Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,863releases indexed
39,476attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,112partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,112 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-05 410 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 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
482 matching releases

Advice given to Scottish Government regarding weddings: FOI release

Any clinical advice received by the SG (either internally or externally) that relates to the decision to include children of all ages in the limits for weddings but not other indoor settings. I would also like copies of any risk assessments or other policy documentation produced or held by the SG which consider or disc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.20 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-28
Reference
FOI/202100219009
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID 19 correspondence relating to local level coronavirus restrictions: FOI release

All internal correspondence and written material, including but not limited to correspondence between officials and ministers, relating to The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 28) Regulations 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-28
Reference
FOI/202100217336
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Local Serving Rates: FOI release

Please provide all information concerning the Rates List, including that which concerns: (1) which bodies were involved in decision-making around the rates listed in the Rates List; (2) correspondence, telephone attendance notes, documents, charts and/or meetings reports and minutes concerning the Rates List created ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202100216757
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Health and social care, Public sector

E-scooter trials in Scotland: FOI review

Please can you confirm whether the Scottish government holds any information produced since the UK government's announcement of e-scooter trials in Great Britain in May 2020 which relates to the matters of: a) The amendment of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, and an...

FOI cost limit 70 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.12 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-23
Reference
FOI/202100217324 review of 202100206613
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

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 to/from the Health Secretary relating to deaths in care homes: FOI release

Any correspondence copied to the health secretary, sent to the health secretary, or including the phrase "Cab Sec" 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.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100207405
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Number of Freedom of Information request submitted 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 2020 to 30 April 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 brea...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.38(1) s.10(1) s.20 s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)
Published
2021-07-16
Reference
FOI/202100215149 review of 202100202671
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Purchase details and communications regarding Ferguson Marine Limited: FOI release

“To provide all information held, including legal opinion, about the decision by ministers to purchase Ferguson Marine between August 30, 2019 and October 10, 2019. In particular I am seeking details of the rival offers for the shipyard, and what they amounted to. Further, I am seeking communications between the Scotti...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-07-15
Reference
FOI/202100214212
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Communication relating to Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100202671.All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100208816.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-15
Reference
FOI/202100215169
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Legal advice pertaining to an independent Scotland joining EU: FOI release

Any government/ministerial communication with regards to any legal advice pertaining to an independent Scotland joining the EU. Period between January 2018 and June 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-14
Reference
FOI/202100214144
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Costs of legal services regarding former First Minister's judicial review: FOI release

"Information contained in documents & discussions relating to, and all information contained in: fees, all fee notes & Faculty Services Fee notes, accounts & receipts - for costs, expenses & fees paid to: Roddy Dunlop QC Christine O'Neill QC in relation to legal advice and all legal services provided to the Scottish ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 60 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-06-17
Reference
FOI/202100184741
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Law and order, 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

Lord Advocate correspondence relating to publication of Alex Salmond’s submission: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) received or sent by the Lord Advocate (or his office) on 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23 February 2021 regarding the publication of Alex Salmond’s Ministerial Code subm...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.26 s.11 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-08
Reference
FOI/202100166329
Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development review: FOI release

All correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Education (including Officials of his office) with OECD relating to the OECD review of Scottish education. In particular, I would like to see all correspondence and information relating to the contract between the Scottish Government and OECD.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100175114
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Justice on cutting unpaid work hours: FOI release

Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the Cabinet Secretary for Justice's office and any other stakeholder, either external or internal, regarding the topic of cutting unpaid work hours issue...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-01
Reference
FOI/202100187501
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Heat Networks (Scotland) bill: FOI release

Copies of the correspondence received, the response sent (including any further follow up correspondence) and any discussions surrounding this (including internal discussions) between the Scottish Government and representatives of the Crown regarding Queen's Consent and the Heat Networks Bill. Please also include copie...

FOI already published 80 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.25 s.41 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-25
Reference
FOI/202100181726
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

COVID-19 UK Four Nations meeting over Christmas period: FOI release

1. What medical advice were the SNP given in November when agreeing to Christmas mixing for all four nations? Did the SNP challenge the Conservative Government in Westminster on this plan? If so, what evidence is there? 2. Has the SNP made any challenge to the Westminster Conservative Government on the international tr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-13
Reference
FOI/202100145803
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Analysis relating to the inclusion of sex/gender within Hate Crime Bill: FOI release

Analysis provided by officials which led to the Scottish Government’s initial decision to reject Lord Bracadale’s recommendation to include what he termed “gender” as a protected characteristic in the Bill, and any subsequent analysis which was used to confirm this position. Any further detailed analysis undertaken by ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-05-06
Reference
FOI/202100165382
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Law and order, Public sector

Documents pertaining to teachers one off payment of £400: FOI release

All documentation regarding the decision to offer a single payment to teachersand lecturers rather than paying an amount determined by student numbers. All documentation regarding the decision to offer £400, including how this specific amount was calculated.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-27
Reference
FOI/202100163050
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Creation of Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group: FOI release

Copies of all information including, but not limited to, minutes, correspondence, notes of telephone calls and emails held by Scottish Government on :- The decision to create the “Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group”, relating to the choice of “misogyny” and not the broader “sex” as discussed as pa...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-21
Reference
FOI/202100156901
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence relating to 'herd immunity' surrounding COVID-19: FOI release

All email correspondence or written correspondence or minutes of meetings that mention the phrase 'herd immunity' sent from or to the National Clinical Director, Prof Jason Leitch, Dr Catherine Calderwood, Dr Gregor Smith, the First Minister or Health Secretary. I would like this information from the end of February th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 118 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-20
Reference
FOI/202000091244
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

European Union (EU) flags on Scottish Government buildings: FOI release

"Any information you hold on the recent reports that the Scottish Government will fly EU flags on Scottish Government buildings. In particular, i) any minutes of meetings with Ministers or officials where the above was discussed. ii) any emails relating to the issue above. iii) all advice to Ministers on the above i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-19
Reference
FOI/202100160401
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence received by Permanent Secretary relating to second referendum: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-16
Reference
FOI/202100164037
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Internal communications relating to expansion of free school meals: FOI review

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, text or WhatsApp messages, typed or handwritten notes) on the subject of the policy of the expansion of free school meal provision for primary school pupils from 2022. I would like this information from 20 October 2020 to 27 November 2020. I understand ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence briefings whatsapp s.29(1)A s.29(1) s.36(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202100135539 review of 202000118815
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, 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