Scottish Government FOI Index

18,099releases indexed

29,946attachments found

29.8avg calendar days

6,650partially withheld

2019-05-15oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 6,650 unclear 6,023 not held 2,568 released 1,213 already published 588 cost limit 504 clarification 288 withheld 199 transferred 66

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4133 s.20 3541 s.34(1) 3273 s.39(2) 2802 s.30 2391 s.17(1) 2346 s.25(1) 1993 s.10(4) 1663 s.11(2) 1363 s.2 986 s.29(1) 969 s.3 758

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 1,053 releases · 28.0 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 833 releases · 31.1 avg days Marine Directorate 741 releases · 29.0 avg days Learning Directorate 657 releases · 34.7 avg days Population Health Directorate 577 releases · 28.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 553 releases · 36.5 avg days Economic Development Directorate 545 releases · 40.3 avg days People Directorate 513 releases · 25.9 avg days

Clear

131 matching releases

Data on the award of Australian Environmental Cleaning Services (AECS): EIR release

You asked for clarification of the previous EIR response (202500455527): 1. Regarding what you showed re Species rich grassland management in AECS. Are those figures what was applied for in that year or the totality of the area that is managed under AECS (ie somewhere in years 1 – 5 of an AECS agreement)? 2. In addit...

FOI/EIR clarification 50 score 10 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending

Published: 2025-09-10
Reference: FOI/202500463852
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural, Public sector

A96 Corridor Review: FOI release

1. All documents and advice, submissions and information provided to the minister and exchanges with officials and any other bodies such as HIE, relating to the advice to which the minister referred as having been commissioned, and all subsequent advice preferred to her please. 2. More specifically, the impact the gro...

FOI clarification 80 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-09-08
Reference: FOI/202500458022
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Police Pension Scheme Remedy Arrangements and Remedial Service Statements: FOI release

You asked for the following information relating to the Scottish Government and SPPA responsibilities around the 2015 Remedy arrangements for police pension schemes: 1. Aside from the 100 RSS "test cases" referred to by SPPA in November 2024, how many actual RSSs were issued to Remedy pensioners by SPPA during the per...

FOI clarification 55 score 12 working days correspondence ministers spending s.4 s.5

Published: 2025-09-08
Reference: FOI/202500462587
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Clarification on Scottish Government correspondence response times: FOI release

I refer to your letter of 11 July 2025 in connection with my FOI request (your reference: 202500470931). In that letter, you state: "Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, we are normally required to respond within 20 working days. However, due to the volume and complexity of the information requested a...

FOI clarification 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.10(1) s.1(3) s.10(2) s.10(3) s.17(1)

Published: 2025-08-19
Reference: FOI/202500475608
Directorate: Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic: Public sector

NHS Fife tribunal costs and governance response: FOI release

1. Any Scottish Government guidance issued to health boards regarding gender-critical belief protections following the Forstater and Bailey rulings. 2. Records of ministerial discussions or interventions related to NHS Fife’s handling of the Peggie tribunal. 3. Clarification on the role of the Equality and Human Righ...

FOI clarification 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.12

Published: 2025-08-19
Reference: FOI/202500475115
Directorate: Health Workforce Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Mowi, Salmon Scotland and Loch Hourn correspondence: EIR release

All email correspondence (including attachments) to and from your domain and the following domains: "@mowi.com" and "@salmonscotland.co.uk"; Any other email correspondence (including attachments) to and from your domain regarding Loch Hourn, including internally, with Sepa ("@sepa.org.uk") and representatives of the gr...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-08-11
Reference: EIR/202500467787
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Police Pension Scheme Remedy Arrangements and Remedial Service Statements: FOI Review

Original request 202500462587 This FOI request concerns the Scottish Government and SPPA responsibilities around the 2015 Remedy arrangements for police pension schemes, the issue of Remediable Service Statements (RSSs) and the fact that SPPA breached the 31st March statutory deadline to issue RSSs to thousands of pen...

FOI clarification 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1)

Published: 2025-08-05
Reference: FOI/202500468754 Review of 202500462587
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Policy implementation documents relating to Green Freeports: FOI release

The six "policy safeguards" for Freeports endorsed at the SNP conference in 2021, and the subsequent clarification of your intent, namely: "Confirm whether any records exist where these six safeguards were referenced, particularly in communications or meetings with UK Government departments or internal Scottish Govern...

FOI clarification 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-29
Reference: FOI/202500465538
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Scottish Government request responses and use of free & frank advice exception: FOI release

In this request, when I refer to ‘free and frank advice exceptions’ I mean to refer to the application of a exemption from disclosure of requested information from a public body as an FOI or EIR request on the grounds that disclosure would inhibit the free and frank provision of advice, inhibit the free and frank excha...

FOI clarification 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2A s.25(1) s.6(1) s.12 s.29(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-17
Reference: FOI/202500461547
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Wind farm public inquiry information: EIR release

I am writing in reference to the response provided to my recent Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs) request (Case reference: 202500451517) concerning data on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) developments and renewable energy projects in the Scottish Borders and the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Be...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.36 s.37 s.62 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: EIR/202500456071
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE) documentation: FOI Review

Original request 202500454174 Grant Award Information: Could you clarify what information the Sponsor Team and the Scottish Government (SG) received from SOSE regarding the £200,000 grant award to Laggan Outdoor Ltd? I would appreciate sight of the relevant documents and audit trail. Meeting Papers: Please provide acc...

FOI clarification 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500458697 Review of 202500454174
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Council tax relief funding information: FOI Review

Original request 202500453366 Information regarding council tax relief funding for the 2025 - 2026 financial year: 1. Allocation Breakdown: A detailed breakdown of the exact amount allocated by the Scottish Government to each of Scotland's 32 local authorities for council tax relief. 2. Supporting Documentation: Cop...

FOI clarification 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.4 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500458076 Review of 202500453366
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Sutherland space port documentation: FOI release

All documentation held about or with Orbex about plans for Sutherland space port including correspondence sent and received (including internal), briefings, analysis of how it went, minutes/notes from meeting, between November 1 2024 and January 15 2025. Following a request for clarification from officials, you narrow...

FOI clarification 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.33(1) s.30 s.28(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-06-24
Reference: FOI/202500456448
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Economy, Public sector

Materials and communications related to funding made available to local authorities: FOI release

All materials relating to, regarding, discussing or referring to the £186.5m made available to local authorities, announced in a joint statement from COSLA and the Scottish Government on December 10. All communications between the Scottish Government, government officials, or officers and individual local authorities r...

FOI clarification 80 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-04-10
Reference: FOI/202500449645
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Information relating to Local Council decisions being appealed: EIR release

Please provide the following information, in spreadsheet file format, by local authority, and by year from 2010 to present: 1. A list of types of local council decisions and rulings which are eligible to be appealed to Scottish Ministers, either directly or through intermediate appellate organisations. 2. For each ca...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-04-08
Reference: FOI/202500453634
Directorate: Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding restriction on promotions of food high in fat, salt and sugar: FOI release

All correspondence sent and received and minutes/notes from meetings held by the Scottish Government with supermarkets, shops or trade representatives about restricting promotions of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt, from the last year.

FOI clarification 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-03-27
Reference: FOI/202500451984
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Green Volt Project correspondence: EIR release

“May I request the following information under freedom of information legislation: All email or letter correspondence received by the Scottish Government from external organisations relating to the Green Volt Project since 15 January 2023. For Scottish Ministers and special advisers, all instant message exchanges the...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.7 s.34(1) 14 attachments

Published: 2025-03-27
Reference: FOI/202400434817
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Special Advisers relationship with Freedom of Information requests: FOI Review

Original request 202500447375 1) It is a requirement that SPADs and/or the FM's chief of staff clear FOI responses from civil servants in the FOI unit? 2) How many FOIs were received by the Scottish Government in 2024, and how many of these were cleared by SPADs and/or FM's chief of staff before release? 3) What is ...

FOI clarification 50 score 8 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202500452341 Review of 202500447375
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government building maintenance backlog: FOI release

Today, the UK Government’s National Audit Office published this: https://www.nao.org.uk/pressreleases/government-building-maintenance-backlog-is-at-least-49-billion-spending-watchdog-says/. They say that the Government building maintenance backlog is £49 billion. 1. As far as the Scottish Government is aware, does thi...

FOI clarification 55 score 16 working days correspondence ministers spending s.3

Published: 2025-02-20
Reference: FOI/202500449480
Directorate: Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Farmed salmon escapes correspondence: EIR release

Information on escapes of farmed salmon - from farms, hatcheries, work boats, lorries, helicopter transfers and any other sources/routes - since 1 January 2023. Documents, emails, warning letters, videos, photos, data sheets, scientific reports and any other information relating to escapes of farmed salmon since 1 Janu...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.9 s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-14
Reference: EIR/202500446495
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Insurance arrangements for Government Car Service vehicles: FOI release

I am writing to seek clarification on the insurance arrangements for ministerial cars, particularly in light of recent constituent concerns. Specifically, I would like to understand the following: What is the scope of the insurance provided for ministerial vehicles in Scotland? Who is covered under this insurance? Doe...

FOI clarification 50 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence ministers

Published: 2025-01-22
Reference: FOI/202400443401
Directorate: Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Salmon farming briefing notes provided to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands: EIR release

Full briefing notes provided to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands in preparation for her appearance at the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee follow-up inquiry into salmon farming on Wednesday 13 November 2024.

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 8 attachments

Published: 2025-01-17
Reference: EIR/202400440742
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

A90/A937 Laurencekirk Junction correspondence: EIR release

Information in relation to the A90/A937 Laurencekirk Junction, specifically:- “1. Compulsory Purchase Process and Statutory Delays: All internal correspondence, legal opinions, and documents (including minutes of meetings) from January 2016 onwards related to the compulsory purchase process and any disputes causing d...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 302 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.2 s.3 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-16
Reference: FOI/202400434750
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Correspondence regarding the proposed withdrawal of Royal Mail postal rail services: FOI release

‘Any correspondence between ministers and other parties regarding the proposed withdrawal of Royal Mail postal rail services’. Upon clarification, you confirmed that we were looking to receive: ‘all correspondence to/from ministers, including with officials (…) since January 2024’.

FOI clarification 80 score 51 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-18
Reference: FOI/202400428906
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Objection to the Northlands wind farm on the Isle of Lewis: EIR release

What modelling the Government may have done in relation to this project [N4] or similar: to calculate the return to investors and public subsidy required to support this investment the risks associated with such developments the maximum scale of offshore turbines that A clarification was sent to you on 10/10/2024, as...

FOI/EIR clarification 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1)

Published: 2024-11-04
Reference: EIR/202400434973
Directorate: Offshore Wind Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector