Scottish Government FOI Index

21,864releases indexed

39,478attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,113partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-06-12newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,113 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days

Clear

938 matching releases

COVID-19 European Convention on Human Rights compliance regarding visiting places of worship: FOI release

1. Under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights governments of religious practice may only be subject to limitations "as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rig...

FOI not held 70 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-04-12
Reference: FOI/202100141123
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, 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

Details of meeting with representatives from the Scottish taxi and private hire trade: FOI release

“I’d like to request details of a meeting that took place on January 15/01/2021 between Kate Forbes MSP (Finance Secretary) & Representatives from the Scottish Taxi & Private Hire Trade to discuss the structure of of the financial support to be offered to the industry. On 14/1/2021 tweeted “there is a meeting tomorrow ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202100158950
Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Scottish Public Pensions Agency workplace arrangement during 2020: FOI release

1. For the period of lockdown (between March 23rd 2020 – January 2021 ), please answer the following questions regarding the staff in (XXXX government department) – if a question isn’t possible to answer in the time allowed, please let us know: 1.a What is the total number of civil servants (excluding third party contr...

FOI not held 45 score 14 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.5

Published: 2021-03-23
Reference: FOI/202100153125
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

COVID-19: Closure of places of worship: FOI release

1) I would be extremely grateful if you could email me a full copy of the Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - as well as a full copy of all the evidence underpinning the same Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - specifically pertaining to worshippers and Places of Worship that the Scottish Minister(s...

FOI not held 70 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.2 s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-03-22
Reference: FOI/202100133792
Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +2 more … Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Information relating to the use of hydrogen peroxide in salmon farming: EIR release

Please provide information on the use of hydrogen peroxide in salmon farming - via both wellboats, tarpaulins and any other methods - since 1 January 2016. Please include Excel spreadsheets, data, emails, letters, reports and any other information related to the use of hydrogen peroxide in salmon farming in Scotland. ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39 s.10(4) s.10(5) s.9 s.6(1)

Published: 2021-03-02
Reference: FOI/202000122166
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Information relating to the finalised amendments to Scottish Planning Policy: EIR release

Information about the finalised amendments to Scottish Planning Policy that were published on 18 December 2020: 1. On page 5 (of the Finalised Amendments) ( under “Evidence” reference is made to “recent litigation” and a weblink provided. However, this is simply a link to the Court of Session list of judgments, not sp...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 16 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-01
Reference: FOI/202100135573
Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Scottish Conservative Conference: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the Scottish Conservative Conference, held between Friday 20 November and Saturday ...

FOI not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-25
Reference: FOI/202000129480
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Expenditure of Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty project: EIR release

The major capital projects update from March 2019 of the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2015 appears to provide the most recent cost estimate of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route published by the Scottish Governement, estimating the total cost at £745 million (https://www.gov.scot/publications/infrastructure-invest...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.20 s.39(2)

Published: 2021-02-23
Reference: FOI/202000124491
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector, Transport

James Hamilton QC investigation evidence submitted: FOI release

- All evidence submitted to James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. - Details of all meetings held by James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. Please include minutes, call logs, list of a...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-16
Reference: FOI/202100139187
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information relating to Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (Scotland) 2018: EIR release

You asked for the following information on CoPLaR: 1) A copy of the findings of the stakeholder steering group that informed the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (Scotland) 2018. 2) A copy of correspondence between Scottish Ministers, civil servants and steering group members discussing the Code of Practice.

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11 s.34(1) s.10(5) 6 attachments

Published: 2021-02-15
Reference: FOI/202000097672
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Further questions pertaining to First Minister’s meeting with Geoff Aberdein: FOI release

In relation to your previous request (FOI2020/00090531) and the inclusion of a reference to a meeting on 29 March 2018 in the remit of the James Hamilton Inquiry, you asked for: (1) Where was this information recorded, such that the Deputy First Minister was able to provide it to Mr Hamilton? (2) When did the Deputy Fi...

FOI not held 45 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.8(1) s.14(2) s.14 s.14O

Published: 2021-02-11
Reference: FOI/202100140064
Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Justification of granting Underbelly Ltd funds: FOI release

1. All information you can provide all documentation and evidence justifying the decision to provide Underbelly Ltd with £250,000 grant money from the Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund. 2. All information you can provide all documentation and evidence justifying the decision to provide Underbelly Ltd with £200,000 fro...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.33 s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-11
Reference: FOI/202000117270
Directorate: International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Questions relating to the Emergency Measures Agreement (EMA): FOI release

1. I've read the EMA agreement and am I right in saying that Abellio actually submitted a budget claim to you and are therefore responsible for planning the perceived staffing requirements and wages bill? 2. Is it true that they were given a £12 million management fee? 3. Also, do you have any direct say in staffing le...

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

Published: 2021-02-03
Reference: FOI/202000118111
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Meeting between the First Minister and Mr Geoff Aberdein: FOI Review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request FOI/202000090531 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA). You asked: “(1) In the light of the apparent admission to Sky News, does the Scottish Government wish to reconsider its reply of 3 August to the question of whether the First Min...

FOI not held 45 score 45 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.8(1)

Published: 2021-02-02
Reference: FOI/202000119311 Review of 202000090531
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Questions regarding @ScotGovFM and First Minister Twitter accounts: FOI release

A copy of any guidance and/or instructions issued to Scottish Government ministers for their use of both official government and personal social media accounts. If 1. does not answer this point, why the @ScotGovFM account is used so infrequently (during the month preceding this request, October 7 – November 7 it posted...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1)

Published: 2021-01-27
Reference: FOI/202000108984
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Topics

Questions concerning scientific evidence, guidelines and statistical information related to COVID-19: FOI release

1. Scientific evidence for face covering guidelines in schools, shops and on public transport; 2. All medical risk assessments associated with face coverings for adults and children; 3. Scientific evidence for all imposed lockdown guidelines since February 2020. 4. Medical risk assessments associated with lockdown meas...

FOI not held 45 score 102 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.6 s.2 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.27(1)

Published: 2021-01-26
Reference: FOI/202000082329
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 Pandemic guidance and framework questions: FOI release

1). Can you please explain what spurs the virus actually means please? 2). Can you please provide information about the criteria by which the Scottish Government will consider this pandemic situation over? 3). I would also like a copy of the Scottish Governments risk assessment for wearing face coverings and the risk a...

FOI not held 45 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1)

Published: 2021-01-25
Reference: FOI/202000115243
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

COVID Support Grant-Restart (CSG-R): FOI release

1. All CSG-R Payments - every operator who has received CSG-R Split by route or service number or some other identifier which makes clear the route for which the operator has received CSG-R Split by date, ideally by each individual day. 2. All legal advice regarding the initial implementation of the scheme and then o...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.17(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-01-20
Reference: FOI/202000124456
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector, Transport

Correspondence pertaining to Sexual Harassment Complaints Committee between specific dates: FOI release

1) Correspondence between written by civil servants on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Sexual Harassment Complaints between July 1 and August 12. 2) Correspondence written by ministers on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scot...

FOI not held 70 score 109 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-01-14
Reference: FOI/202000074369
Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Civil Servants preparation in giving evidence to Committee for Former First Minister inquiry: FOI release

Details of the preparation of civil servants for appearances ahead of witness sessions in the Alex Salmond Holyrood inquiry. I would like details of all civil servants to appear in person before the committee up to and including today's session [3 November 2020], including the Permanent Secretary. There is no need to i...

FOI not held 70 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.36(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-01-13
Reference: FOI/202000106713
Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Racist occurrence statistical count relating to Government employees between specific dates: FOI release

A full statistical count, disclosure and description of subsequent action concerning all reports detailing: (A) Racist hate incidents. (B) Racist acts of civil discrimination. (C) Racist hate crimes. (Including murders or attempted murders) Committed against any black employee by any white employee or any white employe...

FOI not held 45 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.45

Published: 2021-01-11
Reference: FOI/202000066981
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

COVID-19 related information regarding previous and future Health Protection Regulations: FOI release

1. What is the 14 (or 7)-day incidence of reported cases (per 100k) in the Council of Aberdeen City (7/14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100k) 2. What is the Scottish Governments benchmark for new local lockdown restrictions? It couldn’t be just arbitrarily. 3. On which facts is the dangerousness of the ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 97 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.4A s.17 s.17(1) s.30 s.25

Published: 2020-12-21
Reference: FOI/202000072147
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Strathclyde University questions concerning economic investment: FOI release

1. How much money Strathclyde University stand to make from the public purse and private dealings in relation to the economy and the corona virus pandemic? 2. Why is a university being given so much power over Scotland’s future and its money. 3. How is this financial conflict of interests between the Scot Gov and Str...

FOI not held 45 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.19(4)

Published: 2020-12-16
Reference: FOI/202000110935
Directorate
Topic

Questions concerning issues faced during the COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

1. Is it not the case that the First Minister's failure to order lockdown early enough caused the death of 2,000 citizens in Scotland? 2. What is the name of the expert/s that was/were advising the First Minister about lockdown during the first three weeks of March 2020? 3. How many reports did that expert/those expe...

FOI not held 70 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-12-09
Reference: FOI/202000087292
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector