Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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
540 matching releases

Nicola Sturgeon meetings with Crown Office: FOI release

Please can I request information relating to meetings, communication and correspondence between the former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (including her office, staff and officials) and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). This should include – but not be limited to – all information held about meet...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-19
Reference
202300357074
Directorate
Topic

Resource Spending Review: FOI release

all communications (emails, letters, texts, WhatsApp messages, phone calls, online meetings, in person meetings) between March 27th, 2023 and the present between Ministers(including the First Minister where applicable) officials working for Ministers and Special Advisors about the Resource Spending Review all communica...

FOI already published 80 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.25 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.20 4 attachments
Published
2023-10-16
Reference
202300362826
Directorate
Exchequer Strategy Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Possession of a firearm in prison: FOI release

All reports, statistics, correspondence, emails, texts and Whatsapp messages regarding the single incidence of ‘possession of a firearm in prison’ in the Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics 2022-23. Should it be the case that no firearm was discovered in a prison, you requested correspondence explaining how this offe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-10
Reference
202300363577
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Withdrawal from Westminster – a New Partnership Agreement: FOI Release

Has the Scottish Government or officials begun work preparing the Withdrawal from Westminster – a New Partnership Agreement framework announced by the First Minister at the SNP independence convention in Dundee last month? If work has begun, how many officials have been assigned to work on the document? Could you ple...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-05
Reference
FOI - 202300367110
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

The role of Director General (DG) Strategy and External Affairs: FOI release

Your request was for: All emails, Whatsapp messages, Teams messages, notes pertaining to the redeployment of Joe Griffin to the role of DG Strategy and External Affairs Policies, guidance or otherwise in place pertaining to the redeployment, transfer, lateral move of an SCS individual in the Scottish Government to ano...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-09-19
Reference
FOI/202300365506
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

HM Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland investigation to Dundee University: FOI release

All information held by the Scottish Government – including the HM Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland – about the incident where a University of Dundee student posted video footage to social media that prompted an investigation by HMIAS in 2022. Please include all communication, both internal and external, relating to ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-09-18
Reference
FOI/202300368952
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Information pertaining to Ferguson Marine: FOI release

1. All correspondence (emails, text, whatsapps) mentioning a public inquiry into Ferguson Marine received and sent by the Scottish Government/Transport Scotland sent between February 1 and June 1. 2. Could you supply a copy of the value for money report written for the unnamed Hull 802 which Neil Gray used to give his ...

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) s.25(1)
Published
2023-09-14
Reference
FOI/202300371973
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence between the First Minister and Patrick Harvie, Andrew Wilson and Ian Blackford: FOI review

In your original request, dated 5 January 2023, you asked for: any correspondence between the First Minister, either directly, on her behalf, or by her office or assistants, and Patrick Harvie of the Scottish Greens between 01-June-2021 and 31-August- 2021. This would include all correspondence, ie emails, texts, dire...

FOI cost limit 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending whatsapp s.12 s.17(1)
Published
2023-09-12
Reference
202300343738 review of 202300336762
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministers communications: FOI release

You asked for the following information:- For all communications (emails, letters, texts, WhatsApp messages, phone calls, online meetings, in person meetings) between the Minister for Transport, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy & Transport, First Minister, Officials working to aforementioned Ministers, Special A...

FOI clarification 80 score 76 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts whatsapp s.17 s.30 s.33(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 4 attachments
Published
2023-09-12
Reference
202100265976
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Communications relating to the arrest of Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: FOI release

All internal correspondence/communication regarding the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon. This should include (but not be limited to) emails, documents, WhatsApp messages, letters and call logs. All external correspondence/communication regarding the arrest of Nicola Sturgeon. This should include (but not be limited to) email...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-08-01
Reference
FOI/202300361223
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Whatsapp messages - relevant to COVID inquiry: FOI release

Has the Scottish Government done any work to identify and catalogue retained messages which might be relevant to the Covid inquiry? If such work has been done, can the quantity of messages which might be relevant to the Covid inquiry be disclosed? If such work has not been done, does the Scottish Government plan to do ...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence whatsapp s.18(1) s.28
Published
2023-07-24
Reference
FOI/202300361866
Directorate
Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communication between Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and Martin Compston: FOI Review

Original request - 202300353506 All communication between Humza Yousaf and/or his officials as health or justice secretary and Martin Compston during 2021. This should include email, text, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Messenger or other electronic communications, as well as any handwritten notes or minutes of verbal co...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-07-20
Reference
FOI/202300362271 Review of 202300353506
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

FOI responses which included the release of WhatsApp messages: FOI release

This is a follow up request to a previous FOI response. Your ref: 202300348653 The response to the above referenced request includes this remark: “The Scottish Government has previously released messaging exchanges in response to Freedom of Information requests.” Please provide information held by the Scottish Gover...

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence whatsapp
Published
2023-06-14
Reference
FOI/202300352882
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the A9 Dualling Programme: EIR release

Any correspondence (Emails and WhatsApp messages) between John Swinney MSP and Jenny Gilruth MSP about the A9 dualling between 1 December 2023 and 22 February 2023. Any correspondence (Emails, WhatsApp messages, meeting notes) between Jenny Gilruth MSP and Transport Scotland about the A9 dualling between 1 December 202...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202300344674
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

2022 exam appeals - internal communications: FOI release

The following information regarding the 2022 exam appeals: All internal communication involving the following: Ministers Special Advisers Communication staff Learning Directorate staff Education Reform Directorate staff The time frame for this request is April 1, 2022 - present. Communication would include, but woul...

FOI already published 80 score 137 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202200328831
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence with Simon Case around independence: FOI release

You asked for all correspondence (including emails, whatsapp, texts) between Simon Case, his office, Scottish Government officials, civil servants and ministers/ministers offices, regarding independence and spending on independence since November 23 2022.

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending whatsapp 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-16
Reference
FOI/202200334747
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence and Briefing relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

All government correspondence (including emails, whatsapps, text) between officials, civil servants, ministers, special advisers, outside sources that mention Isla Bryson or Adam Graham over the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300342026
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme - Circularity Scotland correspondence with Lorna Slater: EIR release

Has the Scottish Government done any research on the possibility of Scots heading across the border to England to purchase bottles and containers due to cheaper prices when the deposit return scheme comes in? If so, could you supply the research? If you haven't, why not? Was Lorna Slater consulted on a change in handli...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300346545
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) communications regarding national qualifications in 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, text or Whatsapp messages, phone calls or otherwise) concerning SQA national qualifications in 2021. I would like this information between 17 May 2021 and 29 May 2021. Any communications (including emails, text or Whatsapp messages, phone calls or othe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 337 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-04
Reference
FOI/202100209749
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Services relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison Service in January 2023 relating to transgender prisoners. This could include but not limited to emails, briefing notes, text messages, WhatsApp messages and meeting minutes.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 67 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-04
Reference
FOI/202300340666
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) information: FOI release

Question 1 - How much money has the Scottish Government handed out to Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) over the last five years? Breakdown of when and what the money was spent on. Question 2 - How much money has SHAAP paid to the Scottish Government over the same time period? Breakdown of when and wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts spending s.25(1) s.38(1) 12 attachments
Published
2023-05-03
Reference
FOI/202300347130
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI Review

Original request - 202100231963 "The Scottish Government has today confirmed that exams will take place in 2022 (if safe to do so) - https://www.gov.scot/news/national-qualifications-2022/. Please release any internal communication between the Scottish Government members and staff (first minister, education secretary, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 178 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.38 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-19
Reference
FOI/202200312728 Review of 202100231963
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Council bin strikes during August 2022: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between ministers and special advisors regarding the Council bin strikes during August 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-17
Reference
FOI/202200317862
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Meta data request regarding FOI 202200299795: FOI release

The following information under FOISA as it relates to FOI request 202200299795. 1) Any and all correspondence within the Scottish Government, in particular including special advisers, relating to the above request. For clarity, the correspondence should include - but not be limited to - emails, WhatsApp messages and p...

FOI not held 70 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings whatsapp s.2 s.17 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-03-28
Reference
FOI/202200330635
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Correspondence relating to Ferguson Marine: FOI release

The following information regarding FOI request number 202200299795, sent in June 2022, relating to emails regarding Ferguson Marine. 1) Correspondence relating to the request sent by or to government officials including, but not limited to, civil servants, special advisers and elected officials from the time of the re...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 150 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-03-22
Reference
FOI/202200318503
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport