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

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382 matching releases

Queries regarding access to secretariat members email accounts: FOI Review

Original request 202400444352 In the court of session ruling from case XA10/23, the court ruling states: "In this connection it is notable that in their written submissions the Ministers accept that they (or their officials) could gain access to the information. They acknowledge that some of the email accounts of sec...

FOI withheld 80 score 10 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.38(1) s.36(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202500449874 Review of 202400444352
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Information regarding the Ministerial Statement: Legal Advice Relating to Scottish Information Commissioner Decision: FOI Review

Original request 202400445432 1) All briefing notes provided to ministers (e.g. John Swinney, Jamie Hepburn) in preparation of the statement to the Scottish Parliament on the 29th of October: Ministerial Statement: Legal Advice Relating to Scottish Information Commissioner Decision by civil servants, SPADs and anyone ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 2 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.21(4) s.25 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.30 6 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202500452157 Review of 202400445432
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

HMP Glasgow information: FOI release

1. The first draft of the letter the Cabinet Secretary for Justice & Home Affairs sent to the Criminal Justice Committee on 5 February 2025 regarding an update on the proposed HMP Glasgow and all subsequent edits, amendments and comments suggested by officials, special advisers and ministers before the final version wa...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers contracts spending s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 s.33 4 attachments
Published
2025-03-21
Reference
FOI/202500451844
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Scottish International Development Association Head of Policy and Communications appointment: FOI Review

Original request 202500446733 1. When the Scottish Government first became aware of the Scottish International Development Association’s appointment of Patrick Grady to the role of Head of Policy and Communications. 2. The initial response the Scottish Government drafted up for responding to press queries about this ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.2 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-04
Reference
FOI/202500450926 Review of 202500446733
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Scottish Land Commission Chair Appointment: FOI release

Information regarding correspondence between Scottish Government Ministers and officials with reference to the proposed appointment of Michael Russell as Chair of the Scottish Land Commission. You requested disclosure of any emails, letters or messages sent between Scottish Government Ministers or officials, including ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-02-25
Reference
FOI/202400395590
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Details of lobbying of Scottish Ministers by Propertymark: FOI release

Information pertaining to the lobbying of Scottish Ministers and MSPs, specifically: A full list of Scottish Ministers and MSPs who have been lobbied by Propertymark in the time period of 2020-2025. For any meetings, please provide minutes covering any agendas, requests, or key topics raised by Propertymark. If minute...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-02-20
Reference
FOI/202500448567
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and Elon Musk: FOI release

Any emails sent by Scottish government special advisers which mention Elon Musk between January 1st and today, January 7th. Any emails sent by Scottish government media officers (press officers) which mention Elon Musk between January 1st and today, January 7th. Any emails sent by, or on behalf of, Scottish government ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.32(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-02-14
Reference
FOI/202500446991
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish International Development Association Head of Policy and Communications appointment: FOI release

1. When the Scottish Government first became aware of the Scottish International Development Association’s appointment of Patrick Grady to the role of Head of Policy and Communications. 2. The initial response the Scottish Government drafted up for responding to press queries about this story and all subsequent change...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-02-14
Reference
FOI/202500446733
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Ministerial statement on Winter Fuel Payment replacement: FOI release

1. The original draft of Shirley-Anne Somerville's ministerial statement delivered on 28 November 2024 regarding the Scottish Government’s announcement replacing the Winter Fuel Payment and all subsequent drafts of that ministerial statement, including feedback, edits, comments or changes suggested by Scottish Governme...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2025-01-20
Reference
FOI/202400443264
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Granting of the title of Lord Provost to the Provost of Stirling Council: FOI release

Information held by the Scottish Government in relation to the granting of the title of Lord Provost to the Provost of Stirling Council.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-01-09
Reference
FOI/202400438978
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Correspondence discussing J.K. Rowling's criticism of the Scottish Government: FOI release

Copies of all internal Scottish Government email correspondence (including Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers, and Press Officers) discussing the response to this previous FOI request: FOI/202400424984

FOI already published 80 score 149 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25 s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-11-18
Reference
FOI/202400435503
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Union communications regarding pay for council staff and teachers: FOI release

Minutes, agendas, handouts, attachments or briefings from any meeting involving the Scottish Government with unions over pay for council staff and teachers between July 1, 2024 to date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-10-28
Reference
FOI/202400432045
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Documentation regarding multiple First Minister meetings and appearances: FOI release

All documentation from John Swinney's meeting with Andy Burnham on August 12, including correspondence (internal as well), minutes/notes from the meetings, briefing notes prepared, policy and analysis, between July 1 and date of this FOI. All documentation from John Swinney's appearance taking the salute at the Edinbu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.39(1) s.28(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-10-17
Reference
FOI/202400431387
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Creative Scotland and Open Fund for Individuals applications: FOI release

1. Please confirm on what day the Scottish Government was informed by Creative Scotland that the Open Fund for Individuals would stop accepting applications on 30th August 2024. 2. Please provide a copy of all data the Scottish Government has relating to its receiving and subsequently handling of a) the announcement b...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2024-10-16
Reference
FOI/202400430256
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Meetings with Dr Lyndsey Moon: FOI Review

Original request - 202400421460 Please confirm all meetings from 2021 - 2024 the Scottish Government has had with Dr Lyndsey Moon, on which dates they happened, who was involved, what was discussed, who initiated each meeting, and provide any emails, documents and reports relating to these meetings being planned, unde...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-26
Reference
FOI/202400424131 review of 202400421460
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Scottish Child Payment and the labour market report: FOI release

Information regarding the Scottish Child Payment and the labour market report, published by the Scottish Government on July 24 2024. - Who was responsible for the preparation of this report? If not at senior level please provide directorate/grade. - Confirm whether this report required to be reviewed by Ministers and...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-09-19
Reference
FOI/202400424053
Directorate
Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Denmark trip: FOI release

1. All briefings, correspondence sent and received by the Scottish Government, including internally, all analysis undertaken and minutes/notes from meetings regarding making Scotland tobacco free by 2034, between February 1 2024 and the date of this FOI? 2. The costs of Angus Robertson's trip to Denmark in March, incl...

FOI cost limit 70 score 12 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.12 s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-18
Reference
FOI/202400409365
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Puberty Blocker Correspondence: FOI release

Under FOI I would please like to request all correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between ministers of the scottish Government and their special advisors mentioning the term 'pube...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-18
Reference
FOI/202400410045
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Health and social care, Public sector

Special Adviser (SpAd) Register of interests and Severance Pay: FOI Release

1. Could you supply the updated special adviser register of interests? 2. How much has been spent on paying off/severance payments for special advisers, in each of the last three years, with a breakdown by year and by how much each special adviser got?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence special advisers spending s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-18
Reference
FOI/202400425442
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Progress to Net Zero advice: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence between Scottish Government Ministers/Special Advisers/officials and World Leaders regarding the seeing of advice by World Leaders from the Scottish Government on our progress to Net Zero between 31 May 2021 and the present.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.32 s.33(2) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-17
Reference
FOI/202300390719
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Former First Minister's speech to the SNP conference: FOI release

All correspondence between the Permanent Secretary and/or his office and the First Minister and/or his private office or Special Advisers relating to the First Minister's speech to the SNP conference on 17/10/23. For the avoidance of doubt, this should include all emails or other electronic communications of any other ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-17
Reference
FOI/202400396121
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Resignation of Mr Matheson as Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care: FOI release

The exact time and format in which Michael Matheson first informed Humza Yousaf of his resignation as Health Secretary and please provide the documentary evidence of this (the original email/WhatsApp/text) as well as Humza Yousaf's response). All discussions from the Scottish Government planning press lines or media r...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-17
Reference
FOI/202400398386
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former First Minister's speech at Glasgow University: FOI release

1. Details of how many Scottish Government staff worked on Humza Yousaf's speech at Glasgow University on January 8, 2024 (Scottish independence: industrial policy). 2. Details of anyone outwith the Scottish Government involved in the writing of the speech or the number of people from outwith the Scottish Government w...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1) s.12 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-13
Reference
FOI/202400392532
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former First Minister correspondence on Gaza: FOI Review

Original request 202400393608 1. On the 17th October 2023, Humza Yousaf, during his speech to the SNP conference in Aberdeen, called on the UK Government ‘To support the medical evacuation of injured civilians in Gaza’. As SNP party leader, he said, ‘Let me be clear, Scotland is ready to play her part and our hospital...

FOI clarification 80 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.28(1) s.25 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-12
Reference
FOI/202400402356 Review of 202400393608
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector