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

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

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

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
277 matching releases

Meeting between Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture and Daniela Grudsky: FOI release

1. All correspondence between the Office of the First Minister and the Office of the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs, and Culture, in relation to Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson’s meeting with Ms. Daniela Grudsky. 2. All documents related to the meeting itself, including but not limited to minut...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-10-07
Reference
FOI/202400427023
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

WhatsApp/Text Messages related to Appeal 202100255908: FOI release

Regarding this FOI Appeal https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202100255908/ Please release all the information not released or disclosed or that had a redaction applied in the above FOI request as it is now credible that exemptions applied may have being misapplied or misused, in order to not release some or all of ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.26 s.30 s.28(1) s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-10-04
Reference
FOI/202400426366
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

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

Any internal or external correspondence, including any attachments, WhatsApp messages, text messages, instant messaging, memos, OneNotes, minutes, agendas, appendixes or other correspondence, relating to J.K. Rowling's criticism of the Scottish Government.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 103 working days over deadline correspondence meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2024-09-26
Reference
FOI/202400424984
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Former First Minister's messages during the Covid 19 pandemic: FOI release

Nicola Sturgeon's What's App messages during the Covid 19 pandemic.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.28 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-23
Reference
FOI/202400423476
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Microsoft change to licensing rules: FOI release

1. Please confirm on what specific date the Scottish Government was made aware of the potential issues that may arise in schools due to Microsoft changing its licensing rules, meaning accessing Microsoft Word and Powerpoint offline through Glow may cease to be an option for teachers and pupils. 2. Please provide me wi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp s.2 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.4 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-23
Reference
FOI/202400422554
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, 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

Emails sent and received by the Former First Minister: FOI Review

Original request - 202400411476 1. The last three emails that Humza Yousaf sent as First Minister from his First Minister email account. 2. The last three emails that Humza Yousaf received as First Minister from his First Minister email account. 3. The last three emails that Humza Yousaf sent as First Minister to em...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 283 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-18
Reference
FOI/202400416176 Review of 202400411476
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence from Minister for Public Finance regarding Winter Fuel Payment: FOI release

Emails, texts, WhatsApp’s, minutes of meetings or other communications received or sent by the finance minister Ivan McKee which mention the Winter Fuel Payment from the 4 July 2024 to the present date.

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-18
Reference
FOI/202400425387
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Officials involved in trip to Turkey for summit: FOI release

1. The number and job title of all Scottish Government officials involved in the trip to Turkey by Nadia El-Nakla for summit of leaders' spouses organised by the First Lady of Turkey on November 15 2023. 2. Between November 1 and December 31 2023, any materials (briefing notes, emails, minutes) where the details of Ms...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-17
Reference
FOI/202400394465
Directorate
Topic
International, 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

Number of times Former First Minister has taken his children on official visits: FOI release

Since becoming First Minister, how many times has Humza Yousaf taken his children on official visits, press events etc. Please provide all documents, emails, briefings, text messages, whatsapps relating to the First Minister bringing his children to work events, visits etc and their provision of care.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-17
Reference
FOI/202400396167
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

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Qatari Government: FOI release

all correspondence, whatsapp, unofficial and screenshots of deleted correspondence, emails and unofficial notes between the Scottish Government and Qatari Government. all correspondence, whatsapp, unofficial and screenshots of deleted correspondence, emails and unofficial notes between the Scottish Government and Qatar...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence whatsapp s.17(1) s.38(1) s.32(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-17
Reference
FOI/202400401028
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Data costs incurred by Former Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care of Scotland: FOI Review

Original request 202300384550 Correspondence (including WhatsApps, phone calls, text messages, emails and meetings) related to roaming charges racked up by Michael Matheson.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending whatsapp s.30 s.29(1) s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2024-09-12
Reference
FOI/202300389191 Review of 202300384550
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications regarding Long Covid: FOI release

1. Any record of communication (WhatsApps, emails, etc) sent and received by Jenni Minto (Minister for Public Health) on the topic of long covid between 29 March 2023 and the current date. 2. How many complaints has Ms Minto received from long COVID sufferers during this time frame?

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-09
Reference
FOI/202400418983
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Retention of correspondence relating to UK Covid Inquiry: FOI release

Could you supply all emails received by the Scottish Government from the UK Covid Inquiry and the UK Government about retaining all correspondence for the inquiry? Could you supply all internal discussions, notes and briefings about Scottish Government ministers using private emails for government business, between Oct...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.28(1) s.36(1) s.37(1) s.17(1) 6 attachments
Published
2024-09-04
Reference
FOI/202400401815
Directorate
Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Former First Minister call with President of Turkey: FOI release

All communication - internal within the Scottish Government, between the Scottish Government and the Turkish president's office and between the Scottish Government and the FCDO - in relation to the "new year phone call" offered by President Erdogan to the First Minister referenced in the below comment. For the avoidanc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.28(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-04
Reference
FOI/202400395009
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Cass Review and Patrick Harvie's appearance on BBC Scotland's Sunday Show: FOI release

All information held by the Scottish Government on the Cass review. Can you release briefings, papers, notes on the review? Can you also release any correspondence involving ministers and officials relating to the review? More widely, can you release any correspondence involving ministers and officials relating to Pat...

FOI cost limit 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.12 s.29(1) s.30(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-04
Reference
FOI/202400411612
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

India trade deal: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, Whatsapps, text messages, briefing papers or otherwise) on the subject of a UK-India trade deal between the dates of 9 October 2023 and 22 March 2024.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings whatsapp s.27(2) s.29(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.33(2) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-03
Reference
FOI/202400414926
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Tartan Week/Scotland Week celebrations in the USA: FOI release

(1) Can you share any briefings prepared for Angus Robertson and Scottish Government officials? (2) Can you release the names and job titles of all ministers, civil servants, special advisers and others who attended events? (3) Can you detail the cost of the travel and accommodation for each individual? (4) Can you ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.32 s.28 s.38(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-02
Reference
FOI/202400409106
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, International, Public sector

Culture in an Independent Scotland white paper correspondence: FOI release

Can you please disclose emails, and WhatsApps, sent between Scottish Government ministers and Scottish Government officials regarding the independence white paper entitled, 'Culture in an independent Scotland' sent/received on the following dates - February 2, 2024 February 3, 2024 February 4, 2024 February 5, 2024 Fe...

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-30
Reference
FOI/202400406120
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Meeting of Former First Minister and Chinese Consul General in Scotland: FOI release

Minutes of the meeting on 16 January between the First Minister and Zhang Biao, Chinese Consul General in Scotland. All internal and external correspondence relating to this meeting. This should include email, WhatsApp or any other form of electroniccommunication as well as any handwritten notes or notes taken from ve...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-30
Reference
FOI/202400409335
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Usage and policy guidance for mobile messaging apps: FOI release

All information, risk analysis and minutes of related meetings that explain how the policy available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/mobile-messaging-apps-usage-and-policy-guidance/ (dated 31 October 2023) was arrived at. In particular, what was the justification for permitting government officials to conduct go...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-29
Reference
FOI/202400396640
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Public sector