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

Cost and economic viability of implementing a Universal Income Basic Income : FOI release

"Any internal correspondence in the Scottish Government regarding a Universal Basic Income. (This might take the form of emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes, briefings or other). Specifically, but not limited to, the cost and economi...

FOI already published 80 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-09
Reference
FOI/202000034467
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish universities’ financial difficulties due COVID-19: FOI release

1. "All correspondence or documentation (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters) between the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Richard Lochhead MSP, and Scottish universities on the subject of financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 crisis. I would like this in...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-07
Reference
FOI/202000040953
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Agency agreements with the DWP for disability benefits (PIP, DLA, AA): FOI release

The agency agreements with the DWP for disability benefits (PIP, DLA, AA)

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.29 s.34(1) s.29(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-07-02
Reference
FOI/202000040123
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Stonewall funding: FOI release

Details of the person responsible, their superior, and their department as it relates to FOI/18/00320 Please provide documentation clarifying this funding for “reporting hate crime”, specifically what laws were specified and definitions, the reasoning associating hate crime with ‘inclusion in public life’, specifics on...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.25(1) s.2 s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-02
Reference
FOI/202000039717
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Money and tax, Public sector

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI review

All communications between Ministers, Special Advisers and communication staff regarding the publication of exam analysis by the Scottish Government (see here: https://news.gov.scot/news/publication-of-exam-analysis ) Any drafts of pages 1-3 of the exam analysis (see here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/examresults-...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-29
Reference
FOI/202000024838
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Former First Minister complaints: FOI release

1. Dates, times and locations of the three publicly stated meetings at which the First Minister met Mr Alex Salmond in relation to complaints against him of inappropriate behaviour towards Scottish Government staff. 2. At whose request or initiative each of those meetings referred to above were arranged and if Scottish...

FOI withheld 55 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.5 s.6 s.7 s.25(1) s.26 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1)
Published
2020-06-19
Reference
FOI/202000022790
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Changes to FOI in Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill – meetings: FOI release

This is an FOI request in relation to the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill. I would like to request the following material: 1. Details (dates, attendees etc) of all meetings where proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules were discussed 2. Any associated documents from the above meetings (NB this should include minut...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-17
Reference
FOI/202000025364
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Coordination and distribution of the Standard Grocery Pack: FOI release

I require full details of who is responsible for the coordination and distribution of the "Standard Grocery Pack" within the Scottish Dewvolved Administration? For the avoidance of doubt, and to prevent unecessary clarification by Civil Servants, I seek the person's job description and not their personal details. I alr...

FOI clarification 80 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-10
Reference
FOI/202000030117
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Questions concerning the Sturrock report: FOI Review

With ref. to the FOI response referenced above I do not believe that the response provided properly addressed the questions asked. I have noted below some specific points for your consideration. Q1 It is noted that the answer to this question was ‘Yes’. The additional comment does not appear to either enhance or qualif...

FOI not held 70 score 65 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-06-09
Reference
FOI/202000024268 Review
Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd funding: FOI release

“Please advise what the procedures and thresholds/limits are applicable to the Scottish Cabinet, and specifically provide details of the transaction that granted Ferguson Marine 45MM cash, with copies of the paper trail, the recommendation and the sign off for releasing the funds. Also please provide the paper trail an...

FOI already published 80 score 64 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.2 s.3 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.3(3) s.33(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-06-04
Reference
FOI/202000018506
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

COP26 climate summit correspondence: FOI release

“Could you please provide copies of any correspondence since 1 January 2019 between the UK and Scottish governments or their representatives relating to the holding and organisation of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, along with any emails, memos, report, or other recorded information between officials or ministers...

FOI already published 80 score 54 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.25 s.32(1) s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-05-26
Reference
FOI/202000012689
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Files and communications relating to FOI 201900009848: FOI release

All case handling files regarding FOI 201900009848 (both the initial response and the subsequent review) All communication, internal and external, regarding FOI 201900009848 (both the initial response and the subsequent review) Any other material related to FOI 201900009848 (such as, but not limited to, details of meet...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 61 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-05-20
Reference
FOI/202000018614
Directorate
Topic

Correspondence relating to Former Finance Minister resignation: FOI Review

"Please provide all correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Government special advisers, her Chief of Staff and private office in relation to allegations about the conduct Derek Mackay and subsequently his resignation from government between noon on 5 February and 12 February 2020. The response acknowledges...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-05-01
Reference
FOI/202000020636 Review
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding Former Finance Minister resignation: FOI release

All correspondence between Scottish Government special advisers and Scottish Government communications staff in relation to allegations about Derek Mackay and his subsequent resignation from government between 5-12 February.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-05-01
Reference
FOI/202000028279
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding Mr Mackay and subsequent resignation: FOI review

1) Any record of the meeting in which Derek Mackay ‘resigned verbally’ from Government on 5/6th February 2020 (according to Scottish Government quote here: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18225904.shock-fms-office-admits-no-mackayresignationletter/). This might take the form of emails, attachments, typed or handwr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-04-08
Reference
FOI/202000020475
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish child payment: FOI release

Correspondence and briefing materials that relate to the Scottish Child Payment, and accompanying documents, shared between officials from the Social Security Directorate and the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People. The release of information should include, but not be limited to, briefings and paper...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 45 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-04-03
Reference
FOI/202000017825
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Money and tax, Public sector

Documentation relating to parliamentary question S5W-26056: FOI release

All material relating to the handling of Parliamentary Question S5W-26056. Please provide all information held relating to the above request, including but not exclusively all information held in the following formats: email, internal messaging, hardcopy, letter, file, report, graphic, publication, hand written notes,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-30
Reference
FOI/202000020240
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI release

I would like to request the following materials under Freedom of Information: All communications between Ministers, Special Advisers and communication staff regarding the publication of exam analysis by the Scottish Government (see here: https://news.gov.scot/news/publication-of-exam-analysis) Any drafts of pages 1-3 ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000017654
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Meetings with representatives of diplomatic missions and with the Scottish electricity industry: FOI release

information relating to meetings by the with representatives of diplomatic missions and with the Scottish electricity industry, records of which I understand must be made and kept under the terms of the Scottish Ministerial Code. The meetings are as follows: 2 April 2010 Meeting with Ian Marchant, SSE 22 June 2010 Att...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.33(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000018267
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

“Extended Presumption Against Short Sentences – Monitoring Information July 2019 – December 2019” statistical publication: 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 Peter Malek, Justice Analytical Services and (i) Scottish Government ministers, (ii) special advisers, (iii) officials, (i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-25
Reference
FOI/202000017806
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence between various education departments & agencies regarding fees: FOI appeal

“Please provide digital copies of all emails, documents, memoranda, policy notices and legal advice in the possession of the Scottish Government which were received, written or sent during the period from 1 September 2011 to 1 April 2014, within, from or to, any of the following parts of the Scottish Government: SAAS, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-03-25
Reference
FOI/202000016099 Review
Directorate
Topic
Education, Money and tax, Public sector

QI Consulting contract with Scottish Government for independent operational expert advice: FOI release

Your request is noted below: “To ask Scottish Ministers to provide the contract that was drawn up and agreed between both parties that enabled Commodore van Beek to commence his review. In addition, Mr van Beek states in his letter above that the review would be carried out with a colleague, Bert Niven, a director of ...

FOI already published 80 score 12 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.38 s.33 s.25(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-12
Reference
FOI/202000017467
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Further correspondence from 5th to 12th of February regarding Mr Mackay: FOI release

1) Please provide all correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Government special advisers, her Chief of Staff and private office in relation to allegations about the conduct Derek Mackay and subsequently his resignation from government between noon on 5 February and 12 February 2020. 2) Please provide all ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.39(1) s.17(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-12
Reference
FOI/202000015900
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence from 5th of February regarding Mr Mackay: FOI release

Could you please provide me with the following under freedom of information legislation? 1) Details of email and text communications between the first minister, deputy first minister, Derek Mackay and government advisors on 05 February 2020 relating to a story in the Scottish Sun about Mr Mackay 2) Any communication ...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-09
Reference
FOI/202000015331
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector