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
2,981 matching releases

Former Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing drug deaths statistics communications: FOI release

"All emails, letters, minutes of meetings, briefings, hand written notes, records of phone conversations and messages on encrypted phone apps between The Public Health Minister, The Cabinet Secretary for health, the First Minister and the Chair of the Drugs death task force or anyone in their private office or Minister...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-19
Reference
FOI/202100134969
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Parliament election contingency plan: FOI release

1. Any reports, documents or email correspondence from between 1 August and present day [13 October] between Scottish Government civil servants on the topic of the Scottish Parliament election in 2021 and contingency plans surrounding it. 2. During the same time period, any briefing reports, draft reports, emails, What...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25 s.27 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000097860
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation remit correspondence: FOI release

- All communication between John Swinney and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. -All communication between the Scottish Government and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139181
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation evidence submitted: FOI release

- All evidence submitted to James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. - Details of all meetings held by James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. Please include minutes, call logs, list of a...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139187
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

COVID-19 testing for university students: FOI release

Any briefing papers or advice to ministers concerning COVID-19 testing for university students,and any communications between Scottish Government officials regarding these briefings or advice. I would like this information from 15 September 2020 to 30 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28 s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-15
Reference
FOI/202000113889
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Correspondence on the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Review: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, typed or hand-written notes, text messages otherwise) on the subject of the SFC Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability. I would like this information from 20 September 2020 to 20 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-12
Reference
FOI/202000115504
Directorate
Topic
Public Sector

Correspondence relating to the launch of Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB): FOI release

1. Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the official launch of the Scottish National Investment Bank on 23 November 2020. 2...

FOI transferred 80 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.17(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.39(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202000129473
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Government Audit and Assurance Committee (SGAAC): FOI release

"The minutes (and associated materials, such as, but not limited to agendas, papers, reports or presentations) for any meetings held between senior Scottish Government staff and nonexecutive directors and deputy directors of the Scottish Government. I am interested in records relating to any meetings that have taken pl...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.33 s.38(1) s.33(1) s.33(2) s.38(1)B s.34(1)
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202100134076
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

COVID-19: Public health impact on university students: FOI release

Any analysis carried out, and any briefings produced for Ministers in relation to this analysis, concerning the public health impact of students either starting university or returning to university. I would like this information from 15 August 2020 to 15 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 47 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202000113893
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Information relating to Police Scotland work with Sri Lanka: FOI release

Please provide copies of any records held by the Justice Directorate between 15 October 2020 and 8 December 2020 relating to Police Scotland's work with Sri Lanka. I expect your search to include records held by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and his team.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000121879
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Public sector

Exams draft report by Professor Mark Priestley: FOI release

Professor Priestley's draft report on exams handed in to the DFM earlier this month. Any associated correspondance between Prof Priestly or his office and the Scottish Government either leading up to or arising from that draft report.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-08
Reference
FOI/202000092256
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

FOI request 202000077960 regarding Former First Minister various questions: FOI release

"I note the above Freedom of Information request answered on 23rd September Secondly, which official/officials provided the information which suggested the November 9th date? And on whose instruction was it included in the answer? Thirdly, and please treat this last point as an FOI in itself as well as a question, kind...

FOI already published 80 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) s.25 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-04
Reference
FOI/202000093492
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence related to Scottish Government officials discussing stockpiles of FFP3 masks: FOI release

1. Copies of any communications involving the Scottish Government’s Resilience Division and/or Scottish Government ministers, between the start of 2015 and the end of 2019, in which there is discussion about stockpiles of FFP3 masks.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 139 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.28(1) s.38(1) s.3(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-03
Reference
FOI/202000060337
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

COVID-19 Correspondence from small retailers concerning lockdown rules: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters or otherwise) received by Scottish Ministers/special advisors between 29 October to 11 November from those identified as working in small/non-essential retailers as owners, employers, staff or otherwise who have written concerned about the prospect of a second national lock...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-01
Reference
FOI/202000110673
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National Qualifications: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails and phone calls) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the 2021 SQA National Qualifications. I would like this information from 02 October 2020 to 02 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 10 attachments
Published
2021-01-22
Reference
FOI/202000107143
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence pertaining to Sexual Harassment Complaints Committee between specific dates: FOI release

1) Correspondence between written by civil servants on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Sexual Harassment Complaints between July 1 and August 12. 2) Correspondence written by ministers on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scot...

FOI not held 70 score 109 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-01-14
Reference
FOI/202000074369
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Civil Servants preparation in giving evidence to Committee for Former First Minister inquiry: FOI release

Details of the preparation of civil servants for appearances ahead of witness sessions in the Alex Salmond Holyrood inquiry. I would like details of all civil servants to appear in person before the committee up to and including today's session [3 November 2020], including the Permanent Secretary. There is no need to i...

FOI not held 70 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.36(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-13
Reference
FOI/202000106713
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

First Minister recuse from Harassment Complaints Committee interaction : FOI release

1. On what date did the First Minister recuse herself from any decision making in terms of the Scottish Government’s interaction with the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints? 2. Where was the decision first recorded and when was it first made public? 3. Please provide me with copies o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-12
Reference
FOI/202000099260
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the hospitality sector during lockdown: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters or otherwise) received by Scottish Ministers/special advisors between 29 October to 11 November from those identified as working in the hospitality industry either as owners, employers, staff or otherwise.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-15
Reference
FOI/202000110668
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence with President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA): FOI release

All correspondence received by or communicated from any of the Scottish Ministers, or their special advisors and Councillor Allison Evison, President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities during 2019/2020 calendar years- relating to either; A. The allocation of the £50 Million for schools awarded as a result ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-12-09
Reference
FOI/202000111613
Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Public sector

Scottish Government correspondence concerning National 5 exams in 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, typed or hand written notes, text messages or phone calls) regarding National 5 exams in 2021. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000099398
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Questions on Exercise Cygnus and page extracts: FOI release

Please provide the title of Scottish Government Ministers (including the First Minister), Cabinet Secretaries and health officials that attended each of the four COBRA meetings. Page 42 states that participants in EC were asked to produce: 1) evaluation of their performance against the criteria based on the exercise ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 73 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000068643
Directorate
Topic

Correspondence concerning the approval of the proposed exam moderation system: FOI release

What form and when the recommendations of the SQA for the award of grades after the cancellation of exams were approved by Scottish Ministers, including the First Minister and the Scottish Cabinet. In particular did Ministers approve the proposed moderation system and on what basis ?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000092924
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19 roadside breath testing procedures: FOI release

a) ALL communications including emails within Police Scotland and any other bodies within government(MSPs ,Other Politicians, Scientific officers, Public Health officials, Police unions, etc.) with regard to the Covidsafe procedures to be carried out on Roadside Breath testing on members of the Public Particular refere...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 51 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-01
Reference
FOI/202000066509
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Muftah Salem Eljamel, AKA Sam Eljamel: FOI release

You asked for: Please provide copies of the correspondence about Muftah Salem Eljamel, AKA Sam Eljamel, the former Neurosurgeon who worked for NHS Tayside, which were sent and received by the Scottish Government, Chief Medical Officer, or any government ministers and civil servants from January 2012 through to January...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-30
Reference
FOI/202000084805
Directorate
Health and Social Care Finance Directorate
Topic
Public sector