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

3,871 matching releases

First Minister's correspondence from Presidents of European bodies: FOI release

The last official letters to the current First Minister of Scotland from the Presidents of the European Council, European Commission, Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-26
Reference: FOI/202500487738
Directorate: EU Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Correspondence from the Scottish Government to the UK Government relating to inheritance tax changes: FOI release

1. any correspondence sent from the Scottish Government to the UK Government, within the last three months, which relates to inheritance tax changes for farmers, and 2. any correspondence received by the Scottish Government, from the UK Government and within the last three months, which relates to inheritance tax chan...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.30 s.28(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-26
Reference: FOI/202500490170
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural, Money and tax, Public sector

Cost of raising of Palestinian flag on Scottish Government buildings: FOI relase

I requested to know who ordered the flag to be flown, especially with anniversary of 7th October pogrom fast approaching. What was the cost of the flag and where was it purchased from and from which funds or budget? Was any risk assessment performed to ascertain whether the flag could damage Scotland’s reputation, up...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.33(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500484830
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Correspondence from the Population Health Directorate regarding mobile drug consumption units or facilities: FOI release

Any internal email correspondence from the Population Health Directorate since 1 January 2025 regarding mobile drug consumption units or facilities – including the possibility of using them in Scotland.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500485561
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Scottish Cup final 2025 documentation: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about the men's Scottish Cup final 2025, between April 1 2025 and June 1 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500486932
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Health and social care, Public sector

Briefing pack for the meeting between the Deputy First Minister and Tánaiste of Ireland at the British-Irish Association Conference at Oxford: FOI release

The briefing pack and minutes from Kate Forbes' meeting with Simon Harris (Tánaiste of Ireland) at the British-Irish Association Conference at Oxford on 5 September 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500484997
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, International, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Scottish Parliament Inquiry - CAMHS data: FOI release

All information upon which the following assertions made by the Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing to the Scottish Parliament on 26 June 2025 were based, including but not limited to evidence, data, records of opinion, meeting notes, internal and external correspondence: “The improvements in CAMHS waiting t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500485946
Directorate: Mental Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Diary events for Minister for Parliamentary Business on 18th September 2025: FOI release

The reasons for Jamie Hepburn MSP’s non-attendance at First Minister’s Questions on 18 September 2025. Please provide details of any meetings, events, or other commitments scheduled during that period. Whether Jamie Hepburn MSP was present in the Scottish Parliament at any point on 18 September 2025, and whether he was...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500485183
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence regarding the reduction of NHS waiting times: FOI release

1. Please provide me with a copy of the modelling and/or forecasts carried out by, or provided to, the Scottish Government regarding the commitment to reduce NHS waits of over a year by March 2026. 2. Please also provide me with a copy of any correspondence, including briefings and any attachments, provided to Ministe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500484740
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Minutes of the meeting between Minister for Public Finance and GFG Alliance: FOI release

I would be grateful if you could comply with the following request in relation to the ministerial statement on 11th September 2025, made by the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee MSP to Parliament about the status of GFG Alliance businesses in Scotland, mainly those based in Lochaber and Dalzell. During that stat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500485956
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to visitor levy changing considerations: FOI release

I would like to get any correspondence To or from Ivan Mckee’s office that regards the letter sent last week where the government said they were ‘actively extending powers’ and the update to ‘actively considering’. I would like correspondence around the decision to change it, about it being a mistake, about how it happ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500486353
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Number of planning decisions appealed to Scottish Ministers: EIR release

"FOI on planning decisions overturned I would like to ask the following: In each year since 2023-24, including the current year to date, how many planning decisions were appealed to Scottish Ministers? Please provide as much detail as possible. In relation to Q1, how many of those appeals resulted in the original pla...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500489536
Directorate: Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector

Documentation that mentions former UK Prime Minister: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, analysis, which mentions Margaret Thatcher, from the last month.

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

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488177
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora meeting documentation: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence and received (including internal), minutes/notes from the meeting, briefings and analysis about Angus Robertson's meeting with Minister for Diaspora Neale Richmond on June 16/17, between June 1 2025 and August 1 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488096
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury which related to Aggregates tax: FOI release

For the period 1st January 2025 - date, please provide all correspondence and notes of phone calls or meetings (in person or virtual) between the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (or their office) and Shona Robison (or her office) which mentions Aggregates Tax. Context The Aggregates Tax and Devolved Tax Administratio...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.28 s.38 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500487079
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Transport Scotland - Aberdeen City Council low emission zone decision making process information: EIR release

Information around the decision-making process for implementing the low emission zone in Aberdeen City Council. 1) Could you please provide the air quality data and statistics that would have been gathered during the data gathering window in Aberdeen City Council implementing their low emission zone, and show the tren...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.2 s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: EIR/202500489997
Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector, Transport

Queries relating to the draft speech Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity regarding Urban Gull Summit: EIR release

1. A copy of the draft speech prepared for Jim Fairlie ahead of the Ministerial Statement on 1 October 2025 on the Urban Gull Summit. 2. A copy of any briefing prepared for Jim Fairlie ahead of the Ministerial Statement on 1 October 2025 on the Urban Gull Summit. 3. A copy of any correspondence sent to or sent from J...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500487372
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Documentation that mentions BAE Systems: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including minutes/notes from meetings, correspondence sent and received (including internal), briefings and analysis, which mentions or is/from BAE Systems, from the last month.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 7 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488769
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Hate crime consultation information: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence (internal and external), notes and any other information in relation to the decision to extend the closing date to the Scottish Government consultation on the SSI to add sex as a protected characteristic to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488828
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence regarding editing First Minister’s media release after publication: FOI release

This request relates to the following news release: https://www.gov.scot/news/challenging-poverty-with-family-friendly-policies/ When first published on 6th October 2025, the above news release included the following statement: The cost-of-living guarantee: Lower income tax than in the rest of the UK for the majori...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending whatsapp 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488097
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Briefing documents concerning Russian influenced operations in Scotland: FOI release

Any intelligence or briefing documents shared with Ministers concerning Russian influence operations in Scotland and any potential links to pro-UK political groups like Reform UK.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.3(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488300
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence on whether a correction to the Official Report was necessary regarding remarks on Professor Alexis Jay: FOI release

You asked "for the period 16th September 2025 - date, please provide all internal and external correspondence (including by direct messaging application) and notes of phone calls or meetings (in person or virtual) which discuss the question of whether a correction to the Official Report was necessary with respect to re...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500498692
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Correspondence on First Minister’s Tax Claim and Potential Correction: FOI release

At FMQs on 2nd October 2025, John Swinney said this: “Over half of taxpayers in Scotland continue to pay less tax than if they lived elsewhere in the United Kingdom.” Please provide all internal and external correspondence (including by direct messaging application) and notes of phone calls or meetings (in person or ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488531
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Transport Scotland - Reinstatement of island representation on Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd Board: FOI release

You have: (1) raised concerns about the reappointment decision of Mr Murdo MacLennan to the CMAL Board, including the impact the decision will have on island community representation. You have called on Scottish Ministers to either reinstate Mr MacLennan or urgently appoint a qualified island-based Director. (2) requ...

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

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488744
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice’s income tax remark discussions: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence (including by direct messaging application) and notes of phone calls or meetings (in person or virtual) involving Scottish Government ministers, civil servants, special advisers, or press officers, which discuss the veracity of Shirley-Anne Somerville’s below remarks, and/or the...

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

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488544
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector