Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,792releases indexed
39,278attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,073partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

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 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
540 matching releases

2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections correspondence: FOI release

From 1 August 2020 to present: Copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp message, briefings, memos, notes, handwritten notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) from and/or to Special Advisors and/or civil servants regarding using the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections as a mandate f...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-16
Reference
FOI/202100140697
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish National Party (SNP) independence taskforce: FOI release

From 10 January 2021 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, briefings, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) from and/or to Special Advisors regarding the SNP’s plan to set up an ‘Independence Taskforce’ announced on 17 January 2021 by Keith Brown.

FOI unclear 75 score 18 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-15
Reference
FOI/202100140612
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector, Topics

Correspondence regarding Deputy First Minister's appearance on Politics Scotland: FOI release

From 1 January 2020 to present: Copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, memos, briefings and/or otherwise) from and/or to Special Advisors regarding John Swinney’s appearance on Politics Scotland on Sunday 10 January 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-11
Reference
FOI/202100136050
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding Scottish Conservative Conference: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the Scottish Conservative Conference, held between Friday 20 November and Saturday ...

FOI not held 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000129480
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Digital Growth Fund: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the Digital Growth Fund since 1 September 2020. 2. Any briefings (notes, memos, or ...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000129474
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Spending review: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the UK Government’s Spending Review as announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ri...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000129463
Directorate
Public Spending Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Information relating to the monitoring of Scottish waters: EIR release

What planning has taken place (meeting, correspondence, email, telephone, WhatsApp, all electronic media) to ensure that Scottish waters are policed correctly and that foreign vessels are held to account for illegal fishing, in the event of a no-deal Brexit, or any deal that involves reduction in the fishing quote for ...

FOI/EIR withheld 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence meetings whatsapp s.20 s.10(5) s.2
Published
2021-02-23
Reference
FOI/202000125567
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Scottish Parliament election contingency plan: FOI release

1. Any reports, documents or email correspondence from between 1 August and present day [13 October] between Scottish Government civil servants on the topic of the Scottish Parliament election in 2021 and contingency plans surrounding it. 2. During the same time period, any briefing reports, draft reports, emails, What...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25 s.27 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000097860
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the launch of Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB): FOI release

1. Any correspondence (emails, letters, text messages, WhatsApp messages, phone calls or otherwise) between Ministers (including the First Minister), Special Advisors and civil servants in the Scottish Government Press Office concerning the official launch of the Scottish National Investment Bank on 23 November 2020. 2...

FOI transferred 80 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.17(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.39(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202000129473
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Communications relating to the legal advice received pertaining to Harassment Committee: FOI release

'Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, phone calls, text or WhatsApp messages) on the subject of the legal advice received in connection with the Alex Salmond Judicial Review. I would like this information from 04 November to 13 November 2020'.

FOI cost limit 45 score 55 working days over deadline correspondence spending whatsapp s.12 s.36(1)
Published
2021-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000115821
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

FOI request 202000077960 regarding Former First Minister various questions: FOI release

"I note the above Freedom of Information request answered on 23rd September Secondly, which official/officials provided the information which suggested the November 9th date? And on whose instruction was it included in the answer? Thirdly, and please treat this last point as an FOI in itself as well as a question, kind...

FOI already published 80 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) s.25 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-04
Reference
FOI/202000093492
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet on the Referendums Bill and Programme for Government 2020: FOI release

From 27 July 2020 to present (2 September 2020 - the date of requests): Copies of any correspondence (emails, hand-written notes, briefing, Whatsapp messages, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or any member of the Scottish Government cabinet on the refe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-20
Reference
FOI/202000083702
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence with Roddy Dunlop QC: FOI release

The content of all correspondence between the Scottish government and Roddy Dunlop QC during the month of December 2019. This should include the content of any emails, handwritten notes, text, WhatsApp or other electronic messages.

FOI unclear 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.17(1)
Published
2021-01-19
Reference
FOI/202000127034
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with Roddy Dunlop QC: FOI release

The content of all correspondence between the Scottish government and Roddy Dunlop QC between the dates July 1, 2018, and March 1, 2019. This should include the content of any emails, handwritten notes, text, WhatsApp or other electronic messages.

FOI cost limit 45 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence spending whatsapp s.12 s.36(1)
Published
2020-12-15
Reference
FOI/202000097046
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA): FOI release

All correspondence received by or communicated from any of the Scottish Ministers, or their special advisors and Councillor Allison Evison, President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities during 2019/2020 calendar years- relating to either; A. The allocation of the £50 Million for schools awarded as a result ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-12-09
Reference
FOI/202000111613
Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Public sector

Correspondence regarding polling by Ipsos Mori/STV News: FOI release

You asked for details on: Any Scottish Government emails from 11-15 October 2020 (inclusive), either internal or external, concerning polling by Ipsos Mori/STV News or news inquiries or news coverage related to this polling. Please also include attachments to these emails. Any briefings or notes provided to Scottish ...

FOI released 100 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000098657
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence concerning updating the ‘Scotland’s Future’ publication: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, written notes, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or members of the Scottish Government Cabinet regarding the need to update the ‘Scotland’s Future’ paper originally published in November ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30
Published
2020-11-25
Reference
FOI/202000096481
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Senior Scottish Government staff communication applications: FOI release

Please could you supply a list of all communication apps (e.g. WhatsApp) downloaded onto the smartphones of First Minister First Minister's Private Secretary First Minister's Chief of Staff (a special adviser) Head of Communications & Senior Political Spokesperson for the FM (a special adviser)

FOI not held 40 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp
Published
2020-11-23
Reference
FOI/202000094726
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Government Special Adviser WhatsApp group titles: FOI release

1. The titles of WhatsApp groups that Scottish Government Special Advisors are in.

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000087805
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

1,140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare provision: FOI review

Your original request was: Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, letters, text/ Whatsapp messages, typed or hand-written notes, or briefing material) regarding the statutory entitlement to 1,140 hours of funded ELC. I would like this information from 10 June until 08 July. Your email to A...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.29 s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000079332
Directorate
Early Learning and Childcare Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Information concerning contact between the First Minister, the Former First Minister and representatives: FOI appeal

Information concerning contact between Ms. Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, her Government and her staff and Mr Alex Salmond, Former First Minister and his representatives in the period 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2018: Dates and times of contact, meetings and phone calls Details of who was present at meetings...

FOI already published 80 score 457 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.56 s.49(7) s.25(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-10-26
Reference
FOI-19-00185-appeal
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the Scottish Government withdrawal from UK wide joint work on the internal market: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters, hand-written notes, whatsapp messages, internal briefings, minutes and details of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or special advisors and/or Scottish Government Cabinet members regarding the Scottish Government’s decision to withdraw from UK wide joint w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-20
Reference
FOI/202000072459
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Economy, Public sector

Harassment complaints: FOI release

-All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the SNP regarding concerns/complaints made about Alex Salmond. This should date back to 2017 when ‘concerns’ were first raised about the former first minister, to the present day. This should include all emails, documents, minutes of meetings/phone calls, text and...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-05
Reference
FOI/202000085367
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Former First Minister correspondence in 2017: FOI release

-All correspondence between the Scottish Government and Alex Salmond in 2017. Please provide all emails, documents, written letters/notes, texts and Whatsapp messages exchanged between Mr Salmond and Scottish Government ministers and officials. This should include any private email accounts - for example, linked to the...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-28
Reference
FOI/202000077960
Directorate
Topic
Public sector