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
7,795 matching releases

Communications in relation to possible assessors in the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry: FOI release

All communications to the Scottish Government from Aamer Anwar or Aamer Anwar & Co in relation to the appointment of possible Assessors to the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry.

FOI withheld 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000119227
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

FOI statistics and overdue responses: FOI release

Can you please provide all reports (or lists) provided by the government's central FOI unit to government ministers in the period from 1 September 2020 to date that (a) contain a list of overdue FOI requests (b) shows FOI response performance. Please provide all correspondence that was sent to Ministers along with the ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000099262
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefing to Cabinet members regarding Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill: FOI release

Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, text messages/instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between any ministers involved with the decision for approving the financial memorandum for the Hate Crime an...

FOI unclear 75 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000100671
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Law and order, Public sector

Minutes of meetings of thermal generation sub groups: EIR review

All minutes of meetings of any thermal generation of electricity sub-Group since its setting up in 2011 and any minutes, notes and memoranda of meetings and discussions of such a Group plans going back to 2009 when its formation was envisaged and announced by the then Energy Minister, Jim Mather MSP. For the avoidance ...

FOI/EIR unclear 75 score 88 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/20200008602 Review of 202000050855
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Correspondence from hospitality industry business owners and employees: FOI release

Between 7 October and 9 October 2020 how many letters, emails or other forms of correspondence were received by the Scottish Government and/or Scottish Government Ministers (Including Nicola Sturgeon) from anyone identifying as an business owner or employee in the hospitality industry? Please provide copies of this cor...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000103835
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, Public sector

Correspondence from business owners or employees in hospitality industry: FOI release

Between 21 October and 22 October 2020 how many letters, emails or other forms of correspondence were received by the Scottish Government and/or Scottish Government Ministers (Including Nicola Sturgeon) from anyone identifying as an business owner or employee in the hospitality industry? Please provide copies of this c...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000103849
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, +1 more … Public sector

First Minister's full diary between specific dates: FOI release

"the First Minister’s full diary for the 20 and 21 November 2017. For any meetings that occurred on those days, please provide details and any notes/minutes regarding these meetings as well as any texts/instant messages from the First Minister regarding these meetings."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000109458
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Discussions concerning Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) interim report: FOI release

1. Details of all the discussions between Scottish Ministers and the OECD on the subject of its producing an interim report (including copies of all correspondence, documents, reports, minutes, letters and emails). 2. A copy of all the internal Scottish Government discussions (including with Scottish Government agencie...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-19
Reference
FOI/202000120882
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Former Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing drug deaths statistics communications: FOI release

"All emails, letters, minutes of meetings, briefings, hand written notes, records of phone conversations and messages on encrypted phone apps between The Public Health Minister, The Cabinet Secretary for health, the First Minister and the Chair of the Drugs death task force or anyone in their private office or Minister...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-19
Reference
FOI/202100134969
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
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

COVID-19 pandemic funding allocated to the Scottish Government: FOI release

You asked for the amount of total money that the UK government has given Scotland during the Coronavirus pandemic including but not limited to furlough payments business grants etc and also the amount of money given by UK government from the above question that has not been used and Scottish Government has but not dist...

FOI unclear 50 score 6 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202100148288
Directorate
Financial Management Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Christmas cards sent by First Minister in December 2020: FOI release

1. The number of Christmas cards sent by the First Minister in December 2020 to individuals who are in the ‘shielding’ category with regards to COVID-19. 2. The number of Christmas cards sent by the First Minister in December 2020 to other individuals. 3. Whether Christmas cards were sent by first or second class mail....

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.3 s.19
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202100133363
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Internal communication relating to British Sign Language Progress Report: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes, phone calls or otherwise), regarding the British Sign Language Progress Report. I would like this information from 01 June 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.36(1) s.29(1) s.30 10 attachments
Published
2021-02-17
Reference
FOI/202000096790
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Equality and rights, Public sector

Section 23 Order correspondence: FOI release

1. Whether the Section 23 Order made by the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints Committee was discussed at Scottish Government cabinet. Please limit time period to between 1 January 2021 and the present date. 2. Any correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, no...

FOI unclear 55 score 12 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.23 s.17(1)
Published
2021-02-17
Reference
FOI/202100149348
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Questions concerning COVID-19 restrictions and mandatory face coverings: FOI release

1. Can you, the Govt provide the information which justifies under the Fraud Act 2006; the promotion or mandate to wear a mask? 2. Can you provide said article of law which allows a competent authority to order the wearing of a Mask as the necessary protective measures to prevent the spread of Covid19? 3. Can you, th...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 72 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.15 s.7 s.17(1)
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202000105127
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Information relating to Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland: FOI release

1. For the costs paid to date by the Scottish Government to set up and run the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland to date. 2. For the number of civil servants working or seconded to work on the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland. 3. For correspondence between Scottish Government ministers and the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending 16 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202000097624
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Questions regarding Ethical Standards and Minister for Sport and Wellbeing: FOI Review

Further to response of 6th January 2021, we have now completed the review of our previous response. The original request was: To request regarding Ethical Standards. BT / Openreach changed and although BT have overcharged customers frequently it would appear that our Ministers have dealings with regards to sport logo w...

FOI unclear 50 score 14 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202000127973 review of 202000120803
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence regarding foods high in fat, sugar or salt: FOI release

Copies of correspondence between (i) the Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing; (ii) the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport; (iii) officials within the Population Health Directorate and external stakeholders on proposals to restrict the promotion and marketing of foods high in fat, sugar, or salt between ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202000063344
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation remit correspondence: FOI release

- All communication between John Swinney and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. -All communication between the Scottish Government and James Hamilton QC in relation to the inquiry into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139181
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation evidence submitted: FOI release

- All evidence submitted to James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. - Details of all meetings held by James Hamilton QC as part of his investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached the Ministerial Code. Please include minutes, call logs, list of a...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100139187
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information relating to Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (Scotland) 2018: EIR release

You asked for the following information on CoPLaR: 1) A copy of the findings of the stakeholder steering group that informed the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse (Scotland) 2018. 2) A copy of correspondence between Scottish Ministers, civil servants and steering group members discussing the Code of Practice.

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11 s.34(1) s.10(5) 6 attachments
Published
2021-02-15
Reference
FOI/202000097672
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

COVID-19 testing for university students: FOI release

Any briefing papers or advice to ministers concerning COVID-19 testing for university students,and any communications between Scottish Government officials regarding these briefings or advice. I would like this information from 15 September 2020 to 30 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28 s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-15
Reference
FOI/202000113889
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Correspondence on the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Review: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, typed or hand-written notes, text messages otherwise) on the subject of the SFC Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability. I would like this information from 20 September 2020 to 20 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-12
Reference
FOI/202000115504
Directorate
Topic
Public Sector