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

540 matching releases

Nicola Sturgeon correspondence with New York Times regarding COP 27: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, texts, whatsapp) between Nicola Sturgeon, her advisers, the Scottish Government and the New York Times in regards to her appearing at their “On the Verge of Progress: Where Will COP27 Take Us” panel at Cop27.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-03-10
Reference: FOI/202200328934
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

Communications around Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) report: FOI release

Any minutes from meetings between Scottish Government ministers and/or civil servants that discuss the recent STPR2 report. Any emails, texts, WhatsApp messages, between Scottish Government ministers and/or civil servants that discuss the recent STPR2.

FOI unclear 75 score 60 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp 4 attachments

Published: 2023-03-08
Reference: FOI/202200333617
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Edinburgh university protest about the film 'Adult Human Female': FOI release

All correspondence (including WhatsApp’s, emails, texts) dating between December 14 and 21 2022 between Nicola Sturgeon, her advisers, her civil servants, press officers and the media about the Edinburgh university protest on Wednesday December 14 about the film Adult Human Female.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-01-30
Reference: 202200335549
Directorate: Lifelong Learning and Skills Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence with Arran Groups: 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 Scottish Government Ministers and business and community groups in the island of Arran regarding the Ardrossan to Brodick ferry fr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 97 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-01-26
Reference: FOI/202200305697
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Lord Advocate meeting with Deputy First Minister: FOI release

1) Minutes of any meeting between the Deputy First Minister John Swinney and the Lord Advocate on February 23, 2021; 2) Emails, texts and records of phone calls between the Deputy First Minister and the Lord Advocate, with necessary redactions of personal information, on 23 February 2021; and 3) Any follow-up contacts ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 96 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2023-01-26
Reference: FOI/202100210688
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

COVID-19 Communications between Scottish Government and Lady Poole: FOI release

All documents and record of communications between the Scottish Government and Lady Poole, the chairwoman of Scotland’s Covid-19 inquiry. This can relate to any letters, emails, any electronic communication such as text and WhatsApp messages, and minutes of any meetings or phone calls Lady Poole had with ministers or o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.37(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2023-01-18
Reference: FOI/202200323026
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Closure of NHS Tavistock gender identity clinic for children and young people correspondence: 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) regarding the shutting down of NHS Tavistock's gender identity clinic for children and young people."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2023-01-17
Reference: FOI/202200314449
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Health and social care, Public sector

Ministerial briefings on Audit Scotland report into ferry hulls 801 and 802 construction: FOI release

1) Any ministerial briefings on the subject of Audit Scotland's report into the construction of island ferries hulls 801 and 802 between March 1 and July 1, 2022. 2) Any correspondence between ministers, special advisers, senior civil servants - including WhatsApp and other instant messaging apps - on how the handle th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.33(1) s.38(1) s.30 10 attachments

Published: 2023-01-11
Reference: FOI/202200324642
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

The Residential Cycle Storage & Parking Fund: FOI release

Any policy documents related to the Residential Cycle Storage & Parking Fund Any criteria that exists for deciding which local councils receive funding under the scheme Any correspondence (email, texts, WhatsApp messages, minutes, briefings) between Scottish Government ministers and local authorities and/or Cycling Sco...

FOI unclear 50 score 12 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending

Published: 2023-01-05
Reference: FOI/202200334161
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Office of Mayor of Greater Manchester correspondence - FoI Release

"Electronic copies of all communication from within the Scottish Government between ministers, special advisors, civil servants, government officials – including the First Minister’s email account, her office, and her chief of staff Colin McAllister - regarding meeting Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 71 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp 2 attachments

Published: 2022-12-28
Reference: FOI/202200320940
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Nicola Sturgeon and Council meetings: FOI release

1. All the correspondence and any other messages - email, letter, WhatsApp, text and any other form of communication - between the Scottish Government, including the First Minister's office (including civil servants and special advisers), COSLA, and unions during the council strikes between August 18 and when a deal wa...

FOI unclear 75 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending 2 attachments

Published: 2022-10-31
Reference: FOI/202200318868
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Visit of Michelle O'Neill to Bute House and meeting with First Minister: FOI release

On May 20 this year, Michelle O'Neill MLA visited the First Minister at Bute House. https://www.gov.scot/news/first-minister-meets-michelle-oneill-mla/ Please supply all items of information generated by the First Minister, her officials and special advisers in relation to the arranging of this meeting, its conduct and...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-10-19
Reference: FOI/202200312323
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Gender Recognition and transgender inmates: 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 of the Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison service regarding the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) and transgender in...

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

Published: 2022-10-05
Reference: FOI/202200313388
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence with Ross Greer MSP: FOI release

1. All correspondence between Ross Greer MSP and Kate Forbes MSP since January 1, 2022, including emails, phone calls (including minutes of these), in-person meetings, Whatsapp messages, Twitter messages, Signal messages and any other smartphone communication. 2. All correspondence between Ross Greer MSP and John Swinn...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.30(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-10-05
Reference: FOI/202200315607
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Single sex spaces: FOI released

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) regarding single-sex spaces in Scottish Government facilities since 7 May 2021.

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

Published: 2022-10-05
Reference: FOI/202200314448
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Temporary accommodation to Ukrainian Refugees: FOI release

1. All information relating to communication or consultation with local stakeholders about the plan to house refugees on a boat in Leith. This may be anyone who could have an interest in the decision, community groups, councils, health boards, local medical or dental practices, transport bodies and charities such as fo...

FOI cost limit 45 score 19 working days correspondence meetings spending whatsapp s.12

Published: 2022-09-27
Reference: FOI/202200311937
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

All correspondence regarding the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill: FOI release

The following information: “1) All correspondence (including meetings, emails, text/WhatsApp messages and phone calls) between any of the First Minister (and her office), the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture (and his office) and the Lord Advocate (and her office) regarding the Scott...

FOI released 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending

Published: 2022-08-29
Reference: FOI/202200308439
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with Lord Advocate regarding the Supreme Court: FOI release

1) Any correspondence, including meetings, notes, memos, agendas, ministerial briefings and minutes, between the Scottish Government and the office of the Lord Advocate on the topic of the Lord Advocate's reference to the Supreme Court between January 1, 2022 and June 28, 2022. This should include any emails, letters, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-22
Reference: FOI/202200312193
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Training and interaction between Police: FOI release

Information/communications/documents regarding any contact between Keith Brown, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, his Special Advisors and Civil Servants and Police Scotland regarding cooperation, training and interaction between Police Scotland and the Colombian Police, security services and Government. You ask that ...

FOI already published 80 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.10(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-18
Reference: FOI/202200299604
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Public sector

Nicola Sturgeon St Andrews trip: FOI release

All the correspondence and any other messages - email, letter, WhatsApp, text and any other form of communication - between the Scottish Government, including the First Minister's office (including civil servants and special advisers) and The PGA Tour/European Tour/The Open or any other company or agency involved about...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.33(2) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-15
Reference: FOI/202200311419
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Audit Scotland’s annual report: NHS in Scotland: FOI release

1. On what date did the Scottish Government first receive an embargoed copy of Audit Scotland’s annual report: NHS in Scotland? 2. Please can you provide all briefing and correspondence between officials and ministers (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, records of phone calls, minutes o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-10
Reference: FOI/202200283512
Directorate: Health and Social Care Finance Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

The decision to close Abernyte Primary School: FOI release

The dates, times and attendees of all meetings, including virtual meetings, conference calls and video conferences, attended by Mr Swinney or Mr Richard Lochhead at which Abernyte Primary School was discussed. Notes, minutes, summaries or records of any meeting attended Mr Swinney or Mr Richard Lochhead in regard to Ab...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-08
Reference: FOI/202200279750
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Correspondence referring to ‘glyphosate’: EIR release

Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon MSP, any other Scottish Government representatives and the National Farmers Union of Scotland, the Ros...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) 6 attachments

Published: 2022-08-04
Reference: FOI/202200280895
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural, Public sector

Internal communications regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI release

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, special advisers, learning direct...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 234 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-07-27
Reference: FOI/202100231959
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Yearly breakdown of how much is spent on Facebook: FOI release

A yearly breakdown on how much the Scottish Government spends on Facebook from 2015 to 19 June 2022.

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence spending whatsapp

Published: 2022-07-18
Reference: FOI/202200306645
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector