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

Costs of external legal action for SAAS, 2020-2023: FOI review

The total spend, broken down by financial or calendar year, on external legal advice for the Student Awards Agency Scotland since April 1, 2020 (i.e. 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 to date). Please break this down by the list of associated cases or disputes, and their individual cost, and; If possible, please provide the f...

FOI unclear 50 score 15 working days correspondence spending

Published: 2024-01-24
Reference: 202200332515
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Independence money legal advice: FOI review

Has the Scottish Government taken legal advice about whether they can spend any more money on independence following the Supreme Court judgment? If so, can you supply that legal advice or when it will be announced? If not, why have you not sought legal advice on this matter? Has the Scottish government been threatened ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.36(1)

Published: 2024-01-24
Reference: 202200333048
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Pardoning of witches: FOI review

You asked for review of our failure to respond to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: A full list of those affected by the decision who were convicted under the Witches Act. Any email, chat group, written correspondence, memos or reports associated with or referencing the dec...

FOI not held 70 score 43 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI 202200295186 Review of 202200286394
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Referendum Plans: FOI review

Does the Scottish Government have a planning date in 2023 on which it intends that a referendum will be held? If there is a planning date, what is that date? (Please note: I am asking for a specific date, not a deadline; but if at this stage this has only been planned as a month rather than a specific day, please let m...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.25(1) s.30

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI/202200309934 Review of 202200302128
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

All communications with SPS regarding Isla Bryson: FOI review

You asked for a review of our failure to respond to your request dated 27 January 2023 under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: A copy of any written communication or records of verbal communication between ministers relating to Adam Graham/Isla Bryson, the minutes of any meetings where they w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 81 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: FOI 202300350955 Review of 202300340371
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Resignation of Eilidh Mactaggart: FOI review

All correspondence including emails, briefing notes, text and WhatsApp messages, documents and memos relating to the resignation of Eilidh Mactaggart, the CEO of the Scottish National Investment Bank.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-23
Reference: 202200285209
Directorate: International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic: Public sector

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

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. "I ...

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

Published: 2024-01-22
Reference: FOI/202200329605 Review of 202200322329
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Management of the Solway Firth: EIR release

How is the Solway Firth managed (e.g., top-down/bottom-up)? By whom? How is the Solway Firth ecologically monitored? By whom and at what frequency? What type of surveillance is in place for the Solway Firth? At what frequency? Who enforces the restrictions imposed by the designation of the Solway Firth (i.e., fishing, ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 57 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.6(1) s.10(4)

Published: 2024-01-22
Reference: 202200331363
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Reports undertaken by Deloitte around GFG Alliance/Liberty Steel/deals with Sanjeev Gupta: FOI review

Any internal correspondence between Deloitte (or Teneo staff working under the Deloitte name) and the Scottish Government on the topic of reports undertaken by Deloitte around GFG Alliance/Liberty Steel/deals with Sanjeev Gupta. This should include any correspondence requesting changes/alterations/clarifications to rep...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.33(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-22
Reference: FOI/202200332905 Review of 202200322226
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Right to Addiction Recovery Bill consultation: FOI review

Any analysis conducted by the Scottish Government of the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill consultation. Please provide any analysis conducted after 1 September 2021 to the present date. Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 112 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp 4 attachments

Published: 2024-01-22
Reference: FOI/202200276887 Review of 202100252172
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Isla Bryson discussions and advice: FOI Review

Details of all discussions, emails and advice given to or including Scottish Ministers in relation to the Isla Bryson case when Scottish Ministers first became aware of the Isla Bryson case

FOI partially withheld 90 score 84 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.21(4) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2024-01-22
Reference: FOI/202300351316 Review of 202300340507 and 202300347230
Directorate
Topic

Glen Sannox and Hull 802 delays: FOI release

The reasons Glen Sannox and hull 802 have been delayed Where the further £6m costs come from? How many people working for Ferguson Marine were paid a bonus and how much was each person paid? Were the bonus payments legal? Who authorised the bonus payments? Are the engines in fully running order? Is there any possibilit...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2024-01-19
Reference: 202300347685
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Building and fire safety working group: EIR review

Provide the update SG Officials provided on the Single Building Assessment (SBA), including any notes, briefings and slides circulated or prepare. Detail the make-up of the buildings included in the pilot phase which illustrates the "range of different building sizes and issues to ensure the SBA process is robust". Pro...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 7 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-18
Reference: EIR/202200308093 Review of 202200293106
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Public sector

2022 exam appeals - internal communications: FOI review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) originally submitted on 19 May: Please release the following information regarding the 2022 exam appeals: All internal communication involving the following: Ministers Special Advisers Communic...

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-17
Reference: FOI/202300357586 Review of 202200328831
Directorate: Education Reform Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Sexual abuse in Scottish football: FOI review

Information regarding the role of Ministers and the Scottish Government in decision making around historic sex abuse in football and their relationship with Police Scotland on these issues. As well as seeking a review of the answers to specific questions in your original request, you also asked: "During the Covid emerg...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.5

Published: 2024-01-17
Reference: FOI/202200295143 Review of 202200289175
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Impact of creeling removal within Clyde cod spawning closure: EIR review

Can you please supply copies of the assessments you have made as to the relative likelihood of creeling, dredging and trawling on impacting the sites objectives? Can you please supply copies of correspondence and copies of all minutes of meetings internal and external that would assist us in understanding the rational ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 115 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.6(1) s.1 s.10(4) s.5 s.6 s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 10 attachments

Published: 2024-01-17
Reference: EIR/202200290995 Review of 202200272637
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence concerning National Treatment centre Inverness: EIR review

All briefings, correspondence, emails, letters, notes of meetings and telephone conversations, since 1 September 2021 between Scottish Government Ministers/Officials/Special Advisors and NHS Highland concerning the completion date and operational date of the National Treatment Centre, Inverness. As the information you...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 60 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.16(3) s.11 s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-17
Reference: EIR/202200291872 Review of 202200280090
Directorate: Health and Social Care Finance Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence relating to auditor of Dalzell Steelworks and Lochaber Smelter: FOI review

Any information held by the Scottish Government, including internal and external correspondence, on the decision of the auditors of Dalzell steelworks and the Lochaber smelter (Alvance British Aluminium) to resign. The time period for this FOI request should be from 1 July 2022 to date. I am writing to you to request ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 57 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.36(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-17
Reference: FOI/202200327714 Review of 202200321971
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Definition of Protected Marine Areas in Scotland: EIR release

Please define what Marine Protected Areas are in Scotland? As various formats of ‘MPA’s are already being used by the Marine Scotland Directorate, please expand this definition for each different classification? Please supply examples of where and how these different definitions have been used in the marine environment...

FOI/EIR unclear 80 score 18 working days correspondence s.6(1) s.11(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.19 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-17
Reference: 202300364330
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Public spending on A9 dualling programme from Tomatin to Moy: EIR release

Please provide the following information on public spending on the A9 dualling programme: 1. Please provide information on the number of tender submissions received by Transport Scotland for the A9 Dualling: Tomatin to Moy tender that was submitted in 2022. 2. Please provide information on the tender price of the sub...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts spending s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4)

Published: 2024-01-15
Reference: FOI/202300374896
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

H100 hydrogen demonstration project: EIR release

Any correspondence between Scottish Government officers and SGN --- or other hydrogen related groups like Gas Goes Green --- relating to the H100 hydrogen demonstration project in Levenmouth. This should include emails, texts, minutes of meetings and any other correspondence between the Scottish Government and SGN. As...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 45 working days over deadline correspondence meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2024-01-15
Reference: 202200330567
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Costing for the referral made to Supreme Court and internal predication: FOI release

The total Scottish Government (including civil service) costings for the referral, and case due to be made at the Supreme Court this October on the legality of holding another independence referendum. This should also encompass legal advice costings. If there is any internal prediction as to how much the Lord Advocates...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.27 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-12
Reference: 202200316878
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence relating to Big Sand case and associated records: EIR release

All correspondence, file notes and other records arising from the dealings of the office of the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Scottish Forestry in respect of my client’s, Mr Kenneth MacRitchie, woodland creation application for the 13 Big Sand croft, not for any other matter or person or organisation. Furthe...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-01-11
Reference: 202200299297
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Major NHS service changes: FOI release

Copies of communications that have taken place within the Scottish Government concerning guidance on major NHS service changes in the period January 2022 to date. Copies of any updated written guidance on major NHS service changes. Copies of communications discussing consultation or publication of revised guidance on m...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1)

Published: 2024-01-11
Reference: 202300352575
Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner's ruling No.004/2023: FOI release

In relation to the Scottish Information Commissioner's ruling No.004/2023 and the decision by Scottish Ministers to appeal this ruling: Which Scottish Minister(s) decided to appeal the above ruling and/or gave the the go-ahead to appeal? Any and all internal and external correspondence including emails, letters, Whats...

FOI already published 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.36(1)

Published: 2024-01-11
Reference: 202300347350
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector