanding teacher estimates for grading pupils receiving qualifications in 2020: FOI release

In relation to teacher estimates to grade pupils receiving qualifications in 2020, you asked: what work has been done/activities been undertaken to better understand why teacher estimates were so much higher than historic attainment please provide me with any written information exploring this issue – including, but n...

FOI already published 80 score 55 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-02
Reference
FOI/202000117808
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, 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

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

Correspondence involving Joanna Cherry MP: FOI release

Any mention of Joanna Cherry in communications sent Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) by Scottish Government Ministers or Special Advisors to Scottish Government minist...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-16
Reference
FOI/202000087424
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence concerning Margaret Ferrier MP’s conduct regarding her coronavirus diagnosis: FOI release

I would appreciate if you could provide all correspondence, including emails, letters, encrypted messages, in addition to any briefings, agendas or minutes of meetings pertaining to Margaret Ferrier MP’s conduct regarding her coronavirus diagnosis, between the following individuals: Liz Lloyd Nicola Sturgeon Scottish ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.25 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000095337
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Outdoor education centres communications: FOI release

"Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public to the Scottish Government regarding outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 08 August 2020 to 08 October 2020."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.38 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000096748
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Margaret Ferrier MP: FOI release

Copies of all internal and external Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) which mention “Margaret Ferrier”. Please limit to the time period 26 September...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000094155
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Briefings on food products: FOI release

1) Any Scottish Government correspondence from May 2018 to present, either internal or external, concerning the use of British branding on Scottish food and drink products (including but not limited to union jacks and the words ‘British’ and ‘UK’). External correspondence may include that with food or drink producers o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000088253
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Economy, International, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence concerning the wearing face coverings in schools: FOI release

Any correspondence (including letters and emails) between local authorities and the Scottish Government on the subject of the wearing of facemasks (or face coverings) in schools. I would like this information from 01 August 2020 to 05 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-01
Reference
FOI/202000085898
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Schools re-opening full time decision making correspondence: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, letters, typed or hand-written notes, text messages and briefings) regarding the decision for schools to reopen full-time on 11 August, as announced by the Deputy First Minister on 23 June 2020. I would like this information from 01 June 2020 until 23 J...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-24
Reference
FOI/202000057060
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Records of bullying, harassment or abuse allegations: FOI release

Any record of bullying, harassment or abuse allegations made against Scottish Government ministers, whether proved or disproved. Please limit to the time period 3 May 2007 to present. · Any record of bullying, harassment or abuse allegations made against Director-Generals or Directors, whether proved or disproved. Plea...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 90 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.20 s.34(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-13
Reference
FOI/202000018100
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence between Kevin Stewart and/or any special advisers who work alongside the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning and the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) between 1st March 2020 and 1st June 2020. This should include minutes, agendas or notes (including handwritten notes) of any mee...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-13
Reference
FOI/202000043559
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI review

All communications between Ministers, Special Advisers and communication staff regarding the publication of exam analysis by the Scottish Government (see here: https://news.gov.scot/news/publication-of-exam-analysis ) Any drafts of pages 1-3 of the exam analysis (see here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/examresults-...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-29
Reference
FOI/202000024838
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Former Finance Minister resignation: FOI Review

"Please provide all correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Government special advisers, her Chief of Staff and private office in relation to allegations about the conduct Derek Mackay and subsequently his resignation from government between noon on 5 February and 12 February 2020. The response acknowledges...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-05-01
Reference
FOI/202000020636 Review
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding Former Finance Minister resignation: FOI release

All correspondence between Scottish Government special advisers and Scottish Government communications staff in relation to allegations about Derek Mackay and his subsequent resignation from government between 5-12 February.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-05-01
Reference
FOI/202000028279
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Former Finance Secretary resignation correspondence: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence between Scottish Government special advisers and Scottish Government communications staff in relation to allegations about Derek Mackay and his subsequent resignation from government between 5-12 February.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-04-20
Reference
FOI/202000028279
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI release

I would like to request the following materials under Freedom of Information: All communications between Ministers, Special Advisers and communication staff regarding the publication of exam analysis by the Scottish Government (see here: https://news.gov.scot/news/publication-of-exam-analysis) Any drafts of pages 1-3 ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000017654
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

“Extended Presumption Against Short Sentences – Monitoring Information July 2019 – December 2019” statistical publication: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between Peter Malek, Justice Analytical Services and (i) Scottish Government ministers, (ii) special advisers, (iii) officials, (i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-25
Reference
FOI/202000017806
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Further correspondence from 5th to 12th of February regarding Mr Mackay: FOI release

1) Please provide all correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Government special advisers, her Chief of Staff and private office in relation to allegations about the conduct Derek Mackay and subsequently his resignation from government between noon on 5 February and 12 February 2020. 2) Please provide all ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.39(1) s.17(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-12
Reference
FOI/202000015900
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding meeting involving the Scottish Government (including Deputy First Minister), Education Scotland and ADES: FOI release

Please release the following information under FOISA regarding the 23 October 2019 meeting involving the Scottish Government (including Deputy First Minister), Education Scotland and ADES All communications regarding the meeting All materials prepared in advance of the meeting All notes from the meeting, including any...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-01-16
Reference
201900009848
Directorate
Topic

Disclosure Scotland - IT problems/issues correspondence: FOI release

You asked for any briefings provided to Scottish Government ministers or correspondence between Disclosure Scotland and Scottish Government ministers (particularly Maree Todd and John Swinney) or special advisers regarding IT problems/issues at Disclosure Scotland in the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-12-04
Reference
FOI/19/02423
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence relating to the former First Minister investigation and communications concerning the Permanent Secretary: FOI release

You asked for: 1. Further to the existing replies to my earlier requests please list the Scottish Government meetings with external legal advisers relating to the investigation concerning Alex Salmond in July and August 2018 and the civil servants, government ministers, special advisers and any others at these meeting...

FOI withheld 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.2 s.30 s.38(1)
Published
2019-11-27
Reference
FOI/19/02429
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

2019 Higher and National 5 results breakdown and correspondence: FOI release

In your request you asked for:- Any briefings, analysis, breakdowns etc regarding the 2019 Higher and National 5 results created by or provided to the Scottish Government All internal communications involving Learning Directorate staff, ministers or special advisers regarding the 2019 exam results Any communication be...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.12 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-21
Reference
FOI/201900003157
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

2019 Higher and National 5 results breakdown and correspondence: FOI review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: Any briefings, analysis, breakdowns etc regarding the 2019 Higher and National 5 results created by or provided to the Scottish Government All internal communications involving Learning Dire...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.12(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) 14 attachments
Published
2019-11-21
Reference
FOI/201900004088
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic

Correspondence with Eva Bolander: FOI release

Your asked for: Any correspondence (letters, emails, minutes of meetings, phone calls or otherwise) in 2019 between Nicola Sturgeon or Scottish Government special advisers and Eva Bolander.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-18
Reference
FOI/201900005385
Directorate
Topic
Public sector