Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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 of decision to keep face coverings: FOI release

Details of all correspondence, including emails and notes of meetings, in connection with the decision by the Scottish Government in March 2022 to keep people in the country continue to use face masks despite England opting for the opposite approach, with the exception of some situations. Details of the correspondence ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.30 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-10
Reference
202300339336
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Additional funds to ensure more teachers are given permanent positions: FOI release

Firstly, given that you say that the SG have supplied additional funds to ensure more teachers are given permanent positions, can you let me know how many new positions have been created and the numbers of teachers by local authority who are on these “supply lists”. For example, albeit anecdotally, I understand that ov...

FOI not held 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1)
Published
2024-01-09
Reference
202200321032
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Confirmation of Pfizer vaccine: FOI release

What evidence was provided to the Scottish Government in relation to any change of evidence provided to the United States Food & Drug Administration in 2020 and the testimony provided to the European Union in 2022? Who within Pfizer, or other Covid vaccine providers provided confirmation of the vaccines preventing tran...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.17(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-09
Reference
202200325008
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Internal Scottish Government discussion/analysis of the Scot2Ger project: EIR release

In November 2021 Scottish Enterprise commissioned the Scot2Ger project. Please provide all internal Scottish Government discussion/analysis of the Scot2Ger project, including discussion/analysis of the Scot2Ger report published in June 2022. As the information you have requested is 'environmental information' for the...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) s.10(4) 10 attachments
Published
2024-01-09
Reference
202200329884
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Public sector

John Swinney's meetings 26 September and 6 October 2022: FOI release

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 John Swinney's meetings with David Tydeman on September 26, and ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 45 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-09
Reference
202300338423
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Total spend on external legal advice since April 1, 2020: FOI release

The total spend, broken down by financial or calendar year, on external legal advice 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. If possible, please provide the final settlement or damages or other court ma...

FOI released 95 score 13 working days correspondence spending 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-08
Reference
202200332614
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Alleged ministerial code breach by Jenny Gilruth: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish government, Humza Yousaf and Jenny Gilruth over her allegedly breaching the ministerial code over delaying rail works in her constituency, 2. Has an investigation been started by the First Minister into this incident after he promised to do so on 18 May? 3. If s...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38 s.36 s.30 s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-05
Reference
202300361845
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Mairi McAllan briefing for appearance at the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee on 25 January 2023: EIR release

The briefing given to the then minister Mairi McAllan for her appearance in front of the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee on 25 January 2023. As the information you have requested is ‘environmental information’ for the purposes of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs)...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) 6 attachments
Published
2024-01-05
Reference
202300355989
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ivan McKee's meeting with Sanjeev Gupta: FOI release

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 October 7, 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2024-01-05
Reference
202300338445
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme correspondence and legal preparations: EIR release

1. Is the Scottish Government preparing for lawsuits from businesses due to the deposit return scheme being delayed? If so, how are they preparing; if not, why? 2. Lorna Slater has repeatedly stated that the DRS is "cost neutral" could you supply the evidence to go with this? 3. All correspondence between businesses ...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-04
Reference
202300352797
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Timescale for passage of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill: FOI release

A copy of all advice and ministerial or senior civil service decisions taken with regard to the timescales through which the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill was taken through the Scottish Parliament, with particular consideration for the associated risks or reasons why this should not have been pursu...

FOI already published 80 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) 88 attachments
Published
2024-01-04
Reference
202300347322
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Noise guidance for onshore wind turbines: EIR release

Information with regard to the publication: ‘A review of noise guidance for onshore wind turbines’: Please can you supply me with the date members of the Scottish Parliament and civil servants were first informed of the publication of the WSP Report - ‘A review of noise guidance for onshore wind turbines’? Please can ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) 22 attachments
Published
2024-01-04
Reference
202300351324
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Gender reform court case: FOI release

Could you supply the Scottish Government's legal advice in regards to the gender reform legislation? If not, why? Could you supply the estimations which you have received about how much the judicial review will cost, from lowest to highest? All correspondence between the UK and Scottish Government regarding this legisl...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.36(1) s.25(1) s.35 s.27(1) s.3(2) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-04
Reference
202300351749
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Prison Service mobile phones for prisoners: FOI release

Whether any value for money review has been conducted of the Scottish Prison Service’s mobile phones for prisoners project since its introduction in April 2020. All correspondence between the Scottish Prison Service and Scottish Ministers and their Special Advisers regarding prisoner mobile phones. Please provide this ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) s.34(1) s.35(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.20 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-28
Reference
202300358582
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner's Decision Notice: FOI release

Any internal or external correspondence, including any attachments, WhatsApp messages, text messages, instant messaging, memos, OneNotes, minutes, agendas, appendixes or other correspondence, relating to the Scottish Information Commissioner's Decision Notice, reference number 048-2022, and related FOIs.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202200297190
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding EU state aid rules: FOI release

Any correspondence or briefings (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) received by transport minister Jenny Gilruth or Kate Forbes regarding ‘EU state aid rules’ in the period 1 January 2022 to 11...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202200299753
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Decision making process surrounding the FMEL ferries: FOI release

On 3 May 2022 John-Paul Marks appeared in front of the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee. He was answering questions on the decision making process surrounding the FMEL ferries. In particular he was asked if the failure to properly keep written records of decision making process was a breach of the law. He stated t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202200298441
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights correspondence around accommodation: FOI release

All correspondence (digital and paper), meeting notes and minutes, and telephone call transcripts between the Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights, Patrick Harvie MSP, and individuals or organisations claiming to represent a) tenants, b) private landlords, c) social landlords and d) pur...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 62 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.30 54 attachments
Published
2023-12-18
Reference
202300346134
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence concerning National Treatment centre Inverness: EIR release

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 54 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.11 s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-16
Reference
202200280090
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Supreme Court decision on the independence referendum: FOI release

Has there been any change in the policy in relation to the allocation of resources and support to Ministers for the purposes of developing the case for Scottish independence in light of the decision in last week’s Supreme Court case? If so, what is that change? If not, please set out the legal and policy basis upon whi...

FOI released 100 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.30 s.5 s.7 s.51 s.1 s.14 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-16
Reference
202200332779
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Total expenditure paid by DEFRA et al: FOI Review

Further to my email of 25 August, and your further request for a review of our failure to respond within the original deadline, I have now completed my review. You asked for the total public expenditure paid by DEFRA, the Scottish Government and/or any other public bodies in connection to the response to Aarhus commun...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.16(3) s.20 s.39(2)
Published
2023-12-15
Reference
FOI Review - 202300373083
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Infected Blood Compensation: FOI release

Copies of all e-mail correspondence (including any attachments) relating to Infected Blood Compensation sent to or by staff working in Blood Donation and Abortion Policy during the period 30th August 2023 - 6th September 2023.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-14
Reference
FOI/202300374927
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Safety of COVID-19 vaccine for children: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence including the then First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, relating to the decision to offer COVID-19 vaccines to children under the age of 16 in Scotland. The vaccine was originally advised NOT to be given to children by the JCVI, but the Government(s) at Holyrood and Westminster would over-rule ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-13
Reference
202300353460
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Consultation on changes to permitted development rights in Scotland: EIR release

You asked for information relating to section 6.2 of the public consultation on Phase 3 of the Scottish Government's review of permitted development rights (PDR). As the information you have requested is 'environmental information' for the purposes of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs), w...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-12
Reference
202300360400
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Public sector