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

Hate Crime & Public Order (Scotland) Bill: FOI release

Any written records which contain or record discussions by Ministers or Civil Servants, of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill in relation to, or in comparison with, the now repealed, Offensive Behaviour and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act, 2012.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-29
Reference
FOI/202000046860
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Changes to FOI in Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill – meetings: FOI release

This is an FOI request in relation to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill. I would like to request the following material: 1. Details (dates, attendees etc) of all meetings where proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules were discussed 2. Any associated documents from the above meetings (NB this should include minut...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-17
Reference
FOI/202000025364
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Questions concerning the Sturrock report: FOI Review

With ref. to the FOI response referenced above I do not believe that the response provided properly addressed the questions asked. I have noted below some specific points for your consideration. Q1 It is noted that the answer to this question was ‘Yes’. The additional comment does not appear to either enhance or qualif...

FOI not held 70 score 65 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-06-09
Reference
FOI/202000024268 Review
Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence between various education departments & agencies regarding fees: FOI appeal

“Please provide digital copies of all emails, documents, memoranda, policy notices and legal advice in the possession of the Scottish Government which were received, written or sent during the period from 1 September 2011 to 1 April 2014, within, from or to, any of the following parts of the Scottish Government: SAAS, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-03-25
Reference
FOI/202000016099 Review
Directorate
Topic
Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Social and Equality Impacts of Brexit - questions on formulation of the report: FOI release

i. What criteria was used to determine which authors to consider for the report? ii. How many academics, or others, were considered as authors before Dr Hepburn was chosen? iii. Who made the final choice of Dr Hepburn as author? iv. What was the brief, if any, given the Dr Hepburn by the Scottish Government?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.38(1) s.3
Published
2020-02-21
Reference
FOI/202000014416
Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Communities and third sector, Public sector

Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd & Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd relationship: FOI release

"the amount of money the Scottish Government (SG) has paid in respect of the contract for the two ferries 601 and 602 (including monies paid by CMAL and SG loans to FM) and also since nationalisation and including the costs of satisfying the various charges over assets of Ferguson Marine.”

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.25(1) s.30 s.33 s.36 s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2020-02-21
Reference
FOI/20/00102
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Documents relating to case against former First Minister: FOI release

You asked for "any and all information held by the Scottish Government on its investigation into former First Minister Alex Salmond over claims of sexual impropriety. The documents I would like to request should include, but not be limited to, minutes of meetings, emails and official reports."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.35(1) s.35(2) 2 attachments
Published
2020-01-29
Reference
FOI/202000010911
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Citizens’ Assembly for the purposes of FOISA correspondence: FOI release

You asked: I have been informed by the Citizens Assembly that they are outside the scope of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. This is an extremely concerning state of affairs. I will be obliged if you would provide all information held by the Scottish Government that discusses the status of the Citizens’...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-12-30
Reference
FOI/201900007851
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Disclosure Scotland Transformation project correspondence: FOI release

You asked for all meetings and correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, documents or otherwise) in 2019 involving John Swinney, or another Cabinet Secretary, and any of the following: the Chief Executive of Disclosure Scotland, Transformation Director of Disclosure ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-12-04
Reference
FOI/19/02416
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Penrose Inquiry correspondence with Head of Health Protection in 2015: FOI release

You asked for ‘all e-mails sent or received by the then Head of Health Protection in the Public Health Division at Population Health Improvement Directorate Scottish Government - which concern the Penrose Inquiry, during the period 1st March 2015 - 31st March 2015. This includes any attachments to such emails.’

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-12-03
Reference
FOI/19/02466
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, 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

Supporting transgender pupils in schools - correspondence and guidance: FOI release

All information relating to Scottish Government’s guidance on supporting transgender pupils in schools and correspondence with LGBT Youth Scotland that relates to their transgender guidance for schools.

FOI already published 80 score 3 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-11-15
Reference
FOI/201900005131
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Freedom of Information Unit staff details and publications: FOI release

You asked for; 1. Do you have a dedicated staff team or department to deal with FoI requests? 2. If yes, does this staff team also: a. Deal with environmental information requests? Yes/No b. Deal with data protection and GDPR? Yes/No 3. How many members of staff (Full/Whole Time Equivalent), currently (latest availa...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 17 working days correspondence spending s.5 s.7 s.38(1) s.11 s.17(1)
Published
2019-11-15
Reference
FOI/201900005523
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Various questions surrounding Scottish Government antisemitism policy: FOI release

Q1. Definition of antisemitism Q1a. Has the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Definition of Antisemitism (‘IHRA Definition’) been adopted by the Scottish Government? See antisemitism.uk/definition for more information about the IHRA Definition. Q1b. If the IHRA Definition has been adopted, please provide the...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2019-10-31
Reference
FOI/201900004948
Directorate
Topic

Scottish Government Consolidated Accounts - losses, special payments and gifts disclosures: FOI release

You asked for details regarding the 2018-19 losses, special payments and gifts disclosures on pages 57 and 58 of the Scottish Government Consolidated Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2019.

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.38(1) s.4 s.34(1) s.17(1)
Published
2019-10-28
Reference
FOI/19/02231
Directorate
Financial Management Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Delays to introduction of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders: FOI Review

a) all legal advice and/or guidance on whether Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) can be introduced in Scotland with conditions of residence attached instead of waiting for further legislation in the UK Parliament; and b) all information contained in documents and correspondence with regard to the delay in the intr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2019-10-24
Reference
FOI/201900004674
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Diocese approved roles in Roman Catholic Schools: FOI release

In 2016 it was reported that the EHRC had called for a review of the current situation whereby applicants to roles in Roman Catholic schools must be approved by the relevant diocese. (https://www.scottishlegal.com/article/equalities-experts-call-for-review-of-catholic-schools-right-to-vet-applicants-for-religious-suita...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.21 s.38(1) s.28 s.3 s.21(2A) 6 attachments
Published
2019-10-18
Reference
FOI/201900004423
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner decision 121/2019 and FoI/18/02260 correspondence: FOI release

You asked for “Any correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, documents or otherwise) since August 2018 on the topic of FoI/18/02260 and/or the Scottish Information Commissioner decision 121/2019 between any of the following people: Scottish Government Ministers, spec...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.47(1) 6 attachments
Published
2019-09-20
Reference
FOI/201900003579
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Updated guidance to support transgender pupils in schools information: FOI release

You asked for information relating to the decision to produce updated guidance to support transgender pupils in schools including any evidence held that supports the claim that girls would be excluded by the existing LGBT Youth Scotland transgender guidance.

FOI already published 80 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-09-19
Reference
FOI/201900003278
Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Various questions on case against Former First Minister: FOI release

You asked for: 1. Please specify the job description of Ms Katy Bowman, Special Adviser to the First Minister both at present and in 2014. 2. Please identify the line management responsibilities of Ms Liz Lloyd, First Minister’s chief of staff, to Ms Katy Bowman, Special Adviser to the First Minister. 3. Please iden...

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.5 s.6 s.17(1) s.3 s.18(1) s.28 s.12 s.35(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1)
Published
2019-09-13
Reference
FOI/19/01942
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Delays to introduction of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders: FOI release

a) All legal advice and or guidance on whether Sexual Harm Prevention Orders can be introduced in Scotland with conditions of residence attached instead of waiting for further legislation in the UK parliament. b) All information contained in documents and correspondence with regard to the delay in the introduction of S...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-09-03
Reference
FOI/201900002897
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Rural Finance (Scotland) Bill and 'No Deal' correspondence regarding agriculture: FOI release

You asked for: i) All correspondence, emails, letters, telephone conversations, dates of meetings (internal and external), minutes of meetings (internal and external), briefings since 1 January 2018 between the Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Scottish Government officials in specific relation to the Rural ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.28(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-08-28
Reference
FOI/19/01577
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Farming and rural, Public sector

Various questions relating to the Equality Network: FOI release

You asked us to provide information relating to the Equality Network: 1) I formally request copies of the latest and current Child Protection/Vulnerable Adults Policies for the three organisations, ENL, LGBTYS, and Stonewall Scotland. 2) Please any documentation that refutes this conclusion that ‘the Scottish Governm...

FOI clarification 80 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.3 s.15 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.14 s.10 4 attachments
Published
2019-08-09
Reference
FOI/19/01568
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Ernst & Young LLP reports and guidance to Scottish Government: FOI release

You asked the Scottish Government to provide the following: ‘a copy of all advice including any reports provided by Ernst & Young LLP (also known as EY) in late 2016 and early 2017 to the Scottish government in relation to the extension by the Scottish government of a financial guarantee to companies that are part of ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-08
Reference
FOI/19/01414
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Development of Rule 73 - Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland Rules 2005: FOI release

You requested for information relating to the development of Rule 73 (publication of decisions) of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland (Practice and Procedure) Rules 2005.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-05-28
Reference
FOI/19/01080
Directorate
Topic
Public sector