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

1,032 matching releases

Correspondence regarding Trans Inclusion Guidance: FOI release

All written communications, and dates and minutes/notes from meetings that mention Scottish Government guidance related to ensuring policy makers and service providers being able to collectively realise trans and women's rights. You also asked for any draft copies of this guidance, and any communication regarding the ...

FOI unclear 80 score 18 working days correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.38 s.29 s.36 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-20
Reference: FOI/202300377504
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

National Clinical Director WhatsApp messages: FOI release

All internal communications, including emails and informal electronic communications, which relate to the gathering of information in relation to this denial, the formulation of the denial and the signing off of the denial ("It is not correct to suggest that the National Clinical Director deleted every WhatsApp message...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence whatsapp s.30 s.38 s.36 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-20
Reference: FOI/202400394753
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Exam appeals in 2022: FOI release

Regarding the 2022 exam appeals, all briefings and analysis held by the government. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, ministerial briefing papers, options papers, documents discussing appeal outcomes / public response etc. The time frame for this request is 1 January 2022 to the present.

FOI already published 80 score 141 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-15
Reference: 202200328849
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government legal case costs: FOI release

In reference to the court case known as The Scottish Ministers v The Scottish Information Commissioner (case reference number XA10/23) what were the Scottish Governments legal costs associated with defending this case which they lost?

FOI unclear 50 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending

Published: 2024-02-15
Reference: FOI/202300388330
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Court of Session costs: FOI release

The total cost of the Scottish Government’s decision to appeal the FOI commissioners ruling to the Court of Session. Please include all related court/lawyers fees, all money spent on the process to appeal. Please give me a clear breakdown of the costs. (who paid for what etc).

FOI unclear 50 score 12 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2024-02-15
Reference: FOI/202300390967
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Information Commissioner court case expense: FOI release

Could you provide the full cost of fighting the court case against the Information Commissioner over the James Hamilton report, with the case calling on December 6? Could you provide the full breakdown of costs?

FOI unclear 50 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence spending

Published: 2024-02-15
Reference: FOI/202300388404
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Trusts and Succession Scotland Bill 2023: FOI release

1) All correspondence, sent and received, between the Scottish Government and representatives of HM the Queen and/or HM the King, including the monarch's legal representatives, regarding the Trusts and Succession (Scotland) Bill 2023 and the application of crown consent to that bill in line with rule 9.11 of standing o...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.25(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.41 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-14
Reference: FOI/202300391150
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Various questions regarding COVID-19: FoI release

1. How many of Humza Yousaf's cabinet use their personal emails for government business? List of who does. 2. What was the final outcome of Ruth Charteris investigating into missing WhatsApps as referenced here: https://news.sky.com/story/scotlands-first-minister-humza-yousaf-to-fully-investigate-concerns-messages-not-...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.2 s.17(1) s.3 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-09
Reference: FOI/202400392573
Directorate: Covid Inquiries Response Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Removal of non-residential social care charging: FOI release

With regards to the removal of non-residential social care charging, you asked for information regarding: why the plan for implementation as set out in the timetable for April 2023 implementation has not been met what the current status of the timetable for implementation is what current work is being undertaken towar...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence spending s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-05
Reference: FOI/202300387766
Directorate: Social Care and National Care Service Development
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence for auditor of GFG Lochaber smelter and Dalzell steelworks: FOI review

You asked for a review of our reply to your original Freedom of Information (FoI) request which was allocated reference number 202200328214. You submitted the following request: Please can you send me the correspondence set out in FOI 202200321971 "information released" unredacted. I am seeking disclosure of all reda...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence s.33(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(2) s.20 6 attachments

Published: 2024-02-05
Reference: FOI/202200332486 Review of 202200328214
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Ministerial Briefing - Dalzell Steel on 14/12/2022: FOI release

Any briefing notes prepared for Minister Ivan McKee ahead of answering Willie Rennie MSPs question on Dalzell Steel on 14/12/22. A copy of any correspondence between ministers, officials and civil servants relating to the preparation of materials to support the minister in answering this question.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-02
Reference: 202200335536
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

GFG Alliance and the Scottish Government's advisors: FOI review

Any correspondence including meeting minutes, memos, notes, emails, agendas, or attachments and correspondence on the topic of, or originating following any meetings held between GFG Alliance and the Scottish Government's advisors, Deloitte and/or Teneo, since May 1, 2022 to date. I am writing to you to request an int...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-02-02
Reference: FOI/202300337599 Review of 202200332035
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications relating to petition PE1458: FOI review

Information contained in documents, meetings, communications and discussions and any private chat groups or messenger services - within, and between – the Scottish Government and anyone acting for it – and any other person or organisation including the Lord President, Judicial Office, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Serv...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2024-02-02
Reference: FOI/202300348435 Review of 202300345955
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cladding Stakeholder Group information: EIR review

Documents relating to the Cladding Stakeholder Group (formed in June 2021 all monthly agendas and minutes, since the Group was formed the full membership list of the Group, including any historical membership lists where members have left/joined the terms of reference for the group any documents produced by the Scotti...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-02-01
Reference: EIR/202200320481 Review of FOI/202200313906
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Discussions, correspondence and due diligence - Dalzell Steelworks: FOI review

You expressed that you were not satisfied with the reply to your original Freedom of Information (FoI) request which was allocated reference number 202200272829. The wording of this initial request is outlined below: On what date (a) did officials first identify and (b) was the Minister for Business, Trade Tourism and...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 55 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.33(1) s.30 s.28(1)

Published: 2024-01-31
Reference: FOI/202200333603 Review of 202200272829
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Reports on GFG Alliance/Lochaber: FOI review

Any reports, briefings, or notes submitted to the deputy first minister on GFG Alliance/Lochaber since March 1, 2022 to date. Specifically, any note setting out the justification for the public interest aspect of the government's approach to GFG Alliance/Lochaber.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1)

Published: 2024-01-31
Reference: FOI/202200334296 Review of 202200328957
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Documents held on FOI202200273210 around a meeting held on June 10 with Deloitte that were not already disclosed: FOI review

You expressed you were not satisfied with our reply to your original Freedom of Information (FoI) request which was allocated reference number 202200307647. You submitted the following statement/request: “I am writing to request an internal review of this decision. I believe the exemptions applied either do not apply...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.33(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.25 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: FOI/202200312275 Review of 202200307647
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence regarding Edinburgh Zoo pandas: EIR release

"Please provide me with all correspondence, briefing notes, internal papers and memos and attachments concerning the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo from 2023. Please include any information concerning plans for them to be returned to China. Please include all correspondence and information held by your international office ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence briefings s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: FOI/202300373200
Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

"Tinker Housing experiments": FOI review

Provide us with copies of the legal advice which your government has received on this matter. Provide a comprehensive explanation as to why the Scottish Government is unable to apologise on this, yet is able to apologise for various other historical injustice which preceded devolution such as those referred to above.

FOI not held 45 score 48 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.36(1)

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: FOI/202200316652 Review of 202200304820
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Anti-Racism in Education Programme sub-group minutes: FOI release

“The minutes to the sub-groups of the Anti-Racism in Education Programme from 2021 to the present day? That is: a) Curriculum Reform. b) Racism and Racist Incidents. c) Education Leadership and Professional Learning. d) Diversity in the teaching profession and education workforce.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: FOI/202300372644
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Communications regarding James Hutton Institute in relation to the Evidence Review: EIR release

A complete copy of the instructions given to the James Hutton Institute in relation to the Evidence Review, (ii) any and all internal communications on the selection of the James Hutton Institute to carry out the Evidence Review, (iii) any and all internal communications explaining why review of evidence into oxo-biode...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(4) 8 attachments

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: 202200322513
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence in relation to Dalzell Steelworks: FOI release

What (a) correspondence and (b) meetings has the Scottish Government had with (i) Tata Steel and (ii) Liberty House since 14 January 2022 regarding the Dalzell steelworks. Please provide a copy of the letters, minutes and all other documentation that accompanied these events. How much has the Scottish Government spent ...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 146 working days over deadline correspondence meetings 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-30
Reference: 202200329841
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Documents monitoring grid connection since May 2021: FOI review

Please provide all Scottish Government records relating to monitoring progress on the grid connection of the Lochaber hydro plant. Please review the response to the above referenced FOI on the following grounds: The public interest test has been misapplied There is significant public interest in the Scottish Governme...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-29
Reference: FOI/202200303745 Review of 202200298378
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Legal advice and counsel exceeding £50,000, 2017-23: FOI release

In the last five financial years (inclusive of 2022/23), please provide the details of which matters counsel or legal advice was sought for any cumulative cost of legal fees of more than £50,000. This should include live and closed matters, with "matters" taken to be a general description of the action, not the legal s...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-25
Reference: 202300340493
Directorate: Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic: Public sector

Gender Recognition Reform Bill: official-level meetings between SG, UKG and Northern Ireland officials: FOI review

Official level meetings that took place over the course of 2022 between SG, UKG and Northern Ireland Officials held on the GRR Bill and related issues”: In particular you requested: dates of the meetings, and for each one sight of: the agenda any papers submitted by SG to the meeting and the date submitted minutes and...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.3(2) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-24
Reference: FOI/202300360729 Review of 202300351973
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Public sector