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

Correspondence regarding Covid-19 Inquiry and social media messaging policy: FOI release

1. A full list of media requests to Jason Leitch, and Scottish Government ministers regarding the Covid Inquiry between Oct 25 and the date of this FOI. Can you include who the organisation is and whether they got accepted or rejected? 2. How many ministers requested exemptions from the Enterprise Vault back-up system...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.17(1) s.17 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-11
Reference
FOI/202300383421
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Scottish Blue Carbon forum: EIR release

1. What date was the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum formed? 2. What is the total cost of this group to the Scottish Government from the date of its formation to 4/10/23. 3. Is there any catering cost associated to this group? If so what is it? 4. Are members renumerated in anyway?

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)
Published
2023-12-11
Reference
FOI/202300379366
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Meetings of the Transport Minister in August 2022: 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: Jenny Gilruth's meeting with CMAL on Au...

FOI not held 70 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29 s.17 s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-07
Reference
202200331302
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity government issued mobile handset: FOI release

1. Does Lorna Slater use a mobile phone handset issued to her by the Scottish Government? 2. If Lorna Slater does not use a mobile phone handset issued to her by the Scottish Government, does the Scottish Government pay the bill for any personal handsets used by Lorna Slater, either directly, or via expense claims? 3...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2023-12-06
Reference
FOI/202300382799
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence between Professor Alan Werrity and Scottish ministers: EIR release

Copies of the agenda, briefing notes, presentations, minutes and any subsequent correspondence relating by to the meeting between Professor Alan Werrity and Scottish ministers and officials on 7 January 2020. Please also confirm if there has been any correspondence between Professor Alan Werrity with Scottish Ministers...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.10(4) s.11(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-05
Reference
202300344752
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Marine laboratory funding and ballast water testing: EIR release

I have been contacted by a constituent who has concerns regarding the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen. My constituent has concerns that the laboratory’s funding has been systematically reduced over a period of time, and that Marine Scotland is not committed to keeping the laboratory open. I would be grateful for any inf...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.20 s.10(4) s.9
Published
2023-11-30
Reference
202300345096
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme Ministerial Strategic Assurance Group: EIR release

1. “What was the date of formation of the Deposit Return Scheme Ministerial Strategic Assurance Group?” 2. “Who is a member of this group?” 3. “What is the cost to the Scottish Government of operating this group from the date of formation to 4/10/23?” 4. “Are any members of this group renumerated, if so what for?”

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.5(1) s.10 s.11
Published
2023-11-30
Reference
FOI/202300379429
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Property Factor removal statistics: FOI release

1. How many property factors have been struck off by Scottish Ministers since the Property Factors Act came into effect? 2. How many PFEOs have been issued in the last five years? 3. How many PFEOs have not been complied with in the last five years? 4. How many factors have faced prosecution over failure to comply w...

FOI not held 45 score 15 working days correspondence ministers s.4(7) s.8(1)
Published
2023-11-27
Reference
FOI/202300378489
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Offshore wind pricing: EIR release

On 27th September 2023, the Minister for Energy and the Environment, Gillian Martin, said this in the Scottish Parliament: “That is in comparison with electricity generated from offshore wind, which we have in abundance in Scotland and on which we are planning to do an awful lot more. Such electricity is currently pri...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)
Published
2023-11-27
Reference
FOI/202300378548
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

ScotRail Peak Fare Removal pilot: FOI release

Please see below responses to the questions you have raised in your email: Where did the idea initially come from? Who was the main group intended to benefit from such change? If the trial is successful would there permanently be no peak fares? If so what would happen with rail cards that require a minimum fee? Why wa...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.5 s.17(1)
Published
2023-11-27
Reference
FOI/202300378133
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Highlands and Islands Enterprise scrutiny and events: FOI release

How are HIE's various activities scrutinised, and the results made available to the voter/general public? Regarding the Agency's 'engagement events', for example the one recently held covering HIE Shetland. Is there a formal requirement for HIE to hold such events, and if so to what schedule? Is there a formal code o...

FOI not held 45 score 9 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2023-11-24
Reference
202300338294
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Contracts with Lochan Associates Limited: FOI release

Has Lochan Associates Limited – of which former government minister Derek Mackay is the sole director – been engaged directly or indirectly on behalf of Scottish Government or any of its agencies to provide services? If so, what services are they or have they provided? What is the length of contract they have been awar...

FOI not held 40 score 7 working days correspondence ministers contracts
Published
2023-11-21
Reference
FOI/202300379026
Directorate
Scottish Procurement and Property 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

Reported number of seal shootings since the ban came into force: EIR release

Please tell me the number of reports of seal shooting since the ban came into place. For each report, please tell me the location of the alleged incident, whether it was investigated, whether the allegations were substantiated, which organisation the perpetrator belonged to and what action was taken as a result.

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 15 working days correspondence ministers s.11 s.10 s.10(4) s.9
Published
2023-11-21
Reference
FOI/202300376599
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Handling of harassment complaints: FOI release

A copy of/all information contained in the letter from the Deputy First Minister to the Convenor/Committee on Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints dated 31 August 2020. A copy of/all information contained in the letter from Levy & McRae to the Convenor/Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of H...

FOI not held 70 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.17(1) s.37(1) s.26 s.35(1) s.35(2) s.12 4 attachments
Published
2023-11-17
Reference
202300337672
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Meetings of the Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Sept-Oct 2022: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the ScottishGovernment including attached documents, meeting handouts,memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to the following meetings: Kevin Stewart's meetings with IJB Chief o...

FOI not held 70 score 89 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-17
Reference
202300338442
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence from public relating to second independence referendum: FOI release

Any correspondence (e-mails and letters) from the public to MSPs in the Scottish Government (meaning all SNP and Green MSPs) regarding a second independence referendum from 29 March 2023 to present. If this is too broad of a search, to narrow it down, I am looking for all correspondence (e-mails and letters) in which ...

FOI not held 70 score 16 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-16
Reference
FOI/202300375668
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence between Minister for Trade and Tom Hunter Foundation: FOI release

All correspondence between Ivan McKee, Minister for Trade, Innovation and his civil servants, and Tom Hunter of the Hunter Foundation. I am looking for copies of all letters, emails, minutes of meetings, presentations, reports, and messages via Whatsapp, Signal or similar from April 2019 until May 2021.

FOI not held 70 score 332 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-10
Reference
202100210817
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Definitions according to the Scottish Ministerial Code: FOI release

Noting that: 'the ‘Scottish Ministerial Code’ states that Scottish Government resources can only be used by Scottish Ministers for official government business and must not be used for party political purposes,1.3 (i) Ministers must not use public resources for party political purposes'. A definition of the term ‘publ...

FOI not held 45 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.1 s.10 s.17(1) s.7
Published
2023-11-08
Reference
202200332845
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work & Energy’s delegation to Japan

You asked for: How many people travelled as part of Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work & Energy’s delegation to Japan, including their job titles (civil servant, minister, special advisor etc). How much did it cost for Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work & ...

FOI not held 45 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.38 s.17(1)
Published
2023-11-07
Reference
202300355499
Directorate
Offshore Wind Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Stonewall training: FOI release

How many Government Ministers have undertaken Stonewall training? How many civil servants have undertaken Stonewall training? How many Special Advisors or Ministerial staff have undertaken Stonewall training?

FOI not held 40 score 13 working days correspondence ministers special advisers
Published
2023-11-07
Reference
202300342965
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information around the 25% statement: EIR release

Responding to questions about the use of the discredited statistic that Scotland has 25% of Europe’s offshore wind potential, multiple Scottish Government ministers and FOI responses have described that statistic as “outdated”. A detailed report published by These Islands on 9th November 2022 demonstrated that the 25% ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)
Published
2023-11-06
Reference
202300350262
Directorate
Offshore Wind Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence relating to devolved vs reserved matters: FOI release

1. Any correspondence held by the Scottish government between the permanent secretary John Paul Marks and the cabinet secretary Simon Case, in relation to devolved vs reserved matters. By this I mean things like the constitution and foreign affairs – potential examples would be the subject of a “minister for independen...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.2 s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.17(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-02
Reference
FOI/202300367840
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

A9 Dualling investment: EIR release

Please provide the following information: Total amount of money invested, per year, into all A9-related costs, between 2015 and present date by the Scottish Government. Total amount of money projected to be invested, per year, from present date to the end of 2026 into all A9-related costs by the Scottish Government. T...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.6
Published
2023-11-02
Reference
FOI/202300377820
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport