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

777 matching releases

Communications between Special Advisors and civil servants relating to independence: FOI release

From 1 March 2021 to present. Copies of all correspondence (emails, attachments, memos, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise relevant) between Special Adviser and civil servants regarding the draft independence referendum bill that was published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-05-27
Reference: FOI/202100186120
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence of Scottish Conservatives policy to stop overturning of council decisions: EIR release

From 21 November 2020 to present: Copies of any correspondence (briefing, emails, letters, handwritten notes, memos, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, attachments and/or otherwise) from and/or to civil servants and/or Special Advisers regarding the Scottish Conservatives policy to introduce a new law to stop Scott...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.6(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-05-26
Reference: FOI/202100189834
Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Scottish Conservatives policy to end rough sleeping: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (briefing, emails, letters, handwritten notes, memos, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, attachments and/or otherwise) from and/or to civil servants and/or Special Advisers regarding the Scottish Conservatives policy to end rough sleeping by 2026.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.3(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-05-20
Reference: FOI/202100189881
Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Correspondence regarding potential timing for independence referendum: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, whatsapp messages, texts, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) from/between/to civil servants and/or Special Advisers on the appropriate timing for an independence referendum to take place once the legislation for it would be passed in the next parliamentary term.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-05-20
Reference: FOI/202100187817
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Meeting between Health Homes and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport: FOI release

1) Any minutes, handouts, shared documents, agendas, notes, briefing papers, follow-up emails, notes taken by attendees from the meeting between the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport and care home groups in the week commencing Feb 15 referenced by Jason Leitch at the daily coronavirus briefing on February 24. 2) A...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.3 s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-05-13
Reference: FOI/202100164833
Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector

Communications regarding National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications 2021: FOI release

All correspondence between John Swinney, Special Advisers or government officials and the SQA regarding plans / options for the awarding of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2021. The time frame for this request is Jan 1 2021 - Jan 31 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-05-06
Reference: FOI/202100162263
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

COVID-19 Communications regarding enhanced masks in schools: FOI release

“I would like the government to release material it holds related to consideration of the use of 'enhanced' masks (ie those that go beyond basic cloth or blue surgical masks, such as but not limited to N95 rated masks). Communications between the Scottish government and external organisations, groups or individuals re...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2021-05-06
Reference: FOI/202100167648
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Communication relating to Homelessness Deaths 2019 publication: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (email, notes, memos, handwritten notes, text messages, whatsapp messages, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisers and/or Housing Minister Kevin Stewart regarding the National Records of Scotland publication ‘Homelessness Deaths 201...

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp 2 attachments

Published: 2021-05-05
Reference: FOI/202100163933
Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

First Minister call with Scottish Tourism Alliance 2020: FOI Review

Further to our letter of acknowledgement of 8th March , I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for the following: Any agenda, minutes, notes briefing papers, handouts, or memos in relation to a private call with the Scottish Tourism Al...

FOI unclear 75 score 13 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-21
Reference: FOI/202100171976 Review of 202100146574
Directorate
Topic: Programme for Government, Public sector

Costs of legal advice provided to special advisers for harassment inquiry: FOI release

The total cost, to date, of providing external legal services/advice to Scottish Government special advisers related to the Scottish Parliament's Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints. This should include all legal services related to the inquiry, such as providing personal legal advice...

FOI unclear 50 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers spending

Published: 2021-04-21
Reference: FOI/202100158578
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Communications regarding Chromebook purchases for local authorities: FOI release

The Scottish Government has purchased Chromebooks which have then been offered to local authorities for distribution to pupils in need. I would like to know how the government arrived at the decision to purchase Chromebooks rather than an alternative. I would therefore like the government to provide all materials regar...

FOI unclear 80 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-08
Reference: FOI/202100136555
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Export Statistics Figures - 2019: FOI release

From 1 January 2021 to present: Copies of correspondence (email, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to civil servants and/or Special Advisers regarding the ‘Export Statistics Figures: 2019’.

FOI unclear 75 score 13 working days correspondence special advisers meetings 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-06
Reference: FOI/202100173864
Directorate: Chief Economist Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Minutes of meeting between First Minister and Bill Gates 2018: FOI release

The minutes of the meeting between Nicola Sturgeon and Bill Gates in January 2018. I would also like to know how much money Bill Gates, The Bill and Melinda Foundation and ANY of his affiiated companies, charities etc have given the Scottish Government/SNP, and what this money has been used for? I would also like to kn...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-01
Reference: FOI/202100156917
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Programme for Government, 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

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

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

Exchanges relating to the Chief Constable announcement of doubling patrols: FOI release

Could please send me all of the email - and all other communications - exchanges between the Chief Constable, his office, Police Scotland officers and/or staff and the office of the First Minister, the Justice Secretary and Scottish government civil servants and/or special advisers, in advance of the announcement by th...

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-19
Reference: FOI/202100144714
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Internal emails on specific dates: FOI release

1. All emails sent by Liz Lloyd, Chief of Staff to the First Minister, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 2. All emails sent by any diary secretary or assistant who works for Liz Lloyd, on 28 and 29 January 2021. 3. All emails sent by Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government, to Liz Lloyd on 28 and 29 Janua...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-03-08
Reference: FOI/202100148280
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Four nation discussions of COVID-19 and alignment of 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 ministe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.3 s.28(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-04
Reference: FOI/20210014372
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Extending response times to freedom of information requests: FOI review

Supply all correspondence/emails (including attachments) - to or from government ministers, special advisers or senior civil servants - dated on or prior to 2 April 2020 relating to the proposal to extend response times to freedom of information requests set out in Schedule 6 Part 2 of the [Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 153 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2021-03-04
Reference: FOI/202000068453
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Understanding teacher estimates for grading pupils receiving qualifications in 2020: FOI release

In relation to teacher estimates to grade pupils receiving qualifications in 2020, you asked: what work has been done/activities been undertaken to better understand why teacher estimates were so much higher than historic attainment please provide me with any written information exploring this issue – including, but n...

FOI already published 80 score 55 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-02
Reference: FOI/202000117808
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Correspondence to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice on travellers entering Scotland: FOI release

1. Advice from officials, special adviser or other civil servants (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) to Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Justice or his office on the subject of quar...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 115 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings 6 attachments

Published: 2021-02-11
Reference: FOI/202000059232
Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Number of civil servants and special advisers employed in specific directorates: FOI release

1. How many civil servants and special advisors worked directly in the following Scottish Government directorates in each of the past five financial years to date. For 2020-21 please give the most recent figure at time of response. Please breakdown the figures by number of civil servants and number of special advisors ...

FOI released 100 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-02
Reference: FOI/202000110675
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector

COVID-19 Correspondence from small retailers concerning lockdown rules: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters or otherwise) received by Scottish Ministers/special advisors between 29 October to 11 November from those identified as working in small/non-essential retailers as owners, employers, staff or otherwise who have written concerned about the prospect of a second national lock...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-01
Reference: FOI/202000110673
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Civil Servants preparation in giving evidence to Committee for Former First Minister inquiry: FOI release

Details of the preparation of civil servants for appearances ahead of witness sessions in the Alex Salmond Holyrood inquiry. I would like details of all civil servants to appear in person before the committee up to and including today's session [3 November 2020], including the Permanent Secretary. There is no need to i...

FOI not held 70 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.36(1) s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-01-13
Reference: FOI/202000106713
Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector