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

Cabinet Secretary for Justice on cutting unpaid work hours: FOI release

Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the Cabinet Secretary for Justice's office and any other stakeholder, either external or internal, regarding the topic of cutting unpaid work hours issue...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-01
Reference
FOI/202100187501
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Money and tax, Public sector

Communications between Special Advisors and civil servants relating to independence: FOI release

From 1 March 2021 to present. Copies of all correspondence (emails, attachments, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise relevant) between Special Adviser and civil servants regarding the draft independence referendum bill that was published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-27
Reference
FOI/202100186120
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affair referendum correspondence: FOI release

From 8 March 2021 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, whatsapp messages, texts, letters, handwritten notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) to and/or from Mike Russell with any reference to the draft independence referendum bill published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-27
Reference
FOI/202100186146
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Planning permission details regarding alterations to waste recycling facility: EIR release

Regarding the appeal case PPA-260-2055, 865 South Street, Glasgow, the release of the following information relating to the proposal for the period between 20/01/17 and 24/03/21: (a) all internal communications between Scottish Government officials (b) all communications between officials and Scottish Ministers; (c) al...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4)
Published
2021-05-27
Reference
FOI/202100189524
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Communications involving the Scottish Government relating to beaver management: EIR release

Electronic copies of all communications involving the Scottish Government which relate to beaver management, including the process of obtaining and issuing licences from NatureScot to kill or control beavers, including any such communications which are critical of the approach taken at the relevant time. This request r...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5)
Published
2021-05-20
Reference
FOI/202100164199
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Farming and rural, Public sector

Correspondence regarding draft bill on another independence referendum: FOI release

Copies of correspondence from/to and/or between members of the Constitution and Cabinet Directorate on the draft bill on another independence referendum announced in the 2020-21 Programme for Government.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-18
Reference
FOI/202100174032
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Burntisland Fabrications (BiFab) submitted business case: FOI release

A copy of the BiFab business case used as the basis for the Scottish Government's £37.4 million investment in BiFab.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.33(1) s.36(1) s.36(2) 4 attachments
Published
2021-05-13
Reference
FOI/202100178361
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

COVID-19 UK Four Nations meeting over Christmas period: FOI release

1. What medical advice were the SNP given in November when agreeing to Christmas mixing for all four nations? Did the SNP challenge the Conservative Government in Westminster on this plan? If so, what evidence is there? 2. Has the SNP made any challenge to the Westminster Conservative Government on the international tr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-13
Reference
FOI/202100145803
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Analysis relating to the inclusion of sex/gender within Hate Crime Bill: FOI release

Analysis provided by officials which led to the Scottish Government’s initial decision to reject Lord Bracadale’s recommendation to include what he termed “gender” as a protected characteristic in the Bill, and any subsequent analysis which was used to confirm this position. Any further detailed analysis undertaken by ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-05-06
Reference
FOI/202100165382
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Law and order, Public sector

Fisheries protection around the island of Rockall: EIR review

With apologies for the slight delay, further to my letter of 8th March 2021, I have now completed my review of our response to your request for: 1. All letters, emails and documents exchanged between the Scottish and Irish government relating to fishing rights for EU trawlers around the island of Rockall, dating from 1...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.20 s.39(2) s.10 s.10(5) s.10(4) s.11 s.11(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-05
Reference
FOI202100152931 review of 202100133316
Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Documents pertaining to teachers one off payment of £400: FOI release

All documentation regarding the decision to offer a single payment to teachersand lecturers rather than paying an amount determined by student numbers. All documentation regarding the decision to offer £400, including how this specific amount was calculated.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-27
Reference
FOI/202100163050
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Creation of Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group: FOI release

Copies of all information including, but not limited to, minutes, correspondence, notes of telephone calls and emails held by Scottish Government on :- The decision to create the “Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group”, relating to the choice of “misogyny” and not the broader “sex” as discussed as pa...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-21
Reference
FOI/202100156901
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence relating to 'herd immunity' surrounding COVID-19: FOI release

All email correspondence or written correspondence or minutes of meetings that mention the phrase 'herd immunity' sent from or to the National Clinical Director, Prof Jason Leitch, Dr Catherine Calderwood, Dr Gregor Smith, the First Minister or Health Secretary. I would like this information from the end of February th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 118 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-20
Reference
FOI/202000091244
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

European Union (EU) flags on Scottish Government buildings: FOI release

"Any information you hold on the recent reports that the Scottish Government will fly EU flags on Scottish Government buildings. In particular, i) any minutes of meetings with Ministers or officials where the above was discussed. ii) any emails relating to the issue above. iii) all advice to Ministers on the above i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-19
Reference
FOI/202100160401
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence received by Permanent Secretary relating to second referendum: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-16
Reference
FOI/202100164037
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Internal communications relating to expansion of free school meals: FOI review

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, text or WhatsApp messages, typed or handwritten notes) on the subject of the policy of the expansion of free school meal provision for primary school pupils from 2022. I would like this information from 20 October 2020 to 27 November 2020. I understand ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence briefings whatsapp s.29(1)A s.29(1) s.36(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202100135539 review of 202000118815
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Communications concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, letters, text or WhatsApp messages, phone calls) concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications in the academic year 2020-21. I would like this information from 17 November 2020 to 09 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 58 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) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202000121887
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Fisheries protection around the island of Rockall: FOI release

1) All letters, emails and documents exchanged between the Scottish and Irish government relating to fishing rights for EU trawlers around the island of Rockall, dating from 1 January 2019 to the date of this request. 2) All briefing documents prepared in advance of meetings or telephone conversations between Scottish ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.17(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-08
Reference
FOI/202100133316
Directorate
Topic
International, Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Scottish Government Resilience Room minutes from February and March 2020: FOI appeal

The minutes of the Scottish Government Resilience Room meetings held in February and March 2020. In addition I would like to have lists of all those who attended those meetings.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 3 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-01
Reference
FOI/202000047153 - appeal
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) revision of appeal process: FOI release

Ministerial direction SQA refer to and any information, paperwork, correspondence etc between SG and SQA and also more generally which explains the thinking behind the revision of the appeals process (please treat as an FOI). I am not sure whether you can also explain where responsibility lies for the design of the app...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000108636
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Tarbolton Landfill Site: EIR release

1. Information contained in copies of correspondence (including emails), internal and external reports, notes of internal and external meetings, and other documentation held by the Scottish Government (SG) in relation to any investigations, risk assessments, remediation strategies, requests for remediation funding or o...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) 8 attachments
Published
2021-03-25
Reference
FOI/202100133009
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 correspondence: FOI release

Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the UK Government and the Scottish Government regarding the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill. Please limit between 1 April 2020 and the present dat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-24
Reference
FOI/202000111668
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Culchunaig Farmhouse planning application: EIR release

Information regarding planning application 18/04194/FUL - Culchunaig Farmhouse, Westhill Inverness, you also asked specific questions regarding the handling of the same case. 1. Please inform me of the name of the signatory of the decision letter of 17 November in relation to the above aqpplication and an organogram sh...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.2 s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202000114543
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Former Finance Secretary’s representation to the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee: FOI release

Please provide all information held, including legal opinion, about finance secretary Derek Mackay's representation to the Scottish Government's finance committee in November, last year where he talked about a "proposed contingent liability" which was passed by MSPs. This should include, but is not limited to (A) all ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.33(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-17
Reference
FOI/202000106220
Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector