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

The sale of Lochaber assets of Rio Tinto Aluminium: FOI release

The areas I would appreciate any information held on are in relation to the sale of the Lochaber assets of Rio Tinto Aluminium (the Lochaber smelter, the two hydro-electric power stations and the associated Highland estate lands) to the GFG Alliance (including Liberty and SIMEC): (1) Any risk assessment carried out in ...

FOI already published 80 score 91 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.30 s.27 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-27
Reference
FOI/202200309183
Directorate
Economic Development 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

Super Sponsorship Scheme for displaced people from Ukraine: FOI release

Details detailed below from Questions A-M in relation to the Scottish Government Super Sponsorship Scheme for displaced people from Ukraine. A) How many people, broken down by age and sex if possible, have been sponsored in the Scottish Government Super Sponsorship Scheme since April 1, 2022? B) How many people have ac...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25 s.17(1)
Published
2023-01-26
Reference
FOI/202200322387
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Ukraine

Discussions regarding the judicial review: FOI release

All notes, correspondence, actions to be taken from the meetings on November 2 and 13 between the First Minister, the permanent secretary and external legal advisers to discuss the judicial review.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 160 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.26 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-26
Reference
FOI/202100173910
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics 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

Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise meeting with GFG Alliance: FOI release

“1) 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 Ivan McKee's meeting with Sanjeev Gupta on August 15, 2022.”

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings 4 attachments
Published
2023-01-25
Reference
FOI/202200322329
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

First Minister's August 2022 Copenhagen visit: FOI release

The following information related to the First Minister’s August 2022 visit to Copenhagen: 1) How much did Nicola Sturgeon's trip to Copenhagen cost and breakdown of these costs? 2) Itinerary of what Ms Sturgeon did in Copenhagen, including her mode of transport and where she stayed and costs of this. 3) Briefing notes...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.3 s.27(1) s.4 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-25
Reference
FOI/202200317683
Directorate
Topic
International, Public sector

Visits to the Strathmartine Centre: FOI release

A copy of all reports, letters, emails and other documentation created in respect of the visits to the Strathmartine Centre, this year, by the representatives including those forwarded or shared with NHS Tayside.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-24
Reference
FOI/202200319570
Directorate
Mental Health Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister air miles: FOI release

How many air miles does Nicola Sturgeon have from overseas trips in (i) 2016, (ii) 2017, (iii) 2018, (iv) 2019, (v) 2020, (vi) 2021, and (vii) 2022. Breakdown of these air miles by each flight.

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2023-01-23
Reference
FOI/202200335019
Directorate
Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Developments in Clashindarroch forest: EIR release

Information in relation to the operational Clashindarroch Wind Farm and the proposed Clashindarroch II Wind Farm.

FOI/EIR not held 45 score correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)
Published
2023-01-19
Reference
FOI/202200317725
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Bute House residential refuse collection cost: FOI release

Information relating to refuse costs and other running costs associated with Bute House.

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending
Published
2023-01-19
Reference
FOI/202200317778
Directorate
Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Inspections of Marine Cage Fish Farms: EIR release

Information relating to onsite inspections carried out by Marine Scotland on fish farms operated by Mowi Scotland Limited in the sea cages located on the West coast of Scotland in each of the calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021. We sought further clarification from you by email dated 15 August 2022 and you responded the...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.4 s.5 s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-18
Reference
FOI/202200315581
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Banning licence for Shale oil fracking: EIR release

The Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport: 1) On what scientific basis are you banning licences for shale deposit fracture – please provide me with it. 2) Is your chauffeured car fossil fuelled.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1)
Published
2023-01-18
Reference
FOI/202200322372
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Proposed Independence Prospectus: FOI release

Information on the number of civil servants currently working to develop the proposed Independence Prospectus, for their remit, and timetable for publication.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.3 s.30
Published
2023-01-18
Reference
FOI/202200321527
Directorate
Constitution 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

Correspondence on withdrawal of chair of COVID-19 inquiry: FOI release

"All information on Lady Poole's decision to withdraw as head of the Scottish Government's Covid-19 Inquiry. This should include all correspondence between her, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Courts Service and ministers. Any responses as a result of this communication would also be appreciated."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-18
Reference
FOI/202200323158
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Planning Aid for Scotland funding: EIR release

Information on funding provided by the Scottish Government to the charity Planning Aid for Scotland. 1. Whether the funding given to Planning Aid for Scotland is provided under certain statutory powers (and if so, please identify the statutory powers - e.g. the Scottish Ministers’ grant-making powers under S253A of the...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.25 s.12 4 attachments
Published
2023-01-17
Reference
FOI/202200307057
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development meetings July 2022: FOI release

“1) 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 the following meetings: 1a) Neil Gray's meeting with the int...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.28(1) s.28 s.32 s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-17
Reference
FOI/202200331311
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Ukraine

Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs): EIR release

I shall be pleased if you will provide me with certain information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act and/or the Environmental Information Regulations with reference to a statement in the National newspaper that bears to have been issued by Scottish Government, on the subject of acoustic ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.2 s.5 s.8(1) s.8(2) s.6(9) s.8(5) s.6(7)
Published
2023-01-12
Reference
FOI/202200315614
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, 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

Correspondence regarding meetings with Executive Chairman of the GFG Alliance: FOI release

“1) Any minutes, memos, notes, emails, agendas, or attachments and correspondence on the topic of, or originating following any governmental or ministerial meetings with Sanjeev Gupta since May 1, 2021. 2) The location, date, time and cost to government of these meetings, including any expensed food or drink.”

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending 10 attachments
Published
2023-01-11
Reference
FOI/202200307644
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Scotland’s share of Europe’s potential offshore wind resource: EIR release

All internal Scottish Government discussion (including between Ministers, Civil Servants, and Special Advisers) relating to the question of Scotland’s share of Europe’s potential offshore wind resource, restricting the search to dates between 6th May 2021 and 20th October 2022. You also indicated how to narrow down you...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-01-09
Reference
FOI/202200325962
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, 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

Mortality of cleaner fish in relation to Scottish Salmon production: EIR release

Information ‘relating to reporting of unexplained mortalities of cleaner fish in relation to Scottish Salmon production’. Specifically you requested information from January 2017 to the present (15 August 2022), as follows: 1) Have, as part of the requirements of the Aquatic Animal Health (Scotland) Regs 2009, any inst...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.23(2) s.10(4)
Published
2023-01-05
Reference
FOI/202200315694
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Super sponsor scheme - homes for Ukraine: FOI release

‘On Saturday 12th March 2022 a joint meeting/call was held with Michael Gove (Cabinet Secretary for Levelling up, Housing and Communities), Richard Harrington (Minister for Refugees) and the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales during which the UK Government’s plans for their ‘Homes for Ukraine’, humanitarian sponsors...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 6 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.1 s.3 s.17(1) s.12 s.8
Published
2023-01-05
Reference
FOI/202200332480
Directorate
Topic
Public sector