Scottish Government FOI Index

9,099releases indexed

14,350attachments found

27.1avg calendar days

3,606partially withheld

2024-01-12oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 3,606 unclear 2,485 not held 1,406 released 651 already published 356 cost limit 328 clarification 139 withheld 100 transferred 28

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 2389 s.20 1874 s.34(1) 1798 s.39(2) 1572 s.30 1471 s.17(1) 1236 s.25(1) 1126 s.10(4) 972 s.11(2) 785 s.29(1) 618 s.2 546 s.3 411

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 578 releases · 27.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 547 releases · 28.5 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 357 releases · 27.2 avg days Marine Directorate 352 releases · 26.7 avg days Population Health Directorate 350 releases · 25.4 avg days People Directorate 287 releases · 24.0 avg days Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate 270 releases · 31.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 267 releases · 38.8 avg days

Clear

336 matching releases

Carbon budget targets advice correspondence: EIR release

1. From 1 January 2025 to 4 December 2025, did the Scottish Government receive any advice on how to achieve its carbon budget targets from third parties? This would include climate advisers, third sector groups etc. If so, please specify whom. 2. Please provide any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone call...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: EIR/202500496970
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Ministerial obligations, conflict-of-interest advice and decision-making in relation to the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry: FOI release

1 — Ministerial Code Compliance and Conflict-of-Interest Assessment All documents, communications, emails, internal notes, records of meetings, briefings, drafts, or advice: concerning any potential, declared, undeclared, perceived or actual conflict of interest arising from Mr Anwar’s relationship with Mr Yousaf, an...

FOI not held 70 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.5 s.38(1) s.17 s.40(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500496961
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Details of the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs trip to Brussels: FOI release

1. The full ministerial diary entry / itinerary for Angela Constance MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs) for 19–21 November 2025 inclusive 2. All briefing packs, background notes, speaking notes, lines-to-take, or any other preparatory material provided to the Cabinet Secretary or her private office i...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.6 s.17(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495024
Directorate: EU Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care meeting with Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited: FOI release

You asked for all information held relating to Neil Gray MSP's meeting with Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited on 30 January 2025 (Scottish lobbying register). This should include: Meeting agenda, attendee list, briefing materials, minutes/notes (including handwritten notes) All correspondence (emails, instant messages incl...

FOI already published 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.33 s.28 s.30 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495085
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Policy on Deletion of Messages on Apps during Covid-19: FOI release

1. Provide full and transparent details on 'the government policy used to permit the deliberate deletion of public data, and evidence, from Whatsapp during COVID" expressed by Anas Sarwar during First Ministers Questions - 20th November 2025 in Hollyrood. First Minister John Swinney's response was, and I quote: "...To...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers contracts whatsapp s.2 s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495382
Directorate: Digital Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government correspondence regarding the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and the office of the First Minister regarding the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020. Information should include but ...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500495526
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Details of the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy's visit to COP 30: FOI release

1. A list of individuals the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy and/or her officials met with at COP 30. 2. Any briefings provided to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy ahead of her visit to COP 30. 3. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsAp...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.32 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-18
Reference: FOI/202500494736
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, International, Public sector

Correspondence which mentions former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party: FOI release

Firstly, a copy of all WhatsApp messages sent by the First Minister today (19th January) And then: A copy of all WhatsApp messages sent to First Minister today (19th January). A copy of any email sent from the first minister’s inbox that contains name Peter Murrell (in January 2026) A copy of any email sent from Fi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers contracts whatsapp s.17 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-18
Reference: FOI/202600502246
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Habitats Regulations inquires: EIR release

1. “Internal correspondence of any sort (including WhatsApp and text messages) between Special Advisers, Scottish Ministers and Scottish Government (and agency) officials on the political risks associated with the Habitats Regulations provisions of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, from 1st January 2025 to prese...

FOI/EIR cost limit 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: EIR/202500497206
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Communication between the Scottish Government and Secretariat regarding notes from Former Independent Adviser: FOI Review

Original Request 202500482660 1. I request all communications between the Scottish Government and the Secretariat in regards to the first two sentences of the above passage (i.e. the request for any notes, and the secretariat confirming that she did not receive any WhatsApps) 2. Why did the Secretariat state that she...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-16
Reference: FOI/202500488949 - Review of 202500482660
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Scotland’s Carbon Budgets correspondence: EIR release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy and the Climate Change Committee regarding Scotland’s Carbon Budgets. Information should include but not be limited to a deta...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-11
Reference: EIR/202500493411
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

Information regarding Just Transition Plan for Mossmorran: EIR release

You asked for all information held by the Scottish Government from April 2024 to date - including emails, letters, diary entries re meetings, minutes of meetings/notes taken at meetings, any information shared via media apps such as Teams, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram - regarding the development of a just transition plan...

FOI/EIR released 95 score 16 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-11
Reference: EIR/202500494703
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Asylum seekers correspondence: FOI release

Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister and the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Housing regarding asylum policy and the accommodation of asylum seekers and/or refugees in Scotland. Information s...

FOI not held 70 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-10
Reference: FOI/202500489706
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Communications regarding members of the Scottish Parliament: FOI Review

Original request 202500486016 1) Any communications - including texts, WhatsApps, emails, Teams messages, or any other sort of written communications - from Wednesday September 17 to Wednesday September 24 on the topic of Jamie Hepburn. 2) Any communications - including texts, WhatsApps, emails, Teams messages, or an...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500491541 Review of 202500486016
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence between the First Minister and Executive Committee of Petrofac: EIR release

1. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister and the Executive Committee of Petrofac. Information should include but not be limited to a detailed timeline (with dates) of any contact between these ind...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500491952
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

NHS Fife statement on the recommencement of the employment tribunal information: FOI Review

Original request 202500486035 1. Correspondence with NHS Fife – All correspondence (emails, letters, Teams/Slack chats, WhatsApp, Signal, SMS, call notes, and any attachments/drafts) exchanged between: • Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray, his Private Office, and/or Health & Social Care Communicati...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.4 s.5 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.2(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500491069 Review of 202500486035
Directorate: Health Workforce Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Energy Profits Levy: EIR release

I would like to request the following information for the period of 01/04/2024 [edited to 01/01/2024]to now [request – 10/11/2025]: All internal documents include notes, briefings, agendas, minutes, slides and/or attendance lists of all meetings held between representatives of OEUK and ministers and/or officials of th...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500492888
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

Walk in GP policy announcement information: FOI release

Please confirm when the Cabinet were informed of this policy announcement. Please confirm whether the Royal College of GPs were informed in advance of the announcement. Please provide correspondence between ministers, civil servants and professional bodies relating to the development and announcement of this policy. ...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-04
Reference: FOI/202500491651
Directorate: Primary Care Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Documentation regarding ScotWind meeting: EIR release

This request concerns a WhatsApp message published here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202400426539/. On 16th December 2021, a WhatsApp message was sent to Kate Forbes which read: "Hi Kate, Mr Matheson and Ms McAllan have joined this mornings meeting on ScotWind. Let me know if you are delayed." Please provi...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-04
Reference: EIR/202500491515
Directorate: Offshore Wind Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Minutes from Executive Team meetings which reference Saltire Article or Viva Exchange posts: FOI release

1. Minutes from EXECUTIVE TEAM meetings which reference SALTIRE ARTICLE or VIVA EXCHANGE POSTS/COMMENTS in the past three months (from 22 Oct 2025) 2. ALL emails + WhatsApp messages + Microsoft Teams messages between DIRECTOR GENERAL CORPORATE and PEOPLE DIRECTORATE STAFF which reference SALTIRE ARTICLE or VIVA EXCHAN...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500490448
Directorate: Financial Management Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Release of legally privileged information and use of WhatsApp on Scottish Government phones: FOI release

1. Could you provide how many occasions in the last two years that the Scottish Government has been forced to publicly release legally privileged information, and include what this info was and why it had to be released? 2. Could you supply how many incidents have been recorded of government staff, officials or minist...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491146
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence regarding SSEN’s Kintore to Tealing Overhead Line: EIR release

I request copies of all correspondence and information relating to meetings between: the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy or any other Scottish Government minister or official (including officials within the Energy Consents Unit and any other relevant Scottish Government directorate) and the Chief Execu...

FOI/EIR already published 80 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.37 s.2 s.3 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-27
Reference: EIR/202500496928
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Oracle Cloud: FOI release

1. Minutes from Executive Team meetings which reference Oracle Cloud in the past three months 2. All emails + WhatsApp messages + Microsoft teams messages between Permanent Secretary and Director General Corporate which reference Oracle Cloud in the past three months 3. All emails + WhatsApp messages + Microsoft team...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.33(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-27
Reference: FOI/202500490002
Directorate: Corporate Operations Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Briefings and correspondence for the First Minister's visit to Zambia and Malawi: FOI release

1. Any briefings provided to the First Minister ahead of the visit. 2. Any correspondence (including emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes, WhatsApp messages or any other documents) between the office of the First Minister and Zambian Government Officials regarding the visit. Information should include but n...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.29(1) s.38(1) s.29 s.30 s.32 s.39 s.41 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-27
Reference: FOI/202500490069
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Funding queries regarding the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB): EIR release

Information relating to the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund (ScotZEB), in particular, the additional funding of up to £40 million announced under phase II in August 2025, which is to be distributed via a consortium led by Rock Road.

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence meetings whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.12 s.33

Published: 2026-01-22
Reference: FOI/202500489052
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport