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
7,795 matching releases

Briefings regarding United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Bill: FOI release

All of the briefings received by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills from the day if their appointment, until and including the day of receipt of this FOI. All of the briefings received by any Minister relating to the UNCRC bill and the Incorporation of human rights into Scot's Law.

FOI cost limit 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.28 s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-06-01
Reference
FOI/202300353281
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Information considered by the UNCRC Strategic Implementation Board: FOI release

All reports, files and correspondence considered by the UNCRC Strategic Implementation Board.

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-06-01
Reference
FOI/202300353310
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Direct Award and Procurement of Ferries: FOI release

1. “I would be grateful if you could send to me any policy framework or guidance the Scottish Government has for direct award of public sector contracts. e.g. Teckal or other similar contracting options.” 2. “Can you send me a copy of the procurement business case for the recent awarding of the ferries contract to a T...

FOI not held 70 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.30 s.33(1) s.33 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17 6 attachments
Published
2023-05-31
Reference
FOI/202300342383
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Average response times for an FOI request: FOI release

1) The mean, median and maximum response times for an FOI to the Scottish Government over the last 12 months. 2) The number and percentage of FOIs that were referred to Special Advisers for each month of the last five years. 3) The mean, median and maximum response times for all FOIs referred to Special Advisers over t...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 s.3 s.20 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-25
Reference
FOI/202300352495
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Tartan week costs and expenses 2023: FOI release

Who the Scottish Government paid the expenses of to attend Tartan week in New York 2023. This includes Government Ministers, MSP's, civil servants and any other individuals e.g Kelly Given. The list should include the costs of individual flights, accommodation (Hotel and number of nights) and subsistence.

FOI not held 45 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.27(1)
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202300351859
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, International, 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

Patrick Harvie MSP foreign trips: FOI release

Information regarding Patrick Harvie's trip to Rome in October last year including how many civil servants attended with him and what their job titles were; the number of civil servants who attended the full trip including to London, Paris and Basil, and the mode of transport used to travel to and from Rome; expenses a...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.27(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202300352059
Directorate
Public Service Reform Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

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

Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson's trip to Tartan Week: FOI release

Full expenses and costs of Angus Robertson trip to USA for Tartan Week. How many civil servants went with him, what are their jobs titles and expenses for them? Itinerary for Mr Robertson when he was in USA and minutes of the meetings he held there. What hotels did Mr Robertson stay in and how did he get to and from Am...

FOI not held 70 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.27(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202300352406
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, International, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Tartan Week trip 2023: FOI release

The cost of travel, accommodation, meals, security and staff support which will be borne by the taxpayer - with regards to the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture's trip to New York City. This being the trip made commencing the week of April 10 2023, for 'NYC Tartan Week'.

FOI not held 45 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.27(1)
Published
2023-05-22
Reference
FOI/202300352037
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, International, Public sector

Scottish Government staff and representatives costs to attend Tartan Week: FOI release

Please can you confirm how much money was spent sending Scottish Government staff and representatives to the Tartan Day Parade in New York, in April 2023? How much money did Scottish Government spend in April 2023 on helping homelessness in those under 18 in Scotland, and those over 18? How much money has the Scottish ...

FOI transferred 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.27(1) s.17(1)
Published
2023-05-22
Reference
FOI/202300351751
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, International, Public sector

Edinburgh Zoo Pandas return to China: EIR release

Any communications, including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, related to the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo and plans to return them to China since the start of 2023.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-17
Reference
FOI/202300351147
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme applications and exemptions: EIR release

The number of requests for exemption from the requirement to operate a retail return point under the Deposit Return Scheme for each month since the 1st October 2022. The number of applications per month (i) where a proximity exemption was granted, and (ii) where an environmental health exemption was granted, since 1st ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-16
Reference
FOI/202300349939
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, 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 regarding Parliamentary Questions S6W-16060 and S6W-16061: FOI Release

Please provide me with all Scottish Government correspondence relating to written questions S6W16060 and S6W16061. This should include all correspondence involving Scottish Government Ministers or officials, as well as officials from any other relevant directorates, agencies, or non-departmental public bodies. Informa...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-16
Reference
FOI/202300351293
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Information pertaining to Brexit, Covid - 19 vaccines and complaints in the workplace: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, and meeting notes) between Scottish Government officials and officials from the UK Government regarding the impact of Brexit on Scotland's economy, including any discussions related to the Brexit Deal or the Northern Ireland Protocol, between January 2021 and the present d...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.12 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.35(1) s.35(2) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-15
Reference
FOI/202300349502
Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector, +1 more … Work and skills

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity answer (parliamentary question: S6T-00960): FOI release

On 15th November 2022, the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater, gave the following answer in the Scottish Parliament, in response to a question from Liam Kerr MSP: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-inparliament/meeting-of-parl...

FOI unclear 55 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1)
Published
2023-05-11
Reference
FOI/202300345527
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture answer to Offshore Wind Resources question: FOI release

Please provide all Scottish Government correspondence (including Civil Servants, Special Advisers, and Press Officers) and briefing materials, relating to Angus Robertson’s response to Liam Kerr’s urgent question, asked in the Scottish Parliament on 28th February 2023.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-11
Reference
FOI/202300345563
Directorate
Offshore Wind Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme - Concerns for small producers: EIR release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to Lorna Slater's meeting on DRS concerns with small producers.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-10
Reference
FOI/202300343220
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Emails received by Lorna Slater relating to Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

Any emails that have been received by Scottish Government minister Lorna Slater MSP that mention the Deposit Return Scheme, due to go live on the 16 August 2023, between the 10 December 2022 and 10 February 2023. If this provides too many responses, please narrow the timeline from 10 January 2023 to 10 February 2023.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-10
Reference
FOI/202300342950
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, 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

Media Requests regarding Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

'Could you supply a list of how many requests have been made for government ministers to talk about the deposit return scheme since December 1 until the date of this FOI, including who was requested, when, what media outlet requested them, what your answer was, and what excuse was made if the request was rejected? Coul...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 12 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300344254
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, 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

Emails received by First Minister mentioning Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

“Any emails that have been received by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that mention the Deposit Return Scheme, due to go live on the 16 August 2023, between the 10 December 2022 and 10 February 2023. If this provides too many responses, please narrow the timeline from 10 January 2023 to 10 February 2023.”

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300342951
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme Exemption Statistics: EIR release

“Please can you supply the following, (broken down by month since applications via Zero Waste Scotland opened): 1. The number of deposit return scheme proximity exemption applications a) received, b) accepted or c)declined. 2. The number of deposit return scheme environmental health exemption applications a) received...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300343924
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector