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
80 matching releases

Correspondence regarding EU state aid rules: FOI release

Any correspondence or briefings (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) received by transport minister Jenny Gilruth or Kate Forbes regarding ‘EU state aid rules’ in the period 1 January 2022 to 11...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202200299753
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Consideration of alternatives to judicial review of section 35 Order: FOI release

Further to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice's statement to Channel 4 News on 12 April that "the Scottish Government has given due consideration to the other alternatives [to bringing legal action on the current Section 35 Order], to ensure that we didn't get into a place of having a judicial review" (see here: ...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.35 s.36(1) s.25(1) s.27(1) s.3(2) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-24
Reference
202300351714
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC) decision 065/2023: FOI release

The information the Scottish Government has been instructed to disclose following the SIC decision 065/2023. Internal correspondence on the initial handling of the FOI that led to the appeal which in turn led to the SIC decision noted above, and internal correspondence around how the appeal process was handled once the...

FOI already published 80 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 s.47(1) s.49(3) s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-09-20
Reference
FOI/202300365708
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Deputy First Ministers meetings with Lady Poole: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to the following meetings: John Swinney's meetings with Lady Poole...

FOI already published 80 score 100 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 10 attachments
Published
2023-08-09
Reference
FOI/202300338420
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

2022 exam appeals - internal communications: FOI release

The following information regarding the 2022 exam appeals: All internal communication involving the following: Ministers Special Advisers Communication staff Learning Directorate staff Education Reform Directorate staff The time frame for this request is April 1, 2022 - present. Communication would include, but woul...

FOI already published 80 score 137 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202200328831
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

The sale of Lochaber assets of Rio Tinto Aluminium: FOI release

The areas I would appreciate any information held on are in relation to the sale of the Lochaber assets of Rio Tinto Aluminium (the Lochaber smelter, the two hydro-electric power stations and the associated Highland estate lands) to the GFG Alliance (including Liberty and SIMEC): (1) Any risk assessment carried out in ...

FOI already published 80 score 91 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.30 s.27 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-27
Reference
FOI/202200309183
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Civil Service briefings produced on the UNCRC prior to the bill being introduced: FOI release

Copies of any briefings or memos or other analysis on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, produced by the Civil Service prior to the Bill being introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

FOI already published 80 score 235 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.10(1) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-10-31
Reference
FOI/202100257620
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Public sector

External legal advice incurred relating to Referendum: FOI release

1) The cost of all external legal advice incurred by the Scottish Government producing the Lord Advocate’s written case to the Supreme Court on the question of whether a referendum on Scottish independence relates to reserved matters. 2) If possible, the lawyers/firms in receipt of the funds the Scottish Government pro...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.2 s.27 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-10-05
Reference
FOI/202200312733
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Documentation regarding 2022 National Qualifications: FOI release

The Scottish Government has today confirmed that exams will take place in 2022 (if safe to do so) - https://www.gov.scot/news/national-qualifications-2022/. Please release any documents (such as advice, analysis, briefings, options documents etc) outlining / analysing / considering etc. the options available for nation...

FOI already published 80 score 240 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100231966
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication with Scottish Qualification Authority: FOI release

Internal Scottish Government correspondence (including between ministers and civil servants) from 17 May to 27 June 2021 regarding the Scottish Qualifications Authority, broken down by 6 separate timeframes (Micase refs: 239784, 239798, 239823, 239840, 239842 & 239863). Clarification was provided on 27 September 2021, ...

FOI already published 80 score 86 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29 s.30 s.36 s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2022-02-21
Reference
FOI/202100239842
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence with UK Government regarding UNCRC Bill: FOI release

Correspondence between the UK and Scottish Governments in relation to the UNCRC (incorporation) (Scotland) Bill between September 2019 and March 2021.

FOI already published 80 score 121 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.28 s.36 s.25 s.28(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-26
Reference
FOI/202100219052
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Communication concerning mountain hares’ current and future legal status: EIR release

1. Any electronic, written, or other correspondence from or between the Scottish Government directorates, between August 2020 and August 2021, concerning mountain hare's current and future legal status. This should include (but not be limited to) electronic, written, or other correspondence concerning mountain hares' c...

FOI/EIR already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) s.11(2) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-17
Reference
FOI/202100244500
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Heat Networks (Scotland) bill: FOI release

Copies of the correspondence received, the response sent (including any further follow up correspondence) and any discussions surrounding this (including internal discussions) between the Scottish Government and representatives of the Crown regarding Queen's Consent and the Heat Networks Bill. Please also include copie...

FOI already published 80 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.25 s.41 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-25
Reference
FOI/202100181726
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs referendum correspondence: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of all emails to and from Michael Russell with the word ‘referendum’ in them (including in the email body, as an attachment, in the subject line and/or otherwise).

FOI already published 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-03
Reference
FOI/202000118630
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information regarding obligations to provide State Pension after independence: FOI release

"Can you provide me with any discussions or analysis conducted by the Scottish Government with respect to whether the Scottish Government or the U.K. Government has a legal obligation to provide state pensions after independence.”

FOI already published 80 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.25(1) s.29 s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000130448
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, 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

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

Questions concerning COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland: FOI release

1. Was it legal to implement ANY restrictions to peoples’ liberties during this Covid mess made by the government and where can I find out when this legislation was given under law ? 2. Presently IS it legal to continue restrictions? 3. Is it now legal to trample over people human rights (as no one has ever answered ...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-07
Reference
FOI/202000106239
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Well boats and salmon farms: EIR review

Original request for information: - Please include data on chemical use including Azamethiphos, Deltamethrin, Hydrogen Peroxide, Emamectin benzoate, Imidacloprid (BMK08/Ectosan) and any other chemicals, medicines, antibiotics and anti-parasiticides which may be used via well boats. - Please include any discussions re...

FOI/EIR already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.1 s.6(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-10
Reference
FOI/202000084355
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd & Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd relationship: FOI release

"the amount of money the Scottish Government (SG) has paid in respect of the contract for the two ferries 601 and 602 (including monies paid by CMAL and SG loans to FM) and also since nationalisation and including the costs of satisfying the various charges over assets of Ferguson Marine.”

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.25(1) s.30 s.33 s.36 s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2020-02-21
Reference
FOI/20/00102
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Supporting transgender pupils in schools - correspondence and guidance: FOI release

All information relating to Scottish Government’s guidance on supporting transgender pupils in schools and correspondence with LGBT Youth Scotland that relates to their transgender guidance for schools.

FOI already published 80 score 3 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-11-15
Reference
FOI/201900005131
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Updated guidance to support transgender pupils in schools information: FOI release

You asked for information relating to the decision to produce updated guidance to support transgender pupils in schools including any evidence held that supports the claim that girls would be excluded by the existing LGBT Youth Scotland transgender guidance.

FOI already published 80 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-09-19
Reference
FOI/201900003278
Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

“Supporting transgender young people, guidance for schools in Scotland” document: FOI review

Further to my letter of 30 May 2019, I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for information regarding the publication Supporting Transgender Young People: Guidance for Schools in Scotland. I have concluded that the original decision s...

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.36(1) s.5 s.29(1)
Published
2019-06-27
Reference
FOI/19/00998
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Equality and rights, +1 more … Public sector

Unannounced inspections of marine cage fish farms: EIR release

1. A copy of any legal opinion/advice Marine Scotland has received (or is aware or in possession of), in reference to Marine Scotland's(& Scottish Government) obligations under the aforementioned regulations to conduct unannounced inspections of Marine Cage Fish Farms (MCFF). This could include, but not be limited brie...

FOI/EIR already published 80 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.4 s.5 s.10(4) s.6 s.10(5) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-05-08
Reference
FOI/19/00881
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector