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

Scientific evidence for implementing restrictions on pubs and restaurants: FOI release

You asked for the scientific evidence, data, bibliography and minutes relating to the decisions to implement the following rules/laws relating to the restrictions imposed in pubs and restaurants:- 1. The control of drinking by insisting that drinks may only be supplied with a substantial meal. 2. The control of drinki...

FOI unclear 55 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.20
Published
2021-01-15
Reference
FOI/202000117676
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Former First Minister legal fees settlement: FOI release

“When the judge in the Alex Salmond case awarded him £500k for legal fees where did this money come from?”

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-01-15
Reference
FOI/202000129810
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Scientific evidence regarding restrictions of pubs and gyms in Scotland: FOI release

You asked what definitive science data was used as justification for the lockdown of all pubs and gyms, by the number of Covid 19 cases that were directly identified as a source of infection in any tier by either business.

FOI unclear 55 score 6 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.20
Published
2021-01-15
Reference
FOI/202100133295
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Total cost of the daily media briefings by the Scottish government: FOI release

1. How much does it cost the Scottish government to use the BBC as a broadcaster for the daily briefing for the first minister could you break the cost down to category 2. Could you tell me the legislation that was used to implement the coronavirus legislation and the legislation used to implement the travel restricti...

FOI unclear 55 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.25(1) s.20
Published
2021-01-15
Reference
FOI/202100133093
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Scottish Planning Policy and Housing: Technical Consultation on Proposed Policy Amendments: EIR release

Copies of all internal correspondence related to the formulation of the changes proposed by the Consultation in order that there is transparency as to Scottish Government’s thinking on the changes.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.10(4) s.11(2) 6 attachments
Published
2021-01-15
Reference
FOI/202000127647
Directorate
Topic

Correspondence pertaining to Sexual Harassment Complaints Committee between specific dates: FOI release

1) Correspondence between written by civil servants on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Sexual Harassment Complaints between July 1 and August 12. 2) Correspondence written by ministers on written submissions to the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scot...

FOI not held 70 score 109 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.17(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-01-14
Reference
FOI/202000074369
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Scottish Government and SAAS conference call attendees: FOI release

1. A full list of those in attendance at a conference call between University Principals, Universities Scotland and the First Minister on the 25th September 2020 at 10.30am 2. A copy of the agenda for the above call 3. A copy of the minutes/note of call for the aforementioned call

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2021-01-13
Reference
FOI/202000106543
Directorate
Topic
Education, 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

'Power Up Scotland' publication correspondence and discussions: FOI release

1. Whether any briefings, memos or other material was produced by civil servants for Ministers and/or special advisors on the Scottish Conservative publication entitled ‘Power Up Scotland’ published on 1 September 2020 here: Power-up-Scotland-Aug-2020-1.pdf (scottishconservatives.com) - please provide copies of these m...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings
Published
2021-01-12
Reference
FOI/202000103705
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Public sector

The Scottish Government's monthly FOI performance statistics: FOI release

Are other public bodies included in the Scottish Government's monthly FOI performance statistics sent to the Scottish Information commissioner? If the answer is yes, could you please send me a list of all other public bodies included.

FOI unclear 50 score 1 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2021-01-12
Reference
FOI/202000114200
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Briefings issued to First Minister regarding allegations against Former First Minister: FOI release

“Any briefings issued to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, on the subject of (either in total or in part) allegations against former First Minister Alex Salmond. I would like this information from June 2019 to November 2019.”

FOI unclear 55 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1)
Published
2021-01-12
Reference
FOI/202000099778
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Allegations against Former First Minister briefings issued to First Minister: FOI release

“Any briefings issued to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, on the subject of (either in total or in part) allegations against former First Minister Alex Salmond. I would like this information from March 2019 to June 2019.”

FOI unclear 55 score 53 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1)
Published
2021-01-12
Reference
FOI/202000099389
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister recuse from Harassment Complaints Committee interaction : FOI release

1. On what date did the First Minister recuse herself from any decision making in terms of the Scottish Government’s interaction with the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints? 2. Where was the decision first recorded and when was it first made public? 3. Please provide me with copies o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-12
Reference
FOI/202000099260
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

The Scottish Government COVID-19 Advisory group names: FOI release

Can you supply me with the names of the Government scientists that are inform the public on Covid restrictions please.

FOI unclear 50 score 7 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2021-01-11
Reference
FOI/202000124497
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Racist occurrence statistical count relating to Government employees between specific dates: FOI release

A full statistical count, disclosure and description of subsequent action concerning all reports detailing: (A) Racist hate incidents. (B) Racist acts of civil discrimination. (C) Racist hate crimes. (Including murders or attempted murders) Committed against any black employee by any white employee or any white employe...

FOI not held 45 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.45
Published
2021-01-11
Reference
FOI/202000066981
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Questions concerning the Scottish Governments response to COVID-19: FOI release

1) Please provide all scientific information and evidence to justify the isolation and locking up of healthy people? 2) Please provide all scientific information and evidence for the imposed 2 meter distance rule? 3) We are leveling the curve, Technically on the second peak. Please provide all scientific information an...

FOI unclear 55 score 94 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2021-01-11
Reference
FOI/202000076599
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

First Minister daily media briefings' associated costs: FOI release

How much STV/BBC are being paid of Scottish tax payers money on daily briefings by the SNP.

FOI unclear 50 score 6 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending
Published
2021-01-11
Reference
FOI/202000125533
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence stating “legal advice” from First Minister’s office between specified dates: FOI release

Any mentions of “legal advice” in any correspondence (including emails, attachments, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) from the First Minister or members of her office. Please limit the time period to 22 August 2018 until 1 January 2019.

FOI unclear 55 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1)
Published
2021-01-08
Reference
FOI/202000110871
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy: FOI release

"The economic impact survey the First Minister made reference to in her Covid briefing yesterday 18/11/2020. She stated that “the impact to the economy of letting Covid run unchecked would be greater than the impact these lockdowns are having”. To make such a factual claim the First Minister must have done a full and d...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.25(1)
Published
2020-12-23
Reference
FOI/202000113608
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, Public sector

COVID-19 restrictions related to congregational singing: FOI release

In relation to "Singing, chanting and the playing of instruments" it is stated that "Scientific studies indicate that it is the cumulative aerosol transmission from both those performing in and attending events that involve singing and the playing of wind and brass instruments, that is likely to create risk" Can you t...

FOI unclear 55 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.20
Published
2020-12-23
Reference
FOI/202000116835
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Law and order, +1 more … Public sector

COVID-19 related information regarding previous and future Health Protection Regulations: FOI release

1. What is the 14 (or 7)-day incidence of reported cases (per 100k) in the Council of Aberdeen City (7/14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100k) 2. What is the Scottish Governments benchmark for new local lockdown restrictions? It couldn’t be just arbitrarily. 3. On which facts is the dangerousness of the ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 97 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.4A s.17 s.17(1) s.30 s.25
Published
2020-12-21
Reference
FOI/202000072147
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Meetings between Lord Advocate and First Minister on specific dates: FOI release

1. All meetings between the Lord Advocate and the First Minister between the dates of the 3 June 2018 and 23 August 2018. 2. The details of these meetings - including minutes, written notes, texts, emails and attachments etc or any other documented information regarding these meetings.

FOI unclear 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1)
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000111985
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

COVID-19 restrictions and aquatic training: FOI release

What is the medical and scientific evidence that supports the circumstance of the prevention of participation for over 18s in club swimming training whilst at the same time backs continuation of under 18s training and public lane swimming? This is in relation to level 3 regulations in Scotland.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.27(1)
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000118343
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

COVID-19 funding allocation and Care home residents date of hospital discharge: FOI release

1. A full and detailed breakdown of where the £8.2 billion allocated by the UK government has been spent, how much has been retained and the reason for doing so. 2. What exact date did the First Minister find out that care home residents were being sent back from hospital and without test, or known positives.

FOI unclear 50 score 3 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000124506
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, +2 more … Money and tax, Public sector