Scottish Government FOI Index

22,922releases indexed

40,952attachments found

29.5avg calendar days

8,507partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-11-04newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,507 unclear 7,460 not held 3,292 released 1,599 already published 716 cost limit 637 clarification 377 withheld 251 transferred 83

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5225 s.20 4485 s.34(1) 3789 s.39(2) 3640 s.30 3038 s.17(1) 2981 s.25(1) 2557 s.10(4) 2089 s.11(2) 1639 s.29(1) 1249 s.2 1245 s.3 980

Timeline

2026-11 48 2026-10 227 2026-09 8 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,336 releases · 27.8 avg days Marine Directorate 991 releases · 29.7 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 972 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 741 releases · 39.6 avg days Constitution Directorate 710 releases · 35.8 avg days Population Health Directorate 678 releases · 28.6 avg days People Directorate 667 releases · 25.5 avg days

Clear

22,922 matching releases

Correspondence discussing the contents of the post/tweet regarding Pensions following Independence: FOI release

You asked some questions about the following post/tweet on X/Twitter: https://x.com/scotgov/status/1980982811306655836?s=46&t=y9v1mXDn2DQJqjCpgZcKXg In answers where the person or persons concerned cannot be named, that we state their positions. You have asked the questions below. (1.) Who composed the post/tweet? ...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500490487
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Ratio of the number of Salmon smolts put to sea: EIR release

Clarification regarding Table 19 of the Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2024. Specifically, you requested: Clarification on whether the ratio of ova laid down to salmon smolts produced compares figures from the same calendar year or from different years. If different, which year’s ova are used to calculate the rat...

FOI/EIR clarification 55 score 13 working days correspondence spending s.20 s.39(2)

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491854
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the second independence referendum: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, and analysis, about a second independence referendum being held, between October 1 2025 and the date of this FOI.

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

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500490741
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Complaints regarding the Island Resilience Fund: FOI release

Please provide details of all complaints or correspondence received about the Island Resilience Scheme since its launch, including any summaries, analyses, or internal reports relating to the issues raised. If possible, please include the date of each item of correspondence or complaint and the nature of the issue, wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.33(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491059
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the return of the Winter Fuel Payment: FOI release

All documentation held, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about bringing the winter fuel payment back by St Andrews Day, from the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491599
Directorate: Social Security Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Minutes from Executive Team meetings which reference Saltire Article or Viva Exchange posts: FOI release

1. Minutes from EXECUTIVE TEAM meetings which reference SALTIRE ARTICLE or VIVA EXCHANGE POSTS/COMMENTS in the past three months (from 22 Oct 2025) 2. ALL emails + WhatsApp messages + Microsoft Teams messages between DIRECTOR GENERAL CORPORATE and PEOPLE DIRECTORATE STAFF which reference SALTIRE ARTICLE or VIVA EXCHAN...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500490448
Directorate: Financial Management Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Number of Scottish Forestry Employees Suspended in 2020 - 2021: FOI release

1. In each year since 2020-21, including the current year to date, how many employees at this public body have been suspended with full pay? Where an employee’s suspension covers multiple financial years, please only include the year where they were initially suspended. 2. In relation to Q1, what is the respective sal...

FOI unclear 55 score 5 working days correspondence spending s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500493745
Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence to Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care from members of the public about the NHS: FOI release

I am writing to request the following information under FOI: Any emails received by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care from members of the public about the NHS between 1 September 2025 and 30 September 2025

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

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500490543
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence from selected MSP's relating to the Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

Please provide the number of items of correspondence (including letters andemails) received by the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy, andBiodiversity from the following MSPs: Fergus Ewing Kate Forbes Ash Regan concerning the Deposit Return Scheme between 13 May 2021 and 30 April2024. Where possible, I woul...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500490831
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Interests of independent advisers on Scottish Ministerial Code: FOI release

Please supply all items of information in the list of professional roles supplied to the First Minister by the independent advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code in line with their terms of reference; all information in any 'relevant changes' notified by any adviser to the First Minister; all information notified by...

FOI not held 70 score 7 working days correspondence ministers s.17 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500493373
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Release of legally privileged information and use of WhatsApp on Scottish Government phones: FOI release

1. Could you provide how many occasions in the last two years that the Scottish Government has been forced to publicly release legally privileged information, and include what this info was and why it had to be released? 2. Could you supply how many incidents have been recorded of government staff, officials or minist...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491146
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government's involvement in smelting facilities owned by Aluance British Aluminium Ltd: FOI release

I write concerning the involvement of the Scottish Government in the Lochaber Smelter owned by Aluance British Aluminium Ltd which is controlled by Sanjeer Gupta The company has three charges against it in the name of Scottish Ministers, effectively the Scottish Government, for money loaned to the company. Companies H...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.3

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491840
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Ministerial Code Advisers and Senior Civil Servants correspondence: FOI release

1. All the correspondence between Scottish Ministers/special advisers/senior civil servants and any of the ministerial code advisers since 3 January 2025. This should include emails, instant messages, letters, meetings (and minutes of those meetings) and phone calls. 2. How many Scottish Government employees are secon...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.25(1)I s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-29
Reference: FOI/202500490297
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Marine fund applications 2025-2026: EIR release

A list of all applications to the Marine Fund 2025-26. For each application please include the amount of funds requested, the amount approved (if any), when the application was received, when a decision was reached, applicant name, the title of the project, a description of that project and the local authority of the a...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-29
Reference: FOI/202500490767
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Transport Scotland - Old Shore Road, Connel accidents: FOI release

You stated - there is a proposed development of a new marina and associated houses at the south end of Old Shore Road, Connel. This proposed development is at an advanced stage. The southerly junction where Old Shore Road meets the A85 is an awkward location where cars are accelerating out of the speed restriction tow...

FOI unclear 75 score 5 working days correspondence 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-29
Reference: FOI/202500493871
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate breakdown of policy development and implementation: FOI release

I’d like to request your usual good services and ask for a list sub/ governances groups or boards on the divisional level for the Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate These would be groups or boards that brings together external policy stakeholders with the Scottish Government to give strategic oversight of...

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500490019
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Renfrew High School inspection and complaints: FOI release

When was Renfrew High school (Renfrewshire) last inspected by Education Scotland? When was Renfrew High School learning hub (Renfrewshire), last inspected by Education Scotland? How many Complaints has Education Scotland had into Renfrew High School learning hub (Renfrewshire) in the last FIVE years (broken down yearly...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.66 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500490115
Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Structure of the Education and Justice department and its role within the Scottish Government: FOI release

In your email, you requested the following information: Information regarding DG Education and Justice Division and Team titles. A summary of the roles of the teams within DG Education and Skills.

FOI unclear 75 score 19 working days correspondence 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500489723
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Documentation regarding the First Minister's trip to London for the state visit of the President of the USA: FOI release

"Any documents that relate to John Swinney's visit to London for the state visit of Donald Trump in September. This could include minutes of any meetings held with anyone during this visit, be it Mr Trump, the Prime Minister or the King, or anyone else Mr Swinney met with. Can any documents that refer to this visit sen...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.27(1) s.39(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500489628
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, International, Public sector

Recruitment process and guidelines information for civil service roles: FOI release

Information about the Scottish Government’s recruitment processes for civil service roles. Specifically, your request sought: A full end-to-end overview of the recruitment process, including advertising, application, shortlisting, interview, offer, and onboarding stages, and any variations for internal or Other Govern...

FOI unclear 75 score 18 working days correspondence contracts 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500490273
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

"Contingent Workers" categories used within the Scottish Government: FOI release

Scottish Government (SG) employs/contracts (whatever you wish to call it) Employees and Workers. This FOI relates solely to Workers. SG in June 2025 had a category that it calls "Contingent Workers" or workers as Section 230 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 calls them. In June 2025 it had 1049 "Contingent Workers" sp...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence contracts spending s.23 s.17(1) s.12 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500489746
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Breakdown of Safer Communities directorate: FOI release

"Id like to request your usual good services and ask for a list sub/governances groups or boards on the divisional level for the Safer Communities directorate. These would be groups or boards that brings together external policy stakeholders with the Scottish Government to give strategic oversight of policy development...

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500490009
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Public sector

Response statement regarding First Minister's tax claim: FOI release

All internal Scottish Government discussion (involving Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers, or Press Officers), by email or direct messaging applications, on the response statement from the Scottish Government included in the Daily Mail story titled ‘Swinney attacked over claim most Scots pay less tax than rest...

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

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500489716
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Deputy First Minister’s trip to Canada: FOI release

The total cost of the Deputy First Minister’s October 2025 trip to Canada broken down by category of expense – for example, flights, accommodation, and food. A list of the number of people accompanying the Deputy First Minister on the trip, and their titles. A list of people or organisations the Deputy First Minister...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.38(1)

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI-202500489711
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, International, Public sector

Palestine flag costs and communications: FOI release

1) The amount of money spent on Palestine flags by the Scottish Government since January 1, 2025, and the number purchased. 2) Any internal communications including briefings for ministers on the decision to raise the Palestine flag outside government buildings from the same date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.38 s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-28
Reference: FOI/202500490123
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector