Scottish Government FOI Index

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

75 matching releases

Chief of Staff to the First Minister: FOI release

All Chief of Staff to the First Minister, and who the First Minister was they were Chief of Staff to The tenure of duration of each chief of staff General duties, roles and responsibilities of the Chief of Staff to the First Minister Engagements of the Chief of Staff within the Scottish Government, office of the First ...

FOI not held 45 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1)

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: FOI/202400411404
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Former First Minister's travel to London in March 2023: FOI release

In relation to FOI 202300372115 about the former First Minister's travel to London in March 2023 and followed up to ask: 1. Was the trip solely for the purposes of the previous First Minister to take part in a television programme called ‘Loose Women’? 2. If not, was the trip also for the purpose of matters which are...

FOI not held 40 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: FOI/202400412363
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Meetings with North East Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (NECCUS), Scottish and Southern Energy plc (SSE) and Equinor: EIR release

Any documentation relevant to the following meetings. I request copies of who attended the meetings, what topics were discussed, any briefings provided to attendees, who said what, and any agreed actions. 1 ) On 07/12/2022 via video conference, a meeting between SSE and Michael Matheson MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Net...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.1 s.2 s.10 s.11 s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.5(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-30
Reference: EIR/202400407153
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), Equinor, Ian Wood and True North correspondence: EIR release

Any documentation relevant to the following meetings between the Scottish Government and SSE, Equnior, Ian Wood and True North in 2022-2024. I request copies of attendance, topics discussed and any agreed actions. [Date / location / company / Minister / Where meeting was identified] 1) 07/10/2022, SNP Party Conferen...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.3 s.6 s.7 s.9 s.10 s.12 s.13 s.14 s.15 s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.5(1) s.11 s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-29
Reference: EIR/202400401637
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Gender Reform Recognition Bill: FOI release

1. Full costs of the court case about the Gender Reform Recognition Bill, including expenses claims, and a full breakdown of these costs. 2. How many civil servants worked on the court case and what were their roles? 3. Correspondence between the Scottish Government, including internal correspondence, and Scottish Tr...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.2 s.35 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.37(1) s.28(1) s.5 s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-15
Reference: FOI/202300385351
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Information on offshore wind potential statistic: EIR release

This is a follow up request to a previous FOI response, ref: 202300356373. Please can the same questions answered in the above referenced FOI response be answered again, and brought fully up to date. In other words, answered for the period 12th May 2023 - date. In addition to answering the same questions as the previ...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-14
Reference: EIR/202300380216
Directorate: Chief Economist Directorate
Topic: Economy, Energy, Public sector

Civil servants employed in Speech Writing team by Scottish Government: FOI release

1. Please provide details of the number of civil servants employed in the ‘Speech Writing’ team of the Scottish Government, employed to prepare speeches and assistance related to speech-writing for Scottish Ministers. Please include details of Job Titles and Pay Grades in this information. 2. Please provide informati...

FOI not held 45 score 13 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.17(1) s.30

Published: 2024-04-17
Reference: FOI/202400403383
Directorate: Performance, Delivery and Resilience Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

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

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

Scottish Government chauffeured cars: FOI release

How does the Scottish Government contract with chauffeured cars for Ministers work? Is it a contract for a set period of time or is it dependant on mileage incurred? How much has been spent on this in the last year? Who is authorised to use Scottish Government chauffeured cars? Ministers, Special Advisers, Scottish Gov...

FOI not held 45 score 8 working days correspondence ministers special advisers contracts spending s.17(1)

Published: 2024-01-10
Reference: FOI/202300384193
Directorate: Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Tartan Week: FOI release

Can you share any briefings prepared for Angus Robertson for his attendance? Can you release the names and job titles of all ministers, civil servants, special advisers and others who attended events? Can you detail the cost of the travel and accommodation for each individual? Can you release their itineraries? Can you...

FOI not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.27(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 10 attachments

Published: 2024-01-04
Reference: 202300352137
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Meetings about a second independence referendum: FOI release

Minutes of meetings held between Nicola Sturgeon and Angus Robertson on preparations for a second independence referendum, including on a prospectus. Minutes of all meetings held between Nicola Sturgeon and the team working (including civil servants) on preparations for a second independence referendum, including on a ...

FOI not held 45 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2023-12-19
Reference: 202200280399
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Funding for V&A museum in Dundee and Kings Theatre in Edinburgh: FOI release

How much money has the Scottish Government and any Scot Gov quango handed out overall to the V&A museum in Dundee? Breakdown by year, how much was given and what for? Over that same time period how much money has the government or any Scot Gov quango handed out to the Kings Theatre in Edinburgh? Breakdown by year, how ...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-16
Reference: 202300340809
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Freedom of Information (FOIs) cases discussed at Cabinet: FOI release

During the Scottish Parliament's Convener's Group meeting on September 27, 2023, Humza Yousaf said that certain FOIs had been brought to cabinet to discuss. Which FOIs were they, why were they brought to cabinet, and what was the resulting decision? Please also provide the responses to the FOIs that were brought to Cab...

FOI not held 45 score 10 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.17(1)

Published: 2023-11-21
Reference: FOI/202300378309
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister folders: FoI release

I have today noticed the First Minister is using a branded First Minister folder: https://twitter.com/ScotGovFM/status/1691431805910491136?s=20 I have looked at previous photos and this the first time this type of folder has been used. It is also different from the ones other Ministers uses. I would like information ...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.6 s.17(1)

Published: 2023-10-04
Reference: Foi - 202300371718
Directorate
Topic

Resource Spending Review: FOI release

How many FTE civil servants were involved in drafting the Resource Spending Review (published 31 May 2022)? The distribution of pay grades for all civil servants involved in drafting the Resource Spending Review (published 31 May 2022) How many hours were spent by civil servants on drafting the Resource Spending Review...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence special advisers spending s.17 s.17(1)

Published: 2023-07-19
Reference: FOI/202300362942
Directorate: Public Spending Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

R100 Broadband scheme progress: FOI release

How many premises have so far been connected through the R100 broadband scheme broken down by north, south and central lot please? For the north lot, could this be broken down by constituency please? Please could you tell me the estimated number of properties which are still left to be connected?

FOI not held 40 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers contracts

Published: 2023-06-26
Reference: FOI/202300359656
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Average response times for an FOI request: FOI release

1) The mean, median and maximum response times for an FOI to the Scottish Government over the last 12 months. 2) The number and percentage of FOIs that were referred to Special Advisers for each month of the last five years. 3) The mean, median and maximum response times for all FOIs referred to Special Advisers over t...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 s.3 s.20 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-05-25
Reference: FOI/202300352495
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Gordonbush Wind Farm and Gordonbush Hydrogen Demonstrator Project: EIR release

Information on Gordonbush Wind Farm and Gordonbush Hydrogen Demonstrator Project. Please provide details of all meetings held between Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson (NetZero/Energy) and SSE Renewables in which the Gordonbush wind farm has been discussed. Please also include all discussions related to the proposed ...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-05-02
Reference: FOI/202300347852
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Meta data request regarding FOI 202200299795: FOI release

The following information under FOISA as it relates to FOI request 202200299795. 1) Any and all correspondence within the Scottish Government, in particular including special advisers, relating to the above request. For clarity, the correspondence should include - but not be limited to - emails, WhatsApp messages and p...

FOI not held 70 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings whatsapp s.2 s.17 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-03-28
Reference: FOI/202200330635
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Scotland's offshore wind potential: EIR release

1) Internal correspondence within the Scottish Government either as part of the response to press requests for comment about the statistic relating to Scotland having 25% of Europe's offshore wind potential, linked to a These Island's report. This should include official, special adviser, and ministerial comment/sign o...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-02-17
Reference: FOI/202200329615
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Information regarding Redress Scotland: FOI release

1. How much money has been raised for the Redress Scotland scheme from organisations with a history of abuse? 2. What organisations have contributed and how much has each contributed? 3. How many organisations have refused to contribute to the fund and who are these organisations? 4. Copies of all correspondence betwee...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.14(7) s.12

Published: 2021-10-06
Reference: FOI/202100231140
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Information regarding access to private email accounts and websites: FOI release

1. Number of times per month private email accounts are accessed from Scottish Government issued IT equipment to MSP's (desktops, laptops, mobiles, other electronic devices). 2. Number of times per month Adult related websites are accessed by MSP's using official government issued equipment. Listing top 10 sites visite...

FOI not held 70 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.3 s.4 s.5 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-09-23
Reference: FOI/202100223756
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Covid-19 briefings relating to restrictions: FOI release

1. Minutes from any formal four nations discussions with Michael Gove and other representatives from UK, Welsh Governments and Northern Ireland executive between October 1 and January 15 on the topic of Covid-19 and four nations alignment on restrictions/measures. 2. Notes taken by Scottish Government staff or minister...

FOI not held 70 score 80 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.1 s.17(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.3(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-06-15
Reference: FOI/202100164644 review of 202100140372
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Minutes of meeting between First Minister and Bill Gates 2018: FOI release

The minutes of the meeting between Nicola Sturgeon and Bill Gates in January 2018. I would also like to know how much money Bill Gates, The Bill and Melinda Foundation and ANY of his affiiated companies, charities etc have given the Scottish Government/SNP, and what this money has been used for? I would also like to kn...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202100156917
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Programme for Government, Public sector