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
3,887 matching releases

Playfair library speech documentation: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government about John Swinney's speech at Playfair Library on January 6, including correspondence sent about it, briefings and analysis, along with reviews of how it went, from between December 15 2024 and the date of this FOI.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.30 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-28
Reference
FOI/202500452710
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister and Prime Minister correspondence: FOI release

All correspondence between the First Minister (and his office) and the Prime Minister (and his office) since 4th July 2024.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.28(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2025-03-28
Reference
FOI/202500452857
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice correspondence: FOI release

1. All correspondence between Shirley-Anne Sommerville and David Wallace – Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland since July 2024. 2. All correspondence between Shirley-Anne Sommerville and David Wallace – Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland mention the “the two child cap” since July 2024.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-28
Reference
FOI/202500455135
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Planning Hubs and Planning apprenticeships information: EIR release

All briefings given to Scottish Ministers since the appointment of John Swinney as First Minister regarding Planning Hubs and Planning apprenticeships All notes of meetings since the appointment of John Swinney as First Minister regarding Planning Hubs and Planning apprenticeships All Scottish Government correspondence...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.2 s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-27
Reference
EIR/202500447903
Directorate
Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Grangemouth refinery: EIR release

All correspondence regarding the future of the Petroineos refinery at Grangemouth between: 1. Scottish Government Ministers and the Grangemouth Future Industry Board. 2. Scottish Government Ministers and Petroineos. 3. Scottish Government Ministers and UK Government Ministers. 4. Scottish Government Ministers and F...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.3 s.4 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-27
Reference
EIR/202500452064
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) costs and correspondence: EIR release

1. How much money has the Scottish Government spent on fixing Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the last three years, with a breakdown of what the money was spent on? and; 2. Could you supply all correspondence held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including intern...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-27
Reference
EIR/202500447631
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Planning appeal information for The Grange Club in Stockbridge: EIR release

Information relating to a planning appeal for the installation of two tennis courts covered by an air supported dome; 2 padel tennis courts covered by steel frame structures and associated development at the Grange Club, 7 Portgower Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2)
Published
2025-03-27
Reference
EIR/202500453288
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector

Briefing notes for the First Minister's Orkney visit: FOI release

Copies of all briefing notes created for the First Minister and his staff for their visit to Orkney on February 10-11, 2025. This included requests for all appendices, annexes, and attachments. You also requested all agendas and briefing notes (handwritten or typed) from meetings Mr Swinney and his staff attended duri...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.33 s.38 s.29 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-27
Reference
FOI/202500452457
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Directorate For Energy And Climate Change meetings with Oil and Gas sector: EIR release

During the time Humza Yousaf was First Minister, how many meetings did civil servants within the Energy and Climate Change Directorate have with 1. Trade Unions that organise in the Oil and Gas sector 2. Companies with investments in Oil and Gas 3. Oil and Gas operators 4. Organisations representing Oil and Gas compan...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.39(2)
Published
2025-03-27
Reference
EIR/202500452525
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

South Kinross Flood Protection Scheme objections: EIR release

A copy of any objections submitted to the Scottish Ministers for the South Kinross Flood Protection Scheme.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-27
Reference
EIR/202500454394
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Green Volt Project correspondence: FOI release

1) Which Special Advisers or Ministers signed off or approved the Environmental Information Response and the attachments to the response which was given the reference number 202400434817? 2) The full email threads which discussed the initial draft freedom of information/environmental information response and attachmen...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.17(1) s.15 s.38 s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-26
Reference
FOI/202500450751
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Energy, Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Documentation regarding the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government's appearance at the Scottish Women's Convention International Women's Day event: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government regarding Shona Robison's appearance at the Scottish Women's Convention International Women's Day event on 2 March 2024, including correspondence sent and received, briefings, minutes/notes from meetings, between January 1 2024 and April 30 2024.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2025-03-26
Reference
FOI/202500452270
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

CBI Scotland correspondence: FOI release

All correspondence sent and received, briefings, notes/minutes from meetings, between the Scottish Government and CBI Scotland, from the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-26
Reference
FOI/202500452273
Directorate
Business and Better Regulation Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Correspondence and documentation that include the phrase "return on capital": FOI release

For the period 1st August 2024 - date, please provide all correspondence and documentation including the phrase "return on capital". Please restrict the search to correspondence and documentation involving the following three directorates of the Scottish Government: Energy and Climate Change, Marine and Offshore Wind.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.33(1) s.27(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-26
Reference
FOI/202500451993
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Funding provided by Scottish Government to Petroineos to support the Grangemouth Refinery: EIR release

Appearing on the BBC Question Time programme on 6th February 2024, the Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, said: “The reason Grangemouth had lasted for as long as it had is because of financial support that we had put in place and plans for its future.” Please can you provide full details of the financial support pro...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.39(2)
Published
2025-03-26
Reference
EIR/202500451987
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector

Menu and costs for the First Minister's lunch at Bute House: FOI release

All items of information held in relation to the food and drink provided for the First Minister's lunch at Bute House on 13 January 2025 with his advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code and others, including, but not be limited to, food and drink menus and a breakdown of catering costs, including all information in b...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-26
Reference
FOI/202500453287
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Briefing Pack prepared for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee: FOI release

The briefing pack that was prepared for Fiona Hyslop for her appearance before the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on 21 February 2025.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.25 s.25(1) s.29 s.29(1) s.30
Published
2025-03-26
Reference
FOI/202500452761
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Documents and legal advise relating to decision notice (193/2024): FOI release

In relation to decision notice (193/2024), you asked for: 1) In regards to the legal advice that was released. When were the last edits made to the documents that were released? 2) Any communications (whatsapps, emails, texts anything) by ministers, spads, civil servants discussing when to release the legal advice, w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38 s.26 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202400445520
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

James Hamilton QC's secretariat communications: FOI Review

Original request 202400443489 1 - Why did James Hynd leave or "stepped away" (As Mr Hamilton put it) from his position as Mr Hamilton's secretariat? 2 - All communications (emails, text messages, whatsapps, everything) and minutes between and within the Scottish Government (Ministers, civil servants, SPADS, including...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.21(4) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202500448736 Review of 202400443489
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Information regarding the decision not to give the Scottish Information Commissioner legal advice: FOI release

1) Any and all communications, meetings, minutes, records discussing/referencing the decision not to give the Scottish Information Commissioner the legal advice requested from FOI 202300390057 during his investigation that resulted in decision notice 193/2024. 2) Who within the Scottish Government made the decision no...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202500448762
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Information regarding the Ministerial Statement: Legal Advice Relating to Scottish Information Commissioner Decision: FOI Review

Original request 202400445432 1) All briefing notes provided to ministers (e.g. John Swinney, Jamie Hepburn) in preparation of the statement to the Scottish Parliament on the 29th of October: Ministerial Statement: Legal Advice Relating to Scottish Information Commissioner Decision by civil servants, SPADs and anyone ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 2 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.21(4) s.25 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.30 6 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202500452157 Review of 202400445432
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner and Freedom of Information Appeal: FOI release

I would like to put in a FOI request for a copy of all the information that was disclosed to the original applicant and the additional information that the Scottish Information Commissioner decided had been wrongly withheld from them. It relates to the following: Decision Notice 083/2024: Communications relating to an...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.30 s.1(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/2024004427156
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence between former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and James Hamilton: FOI release

In response to FOI/202100159382 The Scottish Government claimed it did not hold correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon/her office and James Hamilton. Given the recent ruling by the Inner House and the Information Commissioner, it is clear that for the purposes of Freedom of Information, this information is held. In l...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202400438682
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Former Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport WhatsApp messages during the COVID-19 pandemic: FOI Review

Original request (202400395588) I wish to make a Freedom of Information Request for MSP Maree Todds WhatsApp messages from her ministeral role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 61 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.37(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2025-03-25
Reference
FOI/202400405863 Review of 202400395588
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector