Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,864releases indexed
39,478attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,113partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-06-12newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,113 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

2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263

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
1,509 matching releases

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

Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy engagement: FOI release

Scottish Government Minister, Kate Forbes meeting and dinner with Angus McPherson of Noble and Co on 5 September 2019. Details being sought include Pre meeting briefing(s) Any agenda List of attendees at all meetings Any minutes or notes Any post meeting action points Venue, cost of, and details of who paid for dinner

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202100167416
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence received by Permanent Secretary regarding independence: FOI release

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 briefings meetings s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202100164057
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information regarding NHS Scotland Chairs and Chief Executives groups 2020: FOI release

Agendas, minutes and all other meeting papers for the meetings of the NHS Scotland board chairs group starting with the June 2020 meeting to present. Agendas, minutes and all other meeting papers for the meetings of the NHS Scotland chief executives group starting with the June 2020 meeting to present.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 82 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-04-14
Reference
FOI/202000104213
Directorate
People, Appointments and Governance
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs meetings: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: 1. A list of all meetings that Michael Russell has conducted with foreign officials. Including details of the date of the meeting and who was present at the metting. 2. Copies of the minutes from all the above meetings.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-09
Reference
FOI/202100136000
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Fisheries protection around the island of Rockall: FOI release

1) All letters, emails and documents exchanged between the Scottish and Irish government relating to fishing rights for EU trawlers around the island of Rockall, dating from 1 January 2019 to the date of this request. 2) All briefing documents prepared in advance of meetings or telephone conversations between Scottish ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.17(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-08
Reference
FOI/202100133316
Directorate
Topic
International, Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Correspondence relating to independence referendum: FOI release

From 1 April 2020 to 1 July 2020: 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 briefings meetings s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-06
Reference
FOI/202100155174
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Scottish Government Resilience Room minutes from February and March 2020: FOI appeal

The minutes of the Scottish Government Resilience Room meetings held in February and March 2020. In addition I would like to have lists of all those who attended those meetings.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 3 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-01
Reference
FOI/202000047153 - appeal
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Details of meeting with representatives from the Scottish taxi and private hire trade: FOI release

“I’d like to request details of a meeting that took place on January 15/01/2021 between Kate Forbes MSP (Finance Secretary) & Representatives from the Scottish Taxi & Private Hire Trade to discuss the structure of of the financial support to be offered to the industry. On 14/1/2021 tweeted “there is a meeting tomorrow ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-01
Reference
FOI/202100158950
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Published homelessness statistics August 2020 communication: FOI release

Correspondence (emails, letters, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, whatsapp messages, texts and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or Kevin Stewart regarding the homelessness statistics published in August 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-31
Reference
FOI/202000126243
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Future of Justice Social Work correspondence: FOI release

The report of the review of adults social care published today has several references to work being undertaken on the future of justice social work. Can you please provide any documents or meeting minutes held by the Scottish Government in reference to future development or changes to justice social work.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-25
Reference
FOI/202100150261
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

First Minister interview with James Hamilton QC: FOI release

In a recent FOI response, with the reference number: 202100150391 an annex was attached which contained an email from the First Minister’s office that stated the afternoon of 1 February 2021 would be held for a video interview between the First Minister and James Hamilton regarding the Ministerial Code investigation. P...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100159382
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill correspondence: FOI release

Giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee on the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill on 27 October 2020, Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf MSP said that he had met with "women's groups working at the coalface" to discuss adding 'sex' as a protected characteristic to the draft legis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-03-11
Reference
FOI/202000103652
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Equality and rights, Law and order, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence regarding Universal Basic Income: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (briefings, emails, letters, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or members of the Scottish Government Cabinet discussing expanding the roll-out of a Universal Basic Income across Scotland.

FOI already published 80 score 15 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29 s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-10
Reference
FOI/202000110955
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding enhanced restrictions for places of worship: FOI release

“I would like to make an foi request with regards to the latest restrictions in place on places of worship. Can you provide details of any meeting minutes, or other recorded information, that pertains to any discussion or consideration made to ensure the regulations and guidance on places of worship comply with the Eu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100132535
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence with Community Justice Scotland regarding unpaid work hours: 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 the Scottish Government and Community Justice Scotland regarding the reduction of outstanding unpaid work hours issued as ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-02
Reference
FOI/202000107025
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Money and tax, Public sector

Strategic review of Chief Science Officer (CSO) core funding units: FOI release

You asked for: 1. I am requesting under the Freedom of Information Act (Scotland) that you provide me with all the minutes of meetings prior to the completion and publication of the report strategic review of CSO core funding units. 2. Please also provide copies or a link to the responses received from the consultatio...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.17(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000107193
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Minutes and material with Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills regarding Higher Qualifications: FOI release

Minutes of any meetings involving the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, regarding Higher or Advanced Higher National Qualifications in 2020-21. Please could I also have any briefing material issued for these meetings. I would like this information from 20 November 2020 to 4 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.27(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000121891
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

James Hamilton QC correspondence: FOI release

1. Any Scottish Government Cabinet Meetings where James Hamilton QC’s Ministerial Code investigation was discussed. If it was discussed, please provide any minutes or notes on these discussions. Please limit time period to 1 January 2019 and the present date. 2. Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 9 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202100150391
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Discussions held relating to the cancellation of exams 2021: FOI release

1. Can you please advise and assist in the provision of any written correspondence and comms, extant in email, written transcript, minutes of meetings or letters, which mentions the following: Cancellation of National 5 Exams in 2021 (or similar language and synonyms). Postponement of Higher and Advanced Higher Exams ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000098431
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Communications regarding Rapid Review of National Qualifications Experience 2020: FOI release

Any minutes of, or briefings prepared for, the meeting held on 15 September 2020 between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and Mark Priestley, regarding the Rapid Review of National Qualifications Experience 2020. Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000104898
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the draft bill for an independence referendum: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence (emails, letters, hand-written notes, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, briefings and/or otherwise) between civil servants, Special Advisors and/or the Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell regarding the publishing of the draft bill for an independence referendum outlined in the Scottish Gove...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000122177
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector