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

1,024 matching releases

Correspondence regarding conversion therapy: FOI release

All minutes/notes from meetings, policy analysis and briefings about plans to ban conversion therapy, between July 10 and September 1 2024, excluding email correspondence.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-12-17
Reference: FOI/202300364330
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Data Processor Agreements between the Scottish Government and Local Authorities: FOI release

Data Processing Agreements, Data Sharing Agreements and any other agreements or contracts between the Scottish Government and each of 16 named Local Authorities in relation to children's data gathered, transferred/shared and processed in the Health and Wellbeing Census that took place in schools in 2021/2022, including...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.38(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-12-16
Reference: FOI/202400436065
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

European Union gene editing rules documentation: EIR release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence (internal as well), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, policy notes, about EU gene editing rules, from the last six months?

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.10(4) s.11(2) s.10(5) 8 attachments

Published: 2024-11-26
Reference: FOI/202400437152
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural, Public sector

Scottish Government legal costs incurred: FOI release

I am writing to ask if you can please provide me with full details of the costs incurred by the Scottish Government to date in respect of legal costs for the following: In referring to costs I mean the costs paid out to third party solicitors and the Advocates, but also of any in house legal costs - an estimate of the...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.30 s.17(1)

Published: 2024-11-21
Reference: FOI/202400434474
Directorate: Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Supplementary Staffing Task and Finish group: Members, Recommendations and documents: FOI release

The following in relation to the Supplementary Staffing Task and Finish Group: The current membership of the group. Any recommendations, reports, briefings and/or advice to ministers produced by the group. Any documents produced by the group that cover the move to agency usage by “exception only.” You asked for infor...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-20
Reference: FOI/202400436680
Directorate: Health Workforce Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Medical Locum Engagement Task and Finish Group details: FOI release

The following in relation to the Medical Locum Engagement Task and Finish Group, between the dates of April and October 2024: a) The membership of the group. b) Any recommendations, reports, briefings and/or advice to ministers produced by the group. c) Meeting minutes, agendas and papers. d) Specifically, any papers t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-18
Reference: FOI/202400436683
Directorate: Health Workforce Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Grant payments to Bus Users UK: FOI release

'Any grant to UK campaigning group BUS USERS UK? They have a Scottish branch and if any grants have been made to that group in the past five financial years starting 2019/20 could tell me what the amounts are for the relevant years and any conditions that are attached to acceptance of such grants?'.

FOI unclear 50 score 8 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts

Published: 2024-11-13
Reference: FOI/202400437431
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Drafts and correspondence on constitutional roles of law officers of Scotland report: FOI release

The draft of Mr McMillan’s commissioned report on the constitutional role(s) of the law officers of Scotland, including potential for reform, provided by Malcolm McMillan to Graham Fisher on 5th May; Any subsequent drafts of Mr McMillan’s report; Any comments provided by ministers or officials on the draft report of 5t...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17 s.25 s.38 s.29 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-11
Reference: FOI/202400434305
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Documentation on splitting the Lord Advocate role: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government about splitting the Lord Advocates role in two, including correspondence (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, reports, analysis and briefings, between April 1 2024 and September 1 2024? (If too much money, reduce time to April 1 2024 to June 1 2024?); and ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 19 working days correspondence briefings meetings spending s.25 s.38 s.29 s.12 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-11
Reference: FOI/202400434654
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Briefings and materials prepared for meeting of Education Secretary and Scottish Qualifications Authority officials: FOI release

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth recently met with SQA officials to discuss problems with the marking of Higher history. Please release under FOISA: Copies of all briefings, background or other materials prepared in advance of this meeting Confirmation of all attendees, including whether a separate minute taker was p...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-06
Reference: FOI/202400430985
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Ken Thomson's WhatsApp messages during the Covid 19 pandemic: FOI release

Ken Thomson's What's App messages during the Covid 19 pandemic.

FOI already published 80 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.37(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-01
Reference: FOI/202400425744
Directorate: Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Director-General Corporate WhatsApp messages during the Covid 19 pandemic: FOI release

The WhatsApp messages of the current Director General Corporate, Lesley Fraser, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 76 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-01
Reference: FOI/202400427870
Directorate: Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Legal advice given to the Scottish Government/ministers in reference to The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (case reference number XA10/23): FOI Appeal

Original request - 202300390057 All legal advice given to the Scottish Government/ministers in reference to the court case known as The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (case reference number XA10/23). This includes legal advice given in relation to the decision to appeal, as well as advice i...

FOI unclear 80 score 160 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-10-26
Reference: FOI/202400394394 - Appeal
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence relating to provision for carers of infected blood victims: FOI release

“Minutes and any correspondence or internal emails relating to any discussion on the care needs and or provision for carers of infected blood victims within the Scottish Government since 2017 including discussion around bereavement and funeral grants”. You subsequently confirmed that you did not wish us to include corr...

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

Published: 2024-10-21
Reference: FOI/202400431039
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Procedural changes to the NHS clinical frailty scale during Covid-19 pandemic: FOI release

Can you confirm that the CMO was responsible for any procedural changes to the NHS clinical frailty scale and or DNACPR notices put in place during the pandemic?

FOI unclear 55 score 12 working days correspondence ministers s.12

Published: 2024-10-17
Reference: FOI/202400433801
Directorate: Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Communications between the Scottish Government and UK monarchy: FOI release

Please share any communications exchanged between the government and the UK monarchy or their representatives from 21 February 2023 to the present date, which relate to: Laws and Legislation The Crown Estate Property or assets owned by the monarchy Crown consent Carbon emissions Deer Please include all communication ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.41 2 attachments

Published: 2024-10-16
Reference: FOI/202400431736
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Law Society of Scotland's consultation response to ending conversion practises in Scotland: FOI release

All emails, messages, briefing papers and other documents since 1 April 2024 referencing the Law Society of Scotland’s consultation response to ending conversion practices in Scotland.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-10-15
Reference: FOI/202400430196
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Managing deer for climate and nature consultation proposals: EIR release

All correspondence, submissions and recommendations in relation to the legislative vehicle which will be used to take forward the proposals set out in the Managing Deer for Climate and Nature Consultation.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.10(5) s.11(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-10-14
Reference: EIR/202400420951
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Costs of running The Promise; Redress Scotland and documents regarding Fornethy Survivors Group/House: FOI release

1. Could you provide the full costs of running The Promise so far, with a breakdown per year and a breakdown of what the money is for, including a breakdown of staff costs? 2. Could you provide the full costs of running Redress Scotland so far, with a breakdown per year and a breakdown of what the money is for, includ...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-10-14
Reference: FOI/202400429997
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Law Society of Scotland: FOI release

An explanation as to ‘why the Law Society of Scotland is not listed by you as a public authority under the FOIA 2002 - this means that freedom of information requests cannot be made to them’.

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

Published: 2024-10-08
Reference: FOI/202400426941
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Money spent on third-party or legal costs connected to independence: FOI release

Since 2011, the amount of money spent by the Scottish Government on third-party or legal costs connected to in any way (advisory, consultancy or legal advice or other) to any question of policy around independence. This should include but not be limited to - consultancy connected to the Building a New Scotland papers, ...

FOI released 75 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2024-10-04
Reference: FOI/202400425678
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

WhatsApp/Text Messages related to Appeal 202100255908: FOI release

Regarding this FOI Appeal https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202100255908/ Please release all the information not released or disclosed or that had a redaction applied in the above FOI request as it is now credible that exemptions applied may have being misapplied or misused, in order to not release some or all of ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.26 s.30 s.28(1) s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-10-04
Reference: FOI/202400426366
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Visitor levy (tourist tax), council tax and canal boats: FOI release

1. Does the Scottish Government intend the forthcoming visitor levy (tourist tax) to be applied to canal boats that are hired as overnight accommodation, or are they intended to be exempt? Please would you refer to any written communication clarifying what the intention is. 2. Please provide data showing a) how many r...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.2 s.4 s.17(1)

Published: 2024-10-04
Reference: FOI/202400426134
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Documentation held about trans prisoners in Scottish jails: FOI release

1. Could you provide all analysis undertaken, all correspondence and all drafts written in reaction or about the recorded crime stats published in June: https://www.gov.scot/news/recorded-crime-in-scotland-2023-24/ 2. Could you provide all documentation held about trans prisoners in Scottish jails, including correspo...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-10-04
Reference: FOI/202400426420
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan applications: EIR release

1) How many Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan applications have been received for the installation of air source heat pumps since the launch of the scheme? 2) How many Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan applications have been awarded for the installation of air source heat pumps since the launch of the scheme? 3) ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending s.20 s.39(2) s.4 s.10(4) s.6

Published: 2024-10-03
Reference: EIR/202400424809
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector