Scottish Government FOI Index

21,863releases indexed

39,476attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,112partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,112 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

2026-05 410 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 1,279 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

777 matching releases

Discussion/analysis of the LSE report on trade, Brexit and Scottish independence: FOI release

All Scottish Government discussion/analysis of the report published on 3rd February 2021 by the LSE's Centre for Economic Performance, Disunited Kingdom? Brexit, Trade and Scottish Independence, (including comments by Ministers, Civil Servants, and Special Advisers). Please restrict the search to dates between 3rd Febr...

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending

Published: 2023-12-15
Reference: 202200331126
Directorate: Chief Economist Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Special Adviser expenses in past 5 years: FOI release

How many Special Advisers were employed in each of the past five years and what was the total salary cost in each year? What was the total amount claimed in expenses by Special Advisers in each of the past five years broken down by (a) travel, (b) hotel accommodation and (c) food & drink. What was the cost, mode of tra...

FOI released 100 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers contracts spending s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-12
Reference: FOI/202300373199
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence relating to Nicola Sturgeon's trip to Italy: FOI release

Any correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon, her office, special advisers and MSPs in the week leading up to her trip to Bellagio in Italy about the trip. - if this costs too much, lessen the timeframe to five days before the trip and the day of the trip or take the MSPs out. Briefing notes prepared from any meetings th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-11
Reference: 202200311801
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Records of all calls and/or meetings between John Swinney and SQA: FOI release

Records of all calls and/or meetings (including video calls) between John Swinney (including his staff or any special advisers) and Fiona Robertson of the SQA. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, dates, times, attendees, personal notes, minutes The time frame for this request is 01/01/2020 - 31/8/2020 Rec...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 260 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-11
Reference: 202100211591
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and employees of the Bank of England: FOI release

Please provide copies of all email correspondence between the Scottish Government (including ministers, civil servants, and special advisers) and employees of the Bank of England (ie anyone with an @bankofengland.co.uk email address). Please restrict the search to dates between 1st January 2021 and 3rd June 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200303686
Directorate: Chief Economist Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Education and Skills organogram and pay grades: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills office, including both civil service and political staff. The wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay grades for e...

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200335608
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Independence Referendum Bill Supreme Court Correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence between special advisers, senior civil servants within either the constitution or legal directorate, and ministers within the Scottish Government and SNP party officials around the Supreme Court reference of the independence referendum bill. This should cover the calendar year of 2022 and exclude MSP...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200332044
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Scottish Labour conference and the Labour Party in general: FOI release

Internal correspondence between the press office and from the press office to Scottish Ministers and special advisers in September or October 2021 on Labour conference or Labour generally.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200291468
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications correspondence on Greensill Capital and others: FOI release

Any internal or external correspondence between the Communications department, senior civil servants, ministers, and/or Special Advisers discussing media requests for comment or interview around issues relating to GFG Alliance, Sanjeev Gupta, Dalzell steelworks, or Greensill Capital, from April 1, 2022, to date.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200321975
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic

Non-disclosure agreements signed by former Ferguson Marine workers: FOI release

All correspondence between Scottish Government communications staff, government ministers and special advisers in February 2020 on media enquiries regarding non-disclosure agreements signed by former workers at the Ferguson Marine shipyard.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.30 s.38(1) 8 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200298010
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff Structure for the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay gr...

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200335623
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the First Minister's Office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the First Minister's Office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay grades for each staff member ...

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200335616
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay g...

FOI unclear 75 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202200335641
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government probe into leaked budget: FOI release

1a.) Have/did the Scottish Government launch a probe into the leaked budget proposals which were reported by BBC Scotland on December 15 last year? 1b.) If not, why and if you did explain the process of the investigation? 1c.) What was the final outcome of the investigation? 1d.) Any correspondence (including emails...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.1C s.1D s.38(1) s.29(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-08
Reference: 202300344253
Directorate: Public Spending Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Attendees and details of Director-General Corporate meetings regarding Covid-19 Inquiry: FOI release

1. All meetings between any current or former Scottish Minister and the Director-General Corporate of the Scottish Government regarding the Covid Inquiry, the Scottish Government’s Record/Information Management Policy or the mobile messaging apps - usage and policy guidance (including any draft versions of that policy)...

FOI withheld 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-07
Reference: FOI/202300383319
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Communications between the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information team and Michael Matheson: FOI release

Copies of communications between the Scottish Government’s Freedom of Information team and Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport. Please include communications with his office and his Special Advisers, and restrict the search the dates between 4th April 2022 and 15th November 2022

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-07
Reference: 202200330329
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Government phones issued to Ministers: FOI release

How many ministers and officials in the Scottish Government have a government issued mobile phone? Please also list all Scottish Government ministers, and officials senior enough to be named, who have a government issued mobile phone. Did the former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, or any members of her private office,...

FOI released 100 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-06
Reference: FOI/202300382811
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence with ministers or special advisers regarding instant messaging: FOI release

1. Between March 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021, any correspondence involving ministers or special advisers on the topic of instant messaging messages, including but not limited to the deletion of them.

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers

Published: 2023-12-06
Reference: FOI/202300382848
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence between staff in Education Scotland regarding the reform of the SQA and Education Scotland: FOI release

Information regarding the recently published report by Professor Ken Muir into the reform of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and Education Scotland, in particular: all communication between staff in Education Scotland and ministers and/or special advisers and/or PR/comms staff relating to the announcement,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-12-05
Reference: 202200304407
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence with SG Interim Chief Statistician and members of the SG: FOI release

All email correspondence between the Scottish Government's Interim Chief Statistician, Ally McAlpine, and members of the Scottish Government (including Ministers, Civil Servants, and Special Advisers) from 1st April 2022 until 25th October 2022. You provided clarification on 26 October that the information you are req...

FOI clarification 80 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-05
Reference: 202200326705
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pa...

FOI unclear 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-05
Reference: 202200335615
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence between the Justice Minister, ministers, civil servants and special advisors : FOI release

Emails and correspondence between the Justice Minister, ministers, civil servants and special advisors discussing the selection and appointment of the 4 person body formed as a working group into parades and public processions. Emails and correspondence between the working group members before and after appointment to ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-05
Reference: 202200290467
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. Th...

FOI unclear 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-01
Reference: 202300358392
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the Minister for Victims and Community Safety office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for the Minister for Victims and Community Safety office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay gr...

FOI unclear 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-01
Reference: 202300358402
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the Minister for Transport office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for the Minister for Transport office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Government. The pay grades for each staff...

FOI unclear 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-01
Reference: 202300358412
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector