Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,864releases indexed
39,478attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,113partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-06-12newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,113 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

2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263

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
777 matching releases

Works of art on loan from the National Galleries of Scotland: FOI release

Please provide a list of all works of art on loan to the Scottish Government from the National Galleries of Scotland. Please provide the name of the art work, the artist, the location of the work, when the loan was made and for how long the loan is for and any special terms of the loan.

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence
Published
2021-12-02
Reference
FOI/202100246753
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Information regarding the implementation of Covid-19 passports: FOI release

(a) Any scientific, medical, immunological or epidemiological evidence provided to Scottish Ministers that underpins or supports their decision to require vaccine passports for events consisting of more than 10,000 people at open air events such as football matches; (b) Advice/recommendations on how such a scheme would...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.12 s.20 s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-09
Reference
FOI/202100240234
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Deputy First Minister communication regarding 2021 exam diet: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100203007 1. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos, or other correspondence between John Swinney, his ministerial office and/or special advisers and the SQA on the topic of the 2021 exams diet and alternative certification model between November 1, 2020 to the date of this request. 2. Any ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.30 s.12 4 attachments
Published
2021-11-09
Reference
FOI/202100241427 review of 202100203007
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Information Commissioner appeal Decision Notice 083/2021: FOI release

1. Any and all internal and external correspondence including emails, letters, WhatsApp messages, Signal messages, text messages relating to government business from officials, ministers, and special advisers and any other interested party relating to the consideration of the Scottish Information Commissioner appeal wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.26 s.30 s.35(1) s.35(2) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-10-28
Reference
FOI/202100223873
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

COP26 climate change summit policing costs: FOI release

1. The memorandum of understanding between the UK Government and Scottish Government on the cost of policing the COP26 summit and how the costs will be recovered by Police Scotland. 2. Correspondence sent or received between January 2020 and August 2021 by special advisers, ministerial offices, ministers, or officials ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-10-14
Reference
FOI/202100232898
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Law and order, Public sector

Deputy First Minister communication regarding 2021 exam diet: FOI release

1. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos, or other correspondence between John Swinney, his ministerial office and/or special advisers and the SQA on the topic of the 2021 exams diet and alternative certification model between November 1, 2020 to the date of this request. 2. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos,...

FOI cost limit 70 score 87 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-11
Reference
FOI/202100203007
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Information pertaining to the Aviation Working Group: FOI release

1. The date, time, location, attendance list, minutes, notes, agendas, handouts, presentations or memos for any meeting of the aviation working group announced by then Transport minister Michael Matheson in February, 2021. 2. Any correspondence within the Scottish Government between ministers, ministerial offices, spe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-10-07
Reference
FOI/202100231558
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information regarding Redress Scotland: FOI release

1. How much money has been raised for the Redress Scotland scheme from organisations with a history of abuse? 2. What organisations have contributed and how much has each contributed? 3. How many organisations have refused to contribute to the fund and who are these organisations? 4. Copies of all correspondence betwee...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.14(7) s.12
Published
2021-10-06
Reference
FOI/202100231140
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Information regarding GFG Alliance: FOI release

1. What assurances, including financial underwriting, were given by the Scottish Government to GFG Alliance in relation to the financial future of its hydro plant and aluminium smelter in Lochaber? 2. What is the value of the goods or services that have been underwritten by the Scottish Government and what indexing has...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-10-05
Reference
FOI/202100230805
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

List of Scottish Government special advisers 2021: FOI release

A list of Scottish Government special advisers as of March 24, 2021 and their area of expertise as well as for a list of Scottish Government special advisers as of August 5, 2021, and their area of expertise.

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers s.25(1)
Published
2021-09-29
Reference
FOI/202100235832
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information regarding access to private email accounts and websites: FOI release

1. Number of times per month private email accounts are accessed from Scottish Government issued IT equipment to MSP's (desktops, laptops, mobiles, other electronic devices). 2. Number of times per month Adult related websites are accessed by MSP's using official government issued equipment. Listing top 10 sites visite...

FOI not held 70 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.3 s.4 s.5 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-09-23
Reference
FOI/202100223756
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Recruitment of Turnaround Director for Ferguson Marine: FOI release

1. How many candidates were (a) approached (b) interviewed for the job of Turnaround Director (TD) for Ferguson Marine? 2. Was a recruitment consultant used and if so how were they renumerated (fixed fee or % of agreed salary/day rate)? What was the cost of this? 3. What specialist skills were identified as critical fo...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.9 2 attachments
Published
2021-08-10
Reference
FOI/202100223540
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector, Work and skills

Communications regarding Freedom of Information request: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes or any other documents) regarding an FOI request that sent on the 5th of May 2021 (reference number 202100199466). I would ask for correspondence between the lead official and/or Scottish Government ministers and/or the SG FOI Unit and/or special advis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202100217275
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government Special Advisors: FOI review

Please can you provide a list of the Scottish Government's current special advisers.

FOI unclear 55 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers s.27(1)
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100216734 review of 202100210390
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

COVID 19 deaths in care homes: FOI release

You asked for any correspondence between special advisers or officials in the community health and social care directorate and the National Records of Scotland (NRS) on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to 27 May 2021. You also ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100207401
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence regarding vaccine deployment plan 2021: FOI review

1. Any correspondence between the First Minister, the Health Minister, their special advisers, and the civil service between the dates of January 10 to January 20 on the topic of the vaccine deployment plan 2021 published on January 14. 1a. This should include - but is not limited to - any correspondence on that topic ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 116 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.12 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-19
Reference
FOI/202100210338 - review of 202100151012
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Breakdown of number of request made by journalist: FOI review

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist Conor Matchett in the period 1 May 2021 to 31 May 2021. 2. Please give a rough breakdown of requests by subject matter. 3. Please give a breakdown of how many were appealed and reviewed internally and externally with a breakd...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers s.38(1) s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)
Published
2021-07-16
Reference
FOI/202100215144 review of 202100208816
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Reform discussion held with Scottish Qualification Authority: FOI release

All communication between the Scottish Government (cabinet secretaries, the first minister, special advisers and/or learning directorate staff) and the SQA regarding or referring to the reform of the SQA. This request includes any attachments where applicable.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-13
Reference
FOI/202100209364
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Discussion held relating to First Minister attending British-Irish Council meeting: FOI release

Internal communications (email, WhatsApp, text or any other form of electronic communication, as well as handwritten notes and minutes of any in-person, video or telephone meetings) between civil servants, special advisers, ministers and health officials about the prospect of the first minister travelling to the June 2...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-13
Reference
FOI/202100212995
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Internal communications referring to the reform of the SQA: FOI release

You asked for all internal communications (emails, other electronic messages, records of meetings and phone calls etc) involving cabinet secretaries, the first minister, special advisers and/or learning directorate staff regarding or referring to the reform of the SQA and Education Scotland. NB This request includes an...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-09
Reference
FOI/202100209350
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Discussion held relating to deaths in care homes: FOI release

1. Any correspondence between special advisers or officials in the community health and social care directorate and the Care Inspectorate on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to date, about the publication of statistics relating ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-08
Reference
FOI/202100207409
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Covid-19 briefings relating to restrictions: FOI release

1. Minutes from any formal four nations discussions with Michael Gove and other representatives from UK, Welsh Governments and Northern Ireland executive between October 1 and January 15 on the topic of Covid-19 and four nations alignment on restrictions/measures. 2. Notes taken by Scottish Government staff or minister...

FOI not held 70 score 80 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.1 s.17(1) s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.3(2) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-15
Reference
FOI/202100164644 review of 202100140372
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Informal requests received from 31 October 2018 onwards: FOI release

FOI202100191813 “Thanks for you work on my behalf. I apologise for my carelessness in this foi. In fact Clegg says that the Record (so not just Clegg) made requests (so not formal foi’s necessarily). Can I ask whether there were any informal requests from 31 October. Maybe you considered this, but if not, can you accep...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-10
Reference
FOI/202100191813, 202100194412 and 202100195519
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Ferguson shipyard in 2020-21 financial year: FOI release

Please provide any correspondence between First Marine International or Royal Haskoning DHV and (a) the Economy Secretary, (b) the Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, (c) special advisers or (d) Scottish Government officials about the Ferguson shipyard in the 2020/21 financial year.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-08
Reference
FOI/202100197764
Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence relating to former Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work: FOI release

Please provide all Scottish Government correspondence (internal or external) related to Derek Mackay MSP for the one-month period from Monday, February 3, 2020 to Tuesday, March 3, 2020. This would include correspondence involving ministers, MSPs and civil servants.

FOI cost limit 70 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100190045
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector