Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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
576 matching releases

Communication with Scottish Prison Service regarding photocopying of mail: FOI release

Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison Service regarding the proposal to change prison rules to allow for the photocopying of prisoner mail, bet...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1)B s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-17
Reference
FOI/202100252770
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Information held relating to abortion protests: FOI release

1. Any correspondence to and from Scottish Ministers on the topic of protests outside facilities providing abortions or sexual health care. 2. Any correspondence, meeting notes, minutes or any other documentation relating to meetings or discussions between the Scottish Government, local authorities and/or COSLA on the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.3 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-15
Reference
FOI/202100243716
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence with Scottish Prison Service regarding prisoner mobile phones: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise), limited to 1 September 2020 and 1 September 2021, between the Scottish Prison Service and the Scottish Government regarding mobile phones issued to prisoner...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-10
Reference
FOI/202100240121
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Documents held concerning work on the Heat Networks Bill: EIR release

You asked for disclosure of documents held by the Scottish government concerning work on the Heat Networks Bill by officials during 2020.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-03
Reference
FOI/202100238347
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Information Commissioner appeal Decision Notice 083/2021: FOI release

1. Any and all internal and external correspondence including emails, letters, WhatsApp messages, Signal messages, text messages relating to government business from officials, ministers, and special advisers and any other interested party relating to the consideration of the Scottish Information Commissioner appeal wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.26 s.30 s.35(1) s.35(2) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-10-28
Reference
FOI/202100223873
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence pertaining to the welfare of sheep on St Kilda: EIR release

A copy of your division’s correspondence, internal and external, pertaining to the welfare of, specifically the sheep on the St Kilda archipelago – including their considered legal welfare status – from the time of preliminary discussions around the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to the present day

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-26
Reference
FOI/202100235081
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Farming and rural, Public sector

Various questions surrounding Scottish Government antisemitism policy: FOI release

Q1. Definition of antisemitism Q1a. You informed us on 31st October 2019 that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Definition of Antisemitism (‘IHRA Definition’) was adopted including all of its examples by Scottish Government on 13th June 2017. Unfortunately the link you had supplied in your email of 31st ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2021-10-07
Reference
FOI/202100233372
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Communications relating to the Tinker Experiment: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100200656 All government emails , letters or memos or internal notes or transcripted telephone calls regarding The Tinker Experiment and any reference to an apology- with a particular interest on any documentation between the Government and its lawyers on the matter ( any communication to our...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29 s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-09-16
Reference
FOI/202100228699 review of 202100200656
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Issue of section 19 of Road Safety Act: FOI review

1. Copies of any correspondence, notes, reports, minutes, or any other documents shared between the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, and the Scottish Government and the Scottish Police Authority, since 1 Jan 2018 that relates to the issue of section 19 of the Road Safety Act 2006. 2. Copies of any correspondenc...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 15 working days correspondence meetings s.19 s.28(1) s.30 s.29(1)
Published
2021-08-12
Reference
FOI/202100223994 review of 202100214134
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

COVID 19 wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport: FOI review

1. All documents and information relating to the Scottish Government's decision to make the wearing of face coverings on public transport compulsory on Monday 22nd June 2020, including the scientific evidence on which the decision was based, the rationale of the decision and the full minutes of the meetings between the...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-08-06
Reference
FOI/202100215047 review of 202100136327
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Advice given to Scottish Government regarding weddings: FOI release

Any clinical advice received by the SG (either internally or externally) that relates to the decision to include children of all ages in the limits for weddings but not other indoor settings. I would also like copies of any risk assessments or other policy documentation produced or held by the SG which consider or disc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.20 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-28
Reference
FOI/202100219009
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID 19 correspondence relating to local level coronavirus restrictions: FOI release

All internal correspondence and written material, including but not limited to correspondence between officials and ministers, relating to The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 28) Regulations 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-28
Reference
FOI/202100217336
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Local Serving Rates: FOI release

Please provide all information concerning the Rates List, including that which concerns: (1) which bodies were involved in decision-making around the rates listed in the Rates List; (2) correspondence, telephone attendance notes, documents, charts and/or meetings reports and minutes concerning the Rates List created ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202100216757
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Health and social care, Public sector

COVID 19 deaths in care homes: FOI release

You asked for any correspondence between special advisers or officials in the community health and social care directorate and the National Records of Scotland (NRS) on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to 27 May 2021. You also ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100207401
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence to/from the Health Secretary relating to deaths in care homes: FOI release

Any correspondence copied to the health secretary, sent to the health secretary, or including the phrase "Cab Sec" on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to 27 May 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100207405
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Number of Freedom of Information request submitted by journalist: FOI review

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist Conor Matchett in the period 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021. 2. Please give a rough breakdown of requests by subject matter. 3. Please give a breakdown of how many were appealed and reviewed internally and externally with a brea...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.38(1) s.10(1) s.20 s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)
Published
2021-07-16
Reference
FOI/202100215149 review of 202100202671
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Purchase details and communications regarding Ferguson Marine Limited: FOI release

“To provide all information held, including legal opinion, about the decision by ministers to purchase Ferguson Marine between August 30, 2019 and October 10, 2019. In particular I am seeking details of the rival offers for the shipyard, and what they amounted to. Further, I am seeking communications between the Scotti...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-07-15
Reference
FOI/202100214212
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Communication relating to Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100202671.All internal and external communications regarding my previous request, 202100208816.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-15
Reference
FOI/202100215169
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Legal advice pertaining to an independent Scotland joining EU: FOI release

Any government/ministerial communication with regards to any legal advice pertaining to an independent Scotland joining the EU. Period between January 2018 and June 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-14
Reference
FOI/202100214144
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Costs of legal services regarding former First Minister's judicial review: FOI release

"Information contained in documents & discussions relating to, and all information contained in: fees, all fee notes & Faculty Services Fee notes, accounts & receipts - for costs, expenses & fees paid to: Roddy Dunlop QC Christine O'Neill QC in relation to legal advice and all legal services provided to the Scottish ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 60 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-06-17
Reference
FOI/202100184741
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Law and order, Public sector

Questions regarding Scottish border: FOI release

Any analysis or assessment made by the Scottish Government on whether independence would require a border between Scotland and the rest of the UK or the EU.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-14
Reference
FOI/202100196894
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Informal requests received from 31 October 2018 onwards: FOI release

FOI202100191813 “Thanks for you work on my behalf. I apologise for my carelessness in this foi. In fact Clegg says that the Record (so not just Clegg) made requests (so not formal foi’s necessarily). Can I ask whether there were any informal requests from 31 October. Maybe you considered this, but if not, can you accep...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-10
Reference
FOI/202100191813, 202100194412 and 202100195519
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Lord Advocate correspondence relating to publication of Alex Salmond’s submission: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) received or sent by the Lord Advocate (or his office) on 19, 20, 21, 22 or 23 February 2021 regarding the publication of Alex Salmond’s Ministerial Code subm...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.26 s.11 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-08
Reference
FOI/202100166329
Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Communication relating to licence for falconry and aviculture: FOI release

Any communications made from the 01/01/2017 that Scottish Government holds relating to Section 16.1(e) of the Wildlife and Countryside 1981, including communication with Nature Scotland (SNH) and Defra / Natural England. Section 16.1(e) relates to the power to grant licenses for the purpose of falconry or aviculture.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.16 s.36(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-07
Reference
FOI/202100196898
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development review: FOI release

All correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Education (including Officials of his office) with OECD relating to the OECD review of Scottish education. In particular, I would like to see all correspondence and information relating to the contract between the Scottish Government and OECD.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100175114
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector