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
330 matching releases

The role of Director General (DG) Strategy and External Affairs: FOI release

Your request was for: All emails, Whatsapp messages, Teams messages, notes pertaining to the redeployment of Joe Griffin to the role of DG Strategy and External Affairs Policies, guidance or otherwise in place pertaining to the redeployment, transfer, lateral move of an SCS individual in the Scottish Government to ano...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-09-19
Reference
FOI/202300365506
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Communications relating to the arrest of Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: FOI release

All internal correspondence/communication regarding the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon. This should include (but not be limited to) emails, documents, WhatsApp messages, letters and call logs. All external correspondence/communication regarding the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon. This should include (but not be limited to) email...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-08-01
Reference
FOI/202300361223
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communication between Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and Martin Compston: FOI Review

Original request - 202300353506 All communication between Humza Yousaf and/or his officials as health or justice secretary and Martin Compston during 2021. This should include email, text, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Messenger or other electronic communications, as well as any handwritten notes or minutes of verbal co...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-07-20
Reference
FOI/202300362271 Review of 202300353506
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the A9 Dualling Programme: EIR release

Any correspondence (Emails and WhatsApp messages) between John Swinney MSP and Jenny Gilruth MSP about the A9 dualling between 1 December 2023 and 22 February 2023. Any correspondence (Emails, WhatsApp messages, meeting notes) between Jenny Gilruth MSP and Transport Scotland about the A9 dualling between 1 December 202...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202300344674
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Correspondence and Briefing relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

All government correspondence (including emails, whatsapps, text) between officials, civil servants, ministers, special advisers, outside sources that mention Isla Bryson or Adam Graham over the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300342026
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) communications regarding national qualifications in 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, text or Whatsapp messages, phone calls or otherwise) concerning SQA national qualifications in 2021. I would like this information between 17 May 2021 and 29 May 2021. Any communications (including emails, text or Whatsapp messages, phone calls or othe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 337 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-04
Reference
FOI/202100209749
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Services relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison Service in January 2023 relating to transgender prisoners. This could include but not limited to emails, briefing notes, text messages, WhatsApp messages and meeting minutes.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 67 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-04
Reference
FOI/202300340666
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) information: FOI release

Question 1 - How much money has the Scottish Government handed out to Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) over the last five years? Breakdown of when and what the money was spent on. Question 2 - How much money has SHAAP paid to the Scottish Government over the same time period? Breakdown of when and wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts spending s.25(1) s.38(1) 12 attachments
Published
2023-05-03
Reference
FOI/202300347130
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI Review

Original request - 202100231963 "The Scottish Government has today confirmed that exams will take place in 2022 (if safe to do so) - https://www.gov.scot/news/national-qualifications-2022/. Please release any internal communication between the Scottish Government members and staff (first minister, education secretary, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 178 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.38 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-19
Reference
FOI/202200312728 Review of 202100231963
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Council bin strikes during August 2022: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between ministers and special advisors regarding the Council bin strikes during August 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-17
Reference
FOI/202200317862
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Ferguson Marine: FOI release

The following information regarding FOI request number 202200299795, sent in June 2022, relating to emails regarding Ferguson Marine. 1) Correspondence relating to the request sent by or to government officials including, but not limited to, civil servants, special advisers and elected officials from the time of the re...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 150 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-03-22
Reference
FOI/202200318503
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Nicola Sturgeon correspondence with New York Times regarding COP 27: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, texts, whatsapp) between Nicola Sturgeon, her advisers, the Scottish Government and the New York Times in regards to her appearing at their “On the Verge of Progress: Where Will COP27 Take Us” panel at Cop27.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-03-10
Reference
FOI/202200328934
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Edinburgh university protest about the film 'Adult Human Female': FOI release

All correspondence (including WhatsApp’s, emails, texts) dating between December 14 and 21 2022 between Nicola Sturgeon, her advisers, her civil servants, press officers and the media about the Edinburgh university protest on Wednesday December 14 about the film Adult Human Female.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-30
Reference
202200335549
Directorate
Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence with Arran Groups: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between Scottish Government Ministers and business and community groups in the island of Arran regarding the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry fr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 97 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-26
Reference
FOI/202200305697
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Lord Advocate meeting with Deputy First Minister: FOI release

1) Minutes of any meeting between the Deputy First Minister John Swinney and the Lord Advocate on February 23, 2021; 2) Emails, texts and records of phone calls between the Deputy First Minister and the Lord Advocate, with necessary redactions of personal information, on 23 February 2021; and 3) Any follow-up contacts ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 96 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-26
Reference
FOI/202100210688
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector

COVID-19 Communications between Scottish Government and Lady Poole: FOI release

All documents and record of communications between the Scottish Government and Lady Poole, the chairwoman of Scotland’s Covid-19 inquiry. This can relate to any letters, emails, any electronic communication such as text and WhatsApp messages, and minutes of any meetings or phone calls Lady Poole had with ministers or o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.37(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-01-18
Reference
FOI/202200323026
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Closure of NHS Tavistock gender identity clinic for children and young people correspondence: FOI release

"All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) regarding the shutting down of NHS Tavistock's gender identity clinic for children and young people."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-17
Reference
FOI/202200314449
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Health and social care, Public sector

Ministerial briefings on Audit Scotland report into ferry hulls 801 and 802 construction: FOI release

1) Any ministerial briefings on the subject of Audit Scotland's report into the construction of island ferries hulls 801 and 802 between March 1 and July 1, 2022. 2) Any correspondence between ministers, special advisers, senior civil servants - including WhatsApp and other instant messaging apps - on how the handle th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.33(1) s.38(1) s.30 10 attachments
Published
2023-01-11
Reference
FOI/202200324642
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Office of Mayor of Greater Manchester correspondence - FoI Release

"Electronic copies of all communication from within the Scottish Government between ministers, special advisors, civil servants, government officials – including the First Minister’s email account, her office, and her chief of staff Colin McAllister - regarding meeting Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 71 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp 2 attachments
Published
2022-12-28
Reference
FOI/202200320940
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Visit of Michelle O'Neill to Bute House and meeting with First Minister: FOI release

On May 20 this year, Michelle O'Neill MLA visited the First Minister at Bute House. https://www.gov.scot/news/first-minister-meets-michelle-oneill-mla/ Please supply all items of information generated by the First Minister, her officials and special advisers in relation to the arranging of this meeting, its conduct and...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-10-19
Reference
FOI/202200312323
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Gender Recognition and transgender inmates: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between Ministers of the Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison service regarding the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) and transgender in...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-10-05
Reference
FOI/202200313388
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence with Ross Greer MSP: FOI release

1. All correspondence between Ross Greer MSP and Kate Forbes MSP since January 1, 2022, including emails, phone calls (including minutes of these), in-person meetings, Whatsapp messages, Twitter messages, Signal messages and any other smartphone communication. 2. All correspondence between Ross Greer MSP and John Swinn...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.30(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-10-05
Reference
FOI/202200315607
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Single sex spaces: FOI released

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) regarding single-sex spaces in Scottish Government facilities since 7 May 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-10-05
Reference
FOI/202200314448
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence with Lord Advocate regarding the Supreme Court: FOI release

1) Any correspondence, including meetings, notes, memos, agendas, ministerial briefings and minutes, between the Scottish Government and the office of the Lord Advocate on the topic of the Lord Advocate's reference to the Supreme Court between January 1, 2022 and June 28, 2022. This should include any emails, letters, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-22
Reference
FOI/202200312193
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Nicola Sturgeon St Andrews trip: FOI release

All the correspondence and any other messages - email, letter, WhatsApp, text and any other form of communication - between the Scottish Government, including the First Minister's office (including civil servants and special advisers) and The PGA Tour/European Tour/The Open or any other company or agency involved about...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.33(2) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-15
Reference
FOI/202200311419
Directorate
Topic
Public sector