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

410 matching releases

COVID-19 Correspondence from small retailers concerning lockdown rules: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters or otherwise) received by Scottish Ministers/special advisors between 29 October to 11 November from those identified as working in small/non-essential retailers as owners, employers, staff or otherwise who have written concerned about the prospect of a second national lock...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-01
Reference: FOI/202000110673
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence involving Joanna Cherry MP: FOI release

Any mention of Joanna Cherry in communications sent Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) by Scottish Government Ministers or Special Advisors to Scottish Government minist...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.36 2 attachments

Published: 2020-11-16
Reference: FOI/202000087424
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Resignations by special advisors working for the Scottish Government: FOI release

Your request was as follows: “May I request the following information under freedom of information legislation: 1. The number of resignations by special advisors working for the Scottish Government for the financial years of 16/17, 17/18, 18/19, 19/20 and the number so far in 20/21. 2. The reasons for these resignat...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers contracts s.38

Published: 2020-11-06
Reference: FOI/202000087360
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Outdoor education centres communications: FOI release

"Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public to the Scottish Government regarding outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 08 August 2020 to 08 October 2020."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2020-11-04
Reference: FOI/202000096748
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Briefings on food products: FOI release

1) Any Scottish Government correspondence from May 2018 to present, either internal or external, concerning the use of British branding on Scottish food and drink products (including but not limited to union jacks and the words ‘British’ and ‘UK’). External correspondence may include that with food or drink producers o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-10-14
Reference: FOI/202000088253
Directorate: International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Economy, International, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence concerning the wearing face coverings in schools: FOI release

Any correspondence (including letters and emails) between local authorities and the Scottish Government on the subject of the wearing of facemasks (or face coverings) in schools. I would like this information from 01 August 2020 to 05 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-10-01
Reference: FOI/202000085898
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Schools re-opening full time decision making correspondence: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, letters, typed or hand-written notes, text messages and briefings) regarding the decision for schools to reopen full-time on 11 August, as announced by the Deputy First Minister on 23 June 2020. I would like this information from 01 June 2020 until 23 J...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-09-24
Reference: FOI/202000057060
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Records of bullying, harassment or abuse allegations: FOI release

Any record of bullying, harassment or abuse allegations made against Scottish Government ministers, whether proved or disproved. Please limit to the time period 3 May 2007 to present. · Any record of bullying, harassment or abuse allegations made against Director-Generals or Directors, whether proved or disproved. Plea...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 90 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.20 s.34(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-07-13
Reference: FOI/202000018100
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence between Kevin Stewart and/or any special advisers who work alongside the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning and the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) between 1st March 2020 and 1st June 2020. This should include minutes, agendas or notes (including handwritten notes) of any mee...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-07-13
Reference: FOI/202000043559
Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI review

All communications between Ministers, Special Advisers and communication staff regarding the publication of exam analysis by the Scottish Government (see here: https://news.gov.scot/news/publication-of-exam-analysis ) Any drafts of pages 1-3 of the exam analysis (see here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/examresults-...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-06-29
Reference: FOI/202000024838
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Former Finance Minister resignation: FOI Review

"Please provide all correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Government special advisers, her Chief of Staff and private office in relation to allegations about the conduct Derek Mackay and subsequently his resignation from government between noon on 5 February and 12 February 2020. The response acknowledges...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-05-01
Reference: FOI/202000020636 Review
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding Former Finance Minister resignation: FOI release

All correspondence between Scottish Government special advisers and Scottish Government communications staff in relation to allegations about Derek Mackay and his subsequent resignation from government between 5-12 February.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-05-01
Reference: FOI/202000028279
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Former Finance Secretary resignation correspondence: FOI release

Please provide all correspondence between Scottish Government special advisers and Scottish Government communications staff in relation to allegations about Derek Mackay and his subsequent resignation from government between 5-12 February.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-04-20
Reference: FOI/202000028279
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI release

I would like to request the following materials under Freedom of Information: All communications between Ministers, Special Advisers and communication staff regarding the publication of exam analysis by the Scottish Government (see here: https://news.gov.scot/news/publication-of-exam-analysis) Any drafts of pages 1-3 ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-03-26
Reference: FOI/202000017654
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

“Extended Presumption Against Short Sentences – Monitoring Information July 2019 – December 2019” statistical publication: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between Peter Malek, Justice Analytical Services and (i) Scottish Government ministers, (ii) special advisers, (iii) officials, (i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-03-25
Reference: FOI/202000017806
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence regarding meeting involving the Scottish Government (including Deputy First Minister), Education Scotland and ADES: FOI release

Please release the following information under FOISA regarding the 23 October 2019 meeting involving the Scottish Government (including Deputy First Minister), Education Scotland and ADES All communications regarding the meeting All materials prepared in advance of the meeting All notes from the meeting, including any...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-01-16
Reference: 201900009848
Directorate
Topic

Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and net zero emissions correspondence: EIR release

You asked for: Any briefings or background materials provided to Nicola Sturgeon and/or Fergus Ewing by special advisers or civil servants in 2019 on the topic of leaving the CFP by December 2020. Any briefings or background materials provided to Nicola Sturgeon and/or Roseanna Cunningham by special advisers or civil ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-01-15
Reference: FOI/19/02637
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Farming and rural, Public sector

Disclosure Scotland - IT problems/issues correspondence: FOI release

You asked for any briefings provided to Scottish Government ministers or correspondence between Disclosure Scotland and Scottish Government ministers (particularly Maree Todd and John Swinney) or special advisers regarding IT problems/issues at Disclosure Scotland in the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2019-12-04
Reference: FOI/19/02423
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence with Eva Bolander: FOI release

Your asked for: Any correspondence (letters, emails, minutes of meetings, phone calls or otherwise) in 2019 between Nicola Sturgeon or Scottish Government special advisers and Eva Bolander.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2019-11-18
Reference: FOI/201900005385
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Delays to introduction of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders: FOI Review

a) all legal advice and/or guidance on whether Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) can be introduced in Scotland with conditions of residence attached instead of waiting for further legislation in the UK Parliament; and b) all information contained in documents and correspondence with regard to the delay in the intr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2019-10-24
Reference: FOI/201900004674
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner decision 121/2019 and FoI/18/02260 correspondence: FOI release

You asked for “Any correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, documents or otherwise) since August 2018 on the topic of FoI/18/02260 and/or the Scottish Information Commissioner decision 121/2019 between any of the following people: Scottish Government Ministers, spec...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.47(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2019-09-20
Reference: FOI/201900003579
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Notes and correspondence with North Lanarkshire Council - St Ambrose school campus, Coatbridge: FOI release

You asked for: • "Any briefing documents provided to Scottish Ministers on St Ambrose school campus in Coatbridge within the last year (prior to 20 June 2019)" (Fol/19/10503) • "Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls or otherwise) between Scottish Government ministers, senior civil servants or special advis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2019-07-29
Reference: FOI/19/01503, FOI/19/01504
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Evaluation Attainment Scotland Fund Head Teacher Survey 2019: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, documents or otherwise) involving Scottish Government ministers and/or senior civil servants and/or special advisers regarding the following publication prior to its release date, including the original draft of the publi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2019-07-17
Reference: FOI/201900002236
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Appointment of the Chair of the State Hospital, correspondence: FOI release

You asked for the following information: All correspondence, memos or notes including meetings and phone calls relating to the appointment of Kenny MacAskill as Chair of the State Hospital whether from by or to officials, special advisers and Ministers; All notes or diary entries for meetings between officials, specia...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2019-04-09
Reference: FOI/19/00649
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff for First Minister trips to United States and France: FOI release

Please can you provide me with the names of those who accompanied First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, on her trip to the United States of America and Canada last month (February 2019)? Additionally, the names of those who accompanied First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, on her trip to France a week later (also February 2019)...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 13 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1)

Published: 2019-04-05
Reference: FOI/19/00774
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector