Scottish Government FOI Index

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

7,795 matching releases

Information relating to backdating business support grants: 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 since 1 September 2020 concerning proposals to backdate the value of business support grants (...

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

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202000129444
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Scottish Government Resilience Room minutes from February and March 2020: FOI appeal

The minutes of the Scottish Government Resilience Room meetings held in February and March 2020. In addition I would like to have lists of all those who attended those meetings.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 3 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202000047153 - appeal
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Correspondence in regard to freedom of information requests: FOI release

Please could you supply me with any recorded information held by the Scottish Government that relates to advice provided to Scottish local authorities, and indeed, any other Scottish public body.

FOI cost limit 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.60 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202000125338
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding US mesh surgeon’s trip to Scotland: FOI release

1. A copy of the correspondence sent to Dr Veronikis inviting him to Scotland to help mesh injured women. 2. A copy of Dr Veronikis’ replies. 3. Details of who sent the correspondence to Dr Veronikis.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 108 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.3 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202000062501
Directorate: Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, International, Public sector, +1 more … Work and skills

Details of meeting with representatives from the Scottish taxi and private hire trade: FOI release

“I’d like to request details of a meeting that took place on January 15/01/2021 between Kate Forbes MSP (Finance Secretary) & Representatives from the Scottish Taxi & Private Hire Trade to discuss the structure of of the financial support to be offered to the industry. On 14/1/2021 tweeted “there is a meeting tomorrow ...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202100158950
Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics: FOI release

1. At Scottish Government Cabinet, the number of times the Recorded Crime in Scotland statistics have been on the agenda for discussion. Please limit the time period to 1 August 2018 to the present date. 2. Records of any discussions, correspondence or policy ideas from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice aimed at tackli...

FOI already published 80 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-03-31
Reference: FOI/202000114911
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Published homelessness statistics August 2020 communication: FOI release

Correspondence (emails, letters, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, whatsapp messages, texts and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or Kevin Stewart regarding the homelessness statistics published in August 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-31
Reference: FOI/202000126243
Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Communications relating to drug deaths statistics: FOI release

All emails, letters, minutes of meetings, briefings, hand written notes, records of phone or other conversations and messages on encrypted phone apps between any permutation of the following people - The Public Health Minister, The Cabinet Secretary for health, the First Minister and the Chair of the Drugs death task f...

FOI unclear 75 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-31
Reference: FOI/202100157878
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Redeployment of Freedom of Information Unit staff due to COVID-19: FOI release

1. For each month commencing January 2020 to date, please provide the total number of FTE staff working in the FOI unit. 2. All correspondence discussing and enacting the decision to redeploy FOI Unit staff to Covid critical roles. The correspondence should be specifically between the following two groups (A) Ministers...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.17(1)

Published: 2021-03-30
Reference: FOI/202100155415
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government marketing and advertising costs: FOI Review

Further to my letter of 23 February 2021, I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for how much has the Scottish Government spent on NHS Scotland press and TV advertising during the lockdown restrictions. I have concluded that the origin...

FOI unclear 50 score 15 working days correspondence ministers spending

Published: 2021-03-30
Reference: FOI/202100164144 review of 202100146226
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Short-term Lets legislation Stakeholder Working Group: FOI release

The following details about the Stakeholder Working Group set up to look at the Short-term Lets legislation: 1. Members of the group and which sector or area of business they represent on the group. 2. Dates on which they are meeting. 3. The person who is chair of the group. 4. A copy of the working group's written ins...

FOI unclear 50 score 9 working days correspondence ministers meetings

Published: 2021-03-29
Reference: FOI/202100163693
Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Low level music and background noise advisory group: FOI release

On October 27th 2020 the First Minister announced in the Scottish Parliament that the Scottish Government was setting up an expert advisory group on reintroducing safe low-level music and background noise. Please can you tell me if the group has now been set up and who the members are?

FOI unclear 50 score 79 working days over deadline correspondence ministers

Published: 2021-03-29
Reference: FOI/202000111218
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Christmas card sent from First Minister 2019-2020: FOI release

You asked for all information on the First Minister's Christmas card this year and 2019. This should include the full list of recipients for each year and any standard message within.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-03-29
Reference: FOI/202000130010
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

COVID-19 Government spend on advertising and vaccination questions: FOI release

1) How much money have the Scottish Govt spent in total on any form of advertising Covid19 be that radio, TV or newspapers since the pandemic started eg. The wearing of masks, social distancing, the vaccine, furlough etc? 2) What statistics do the Scottish Government hold on the risk of a person dying from contracting ...

FOI clarification 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.2

Published: 2021-03-29
Reference: FOI/202100157043
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning cladding information: EIR release

From 1 June 2020 to present: Copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, briefings, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) between civil servants, Special Advisors and Housing Minister Kevin Stewart regarding a cladding fund and/or banning combustible cladding.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-29
Reference: FOI/202100145113
Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) revision of appeal process: FOI release

Ministerial direction SQA refer to and any information, paperwork, correspondence etc between SG and SQA and also more generally which explains the thinking behind the revision of the appeals process (please treat as an FOI). I am not sure whether you can also explain where responsibility lies for the design of the app...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-03-26
Reference: FOI/202000108636
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Transport Scotland award and payment of subcontractors: EIR release

1. Are these companies vetted to ensure they have the funding? 2. Are they credit checked to ensure they are honourable businesses?

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

Published: 2021-03-26
Reference: FOI/202100168549
Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector, Transport

Correspondence regarding Margaret Ferrier between September and October 2020: FOI release

Any communications, correspondence, be it email, text message, whatsapp or of any kind available relating to Margaret Ferrier MP between the Scottish Government Ministers/Special Advisors and people external to the Scottish Government between September 14th and October 14th.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-26
Reference: FOI/202000118037
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Number of civil servants to monitor EU law making: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (briefings, emails, memos, minutes of calls, letters and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors that outline the projected number of civil servants that will be needed to monitor EU law making so the keeping pace law outlined in the UK Withdrawal from the European Unio...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.38 s.30 10 attachments

Published: 2021-03-25
Reference: FOI/202000115177
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Details of Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) in relation to Restricting Food Promotions Bill: FOI release

(i) Details of the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) developed in response to the Restricting Food Promotions Bill - this may include drafts & final copy of the BRIA; (ii) Details of correspondence (emails briefing papers) and meetings (dates, agendas, minutes) relating to this specific BRIA between: the...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings 6 attachments

Published: 2021-03-25
Reference: FOI/202000121217
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Tarbolton Landfill Site: EIR release

1. Information contained in copies of correspondence (including emails), internal and external reports, notes of internal and external meetings, and other documentation held by the Scottish Government (SG) in relation to any investigations, risk assessments, remediation strategies, requests for remediation funding or o...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) 8 attachments

Published: 2021-03-25
Reference: FOI/202100133009
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Four nations meetings attended by the First Minister: FOI release

1) Any minutes, agendas, briefing notes, notes taken by attendees, from four nations meetings attended by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon since January 1. 2) The location, time, date, and attendance list of each meeting, including special advisers and civil servants (anonymised if required).

FOI already published 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25 s.29(1) s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-24
Reference: FOI/202100151001
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Programme for Government, Public sector

Attendees of Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) March 2020: FOI release

1. For Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) meetings on Covid-19 before 1 March 2020, how many did the First Minister personally attend and how many did she not personally attend. 2. A previous FOI request published shows the Chief Constable of Police Scotland was invited to at least three SGoRR meetings on Covi...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.2 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-24
Reference: FOI/202100147104
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018 communication: FOI release

Copies of all communication between the Scottish Government (including SG Legal Dept) and Equality Network and/or Scottish Trans Alliance that pertain to the Judicial Review by For Women Scotland on the Gender Representation on Public Boards Act.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-24
Reference: FOI/202000116326
Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Law and order, Public sector

Refusal of planning permission for Carnbroe: EIR release

Information related to the proposal for the period between 29 November 2019 and 3 November 2020: (a) all internal communications between Scottish Government officials (b) all communications between officials and Scottish Ministers; (c) all communications between Ministers (c) all notes of meetings (virtual or otherwis...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4)

Published: 2021-03-24
Reference: FOI/202000110132
Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector