Scottish Government FOI Index

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

Barnett consequentials and the UK Treasury swimming pool fund: FOI release

All speaking notes, correspondence, texts and WhatsApp messages held by the Scottish Government pertaining to Barnett consequentials and the UK Treasury swimming pool fund: a/ for Minister Siobhan Brown on June 29 2023 b/ and for Minister Joe FitzPatrick on September 27 2023.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.29 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-13
Reference: FOI/202300378368
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Health and social care, Public sector

Implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021: FOI release

All correspondence between Police Scotland team and the Scottish Government regarding the implementation of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 – henceforth referred to as the Act . This should include emails, phone calls, zoom/teams meetings WhatsApp and/or instant messages and in-person meetings. Plea...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2024-08-12
Reference: FOI/202300374816
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Gender Recognition Reform Bill correspondence: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between Ash Regan (formerly known as Ash Denham) and Nicola Sturgeon (and/or her officials) with regards to the Gender Recognition Reform ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-12
Reference: FOI/202300378440
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Redactions in WhatsAPP/text message documents: FOI Review

Original request 202400404999 All of the "out of scope" redactions in the document at https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi[1]202100255908/ 2. The extent of the redacted material within the 106 page document by using black block within the released document over the redacted content.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.36(1) s.38(2A) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-07
Reference: FOI/202400410703 Review of 202400404999
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

BBC Scotland's The Sunday Show - Deputy First Minister's interview 19th November 2023: FOI release

All emails, correspondence, WhatsApp messages, text messages and notes in relation to the Deputy First Minister's interview appearance and subsequent cancellation for BBC Scotland's The Sunday Show episode of Sunday 19 November.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2024-07-18
Reference: FOI/202300385699
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

James Hamilton correspondence, WhatsApp review, Covid inquiry and Hugh Pennington Correspondence: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including internal, notes from any meetings, minutes and briefings about the chief nursing officer retiring, from between November 1 2023 and the date of this FOI. 2. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including internal,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.25(1) s.27(1) s.34(1) s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2024-07-10
Reference: FOI/202400403162
Directorate: Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Chair of Ferguson Marine: FOI release

1. A copy of any meeting minutes, external correspondence, read out of phone calls or any other documentation which relate to the Cabinet Secretary’s discussions with the Board of Ferguson Marine about Mr Tydeman’s performance and position as Chief Executive on 28th February. Please also include any internal correspond...

FOI not held 70 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.17(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-07-10
Reference: FOI/202400406714
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) Correspondence: FOI release

You asked for 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 'United Nations Relief and Works...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-07-09
Reference: FOI/202400396004
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Former First Minister's interests correspondence: 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 Aamer Anwar being included as a "personal friend" in the First Minister's interests.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-07-04
Reference: FOI/202300390913
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Appointment of Mike Russell as chairman of Scottish Lands and Estates: FOI release

The following regarding the appointment of Mike Russell as chairman of Scottish Lands and Estates. Describe in as much detail as process for selecting Mike Russell. Did he have to fill in an application? Which other candidates were considered? Was there an interview process? Was there any kind of scoring criteria used...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-05-15
Reference: FOI/202300390024
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Creative Scotland decision to fund Rein: FOI release

Supply any ministerial or first ministerial correspondence, or any other official correspondence from government to Creative Scotland on the subject of Rein, in the form of memos, emails, whatsapp or any other written or digital media in the period after March 10. Also I would be obliged if you supply any internal gov...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-05-13
Reference: FOI/202400406856
Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner: FOI release

All emails, text messages, WhatsApp's, minutes and other forms of communications of/between Ministers, SPADs, civil servants and other Scottish Government officials regarding/referencing/discussing the court case known as The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (case reference number XA10/23) up ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-04-18
Reference: FOI/202300388336
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence relating to the resignation of Professor Jason Leitch: FOI release

Please provide me with any internal or external correspondence, including any attachments, WhatsApp messages, text messages, instant messaging, memos, OneNotes, minutes, agendas, appendixes or other correspondence, relating to the resignation of Jason Leitch.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) 10 attachments

Published: 2024-04-15
Reference: FOI/202400404239
Directorate: Health and Social Care Finance Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding 14th December 2023 Parliamentary statement: FOI release

"Any correspondence or records of world leaders approaching the Scottish Government for advice of any such topics. This could be email, letters, text or WhatsApp messages, I am sure any correspondence with world leaders on these topics would be recorded officially and I would like to see these. As well as the correspo...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-03-27
Reference: FOI/202300390011
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Programme for government/FM and perm sec: FOI Review

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 2023 programme for government. For the avoidance of doubt, this should include all emails or other electronic communications of any other kind (WhatsApp, Teams, Signa...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 14 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.33(2) s.38(1)

Published: 2024-03-18
Reference: FOI/202400401266
Directorate: Strategy Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Information pertaining to WhatsApp messages: FOI Appeal

Request 1: I am writing to you to request the following information. For the month of August 2021, any WhatsApp messages or text messages sent or received by any government minister on government business. Request 2: I am writing to you to request the following information. For the entire month of March, 2021 (inc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 88 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17 s.26 s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.19 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-03-15
Reference: FOI Appeal of 202100255908 / 202100255912
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister meeting with President Erdogan of Turkey during Cop 28: FOI release

If you could provide copies of all correspondence and messages, including emails and WhatsApps, regarding the invitation and arrangements for the First Minister to meet President Erdogan of Turkey during Cop 28. Please also include any correspondence with the UK Government and any briefings prepared for the First Minis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.32(1)A s.38(1)B s.32 s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-20
Reference: FOI/202300388013
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Various questions regarding COVID-19: FoI release

1. How many of Humza Yousaf's cabinet use their personal emails for government business? List of who does. 2. What was the final outcome of Ruth Charteris investigating into missing WhatsApps as referenced here: https://news.sky.com/story/scotlands-first-minister-humza-yousaf-to-fully-investigate-concerns-messages-not-...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.2 s.17(1) s.3 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-09
Reference: FOI/202400392573
Directorate: Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon and Zero Tolerance: FOI release

Question 1. All correspondence (including Whatsapp, emails, texts) between Nicola Sturgeon, her office, her special advisers, civil servants and the Zero Tolerance charity over the past year, including about her invite to their anniversary event. Question 2: Who invited Nicola Sturgeon to speak at their anniversary ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending whatsapp s.12 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-31
Reference: 202200332895
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Uig Triangle Calmac service correspondence: FOI release

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 business and community groups from the Outer Hebrides regarding CalMac's ferry services o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 106 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) 8 attachments

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: 202200305839
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spending review: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding the Scottish Government’s Resource Spending Review. Ple...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence briefings meetings spending whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-29
Reference: 202200303696
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Public sector

All communications with SPS regarding Isla Bryson: FOI review

You asked for a review of our failure to respond to your request dated 27 January 2023 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: A copy of any written communication or records of verbal communication between ministers relating to Adam Graham/Isla Bryson, the minutes of any meetings where they w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 81 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI 202300350955 Review of 202300340371
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Resignation of Eilidh Mactaggart: FOI review

All correspondence including emails, briefing notes, text and WhatsApp messages, documents and memos relating to the resignation of Eilidh Mactaggart, the CEO of the Scottish National Investment Bank.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: 202200285209
Directorate: International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic: Public sector

2022 exam appeals - internal communications: FOI review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) originally submitted on 19 May: Please release the following information regarding the 2022 exam appeals: All internal communication involving the following: Ministers Special Advisers Communic...

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-17
Reference: FOI/202300357586 Review of 202200328831
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence with Zero Tolerance: FOI release

All communication between Zero Tolerance and Scottish government ministers, special advisers and civil servants relating to the first minister's speech on 29/11/22 to mark Zero Tolerance's 30th anniversary. This should include emails, text, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Messenger or any other electronic messages, as well...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-05
Reference: 202200332441
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Public sector