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
932 matching releases

Scottish Landfill Tax: EIR release

How much money has been spent on the Scottish Government looking into the Scottish Landfill Tax over the last five years, with a breakdown of each year and what the money has been spent on? How many consultations has the government published about this topic and similar policies on the Scottish Landfill Tax over the l...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2024-03-21
Reference
FOI/202300387173
Directorate
Tax Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Meeting between the Prince of Wales and the First Minister: EIR release

You asked a number of questions relating to a meeting which took place between the Prince of Wales and the First Minister, the Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 23 June 2015. As the information you have requested is ‘environmental information’ for the purposes of the Environmental Informati...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 4 attachments
Published
2024-03-19
Reference
202200301450
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Application of building regulations to domestic extensions: EIR release

Information on the application of building regulations to domestic extensions and the recent change to published guidance and 'removal of the ability to use improvements to an existing house to compensate for areas of glazing in an extension which are more than 25% of the floor area'. You raised ten specific questions ...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 14 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.3 s.10(4) s.5 8 attachments
Published
2024-03-14
Reference
202300346259
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scotland’s International Network Reporting: FOI Release

Under as it was then the Scottish Executive, annual reports were published that detailed the activities of the Scottish Executive European Office (SEEO). The content contained within these annual reports included: events hosted by (SEEO), details of ministerial visits, and the range of activities the SEEO had been enga...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) 8 attachments
Published
2024-03-13
Reference
FOI/202300374091
Directorate
EU Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Hill of Fare Wind Farm: FOI release

The following information in relation to the Hill of Fare wind farm project in Aberdeenshire: 1. How many representations have been received by the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) by 2 February 2024? 2. Of these, how many representations have been received from members of the public and community organisations? 3. Of the...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.3
Published
2024-03-12
Reference
FOI/202400397017
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence relating to council tax freezes: FOI release

On the 18th October 2023, the Finance Minister Shona Robison made the claim that the decision to freeze Council Tax rates was made less than 48 hours before Humza Yousaf’s announcement and that the decision was made without following the normal consultation and communication methods. I would like to make a Freedom of I...

FOI not held 70 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.12 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17 6 attachments
Published
2024-03-12
Reference
FOI/202300381631
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism meeting with Norwegian Government in relation to Aquaculture: EIR release

Any pre-meeting briefing provided to then Minister Fergus Ewing prior to his meeting on the 25th November 2019 with the Norwegian Government entitled 'Exchange of policies and expertise in relation to the sustainability of the Aquaculture Sector', and any note or minute for this meeting and the list of all attendees an...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2024-03-04
Reference
FOI/202300383318
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Correspondence pertaining to a meeting with the DPEA, the Chief Planner and others: EIR release

A copy of all correspondence between the DPEA and (i) the Chief Planner, and (ii) the Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Division of the Scottish Government, in connection with the meeting of 12 April 2023. A copy of the agenda and list of attendees for the meeting of 12 April 2023. A copy of any papers, notes or ...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.10(4) s.20 6 attachments
Published
2024-02-27
Reference
202300363845
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Public sector

Digital waste tracking: EIR release

“How much money has been spent on the Scottish Government looking into mandatory digital waste tracking over the last five years, with a breakdown of each year and what the money has been spent on”? “How many consultations has the government published about this topic and similar policies on mandatory digital waste tra...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.5(1) s.10 s.11
Published
2024-02-26
Reference
EIR/202300387195
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Orkney independence and Zero emission vessels: EIR release

All briefings prepared for ministers about Orkney considering independence from Scotland and the UK between June 15 2023 and the date of this FOI. All correspondence, including internal emails, sent and received by the Scottish Government regarding Orkney considering independence from Scotland, between June 15 2023 and...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.10(5) 2 attachments
Published
2024-02-26
Reference
FOI/202300376397
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

First Minister’s Christmas Media Reception: FOI release

Regarding the First Minister’s Christmas Media Reception, held at Bute House last night 14/12/23: A number of civil servants could be overheard discussing being "asked to go and buy booze at the last minute". Was alcohol or "booze" always going to be served at the Christmas Media Reception? If not, when was it decid...

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts spending s.17(1) s.7 s.10 s.4 s.27(1) s.17
Published
2024-02-23
Reference
FOI/202300389912
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

1. ‘Was any investigation launched into who leaked the C&C Group Tennents letter about the DRS to the Daily Record and if so, what was the outcome? If not, why not? 2. Is there any review ongoing in the civil service about the deposit return scheme failure? 3. Has the Scottish Government set aside any money for potenti...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.10(4) s.5(1) s.10 s.11 s.6(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-02-22
Reference
FOI/202300374147
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Creative Scotland budget: FOI release

A list of all meetings involving the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development relating to Creative Scotland’s Budget since her appointment All notes, agendas and minutes relating to these meetings All correspondence relating to these meetings Separately, I would like to request the following informat...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-02-22
Reference
FOI/202300379573
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise trip to Poland: FOI release

Ivan McKee flew to Poland in March 2022: 1. What airport in Scotland did he fly from? And what airport in Poland did he fly to? 2. From what airport in Poland did he fly from? And what airport in Scotland did he fly to?

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2024-02-19
Reference
FOI/202300388566
Directorate
Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector, Transport

Scottish Government public holidays, staffing numbers and working patterns: FOI release

1. A list of all public holidays which are observed by the Scottish Government which are not official bank holidays, as listed on your website. Please include dates these fell on in 2023. 2. The total number of Scottish Government staff, by headcount, in total on Monday, September 19, 2022 (i.e the 'autumn public holi...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.17 2 attachments
Published
2024-02-12
Reference
FOI/202300376366
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

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

Explanation on why determining appeal PPA-400-2126 would prejudice or otherwise undermine the Scottish Ministers’ determination of the Mossend appeal: EIR review

The Reporter to provide a detailed explanation as to why he considers that determining appeal PPA- 400-2126 would prejudice or otherwise undermine the Scottish Ministers’ determination of the Mossend appeal. A detailed explanation as to why the Reporter considers the Mossend appeal must be determined first. Provide a c...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.10(4) s.20 s.10 s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-31
Reference
EIR/202300364142 Review of 202300354907
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Public sector

"Tinker Housing experiments": FOI review

Provide us with copies of the legal advice which your government has received on this matter. Provide a comprehensive explanation as to why the Scottish Government is unable to apologise on this, yet is able to apologise for various other historical injustice which preceded devolution such as those referred to above.

FOI not held 45 score 48 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.36(1)
Published
2024-01-30
Reference
FOI/202200316652 Review of 202200304820
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Pardoning of witches: FOI review

You asked for review of our failure to respond to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: A full list of those affected by the decision who were convicted under the Witches Act. Any email, chat group, written correspondence, memos or reports associated with or referencing the dec...

FOI not held 70 score 43 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-23
Reference
FOI 202200295186 Review of 202200286394
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Ministers with Scottish Government issued laptop or tablet: FOI release

1. A list of all government ministers who have a laptop, iPad or similar tablet, or smart watch provided by the Scottish Government, what device and when this was issued. 2. A list of all government ministers who have a mobile phone provided by the Scottish Parliament, and when this phone was issued. 3. A list of all...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1)
Published
2024-01-23
Reference
FOI/202300384401
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish trust ports assets: EIR release

The exact process from start to disposal of a Scottish trust ports assets. Particularly the requirements of Section 5 of the Ports Act 1991, the request for consent from the minister and what process the minister applies before consent is given.

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.5
Published
2024-01-19
Reference
FOI/202300385223
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Lobbying in Scotland meeting minutes with energy companies: EIR review

I have looked at the Scottish Lobbying Register and would like to ask you if you could provide minutes or any other information you may have regarding what was discussed in these meetings. With specific consideration of whether the Scottish Government hold records of meetings between Ivan McKee and: 01/11/2021 with B...

FOI/EIR not held 40 score 12 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2024-01-18
Reference
EIR/202300363762 Review of 202300344585
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Building and fire safety working group: EIR review

Provide the update SG Officials provided on the Single Building Assessment (SBA), including any notes, briefings and slides circulated or prepare. Detail the make-up of the buildings included in the pilot phase which illustrates the "range of different building sizes and issues to ensure the SBA process is robust". Pro...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 7 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-18
Reference
EIR/202200308093 Review of 202200293106
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Meetings of the Transport Minister in August 2022: FOI review

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: Jenny Gilruth's meeting with CMAL on Au...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.29 s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-17
Reference
FOI/202300342767 Review of 202200331302
Directorate
Topic
Public sector