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

Former First Minister allegations: FOI release

"The date on which the First Minister was first notified by Sky News of allegations about Alex Salmond’s behaviour. To clarify, in her written submission to the Scottish Parliament’s Committee on the Handling of Harassment, Nicola Sturgeon stated that she was told of these allegations during November 2017 but I am requ...

FOI unclear 55 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1)
Published
2020-12-17
Reference
FOI/202000099508
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Strathclyde University questions concerning economic investment: FOI release

1. How much money Strathclyde University stand to make from the public purse and private dealings in relation to the economy and the corona virus pandemic? 2. Why is a university being given so much power over Scotland’s future and its money. 3. How is this financial conflict of interests between the Scot Gov and Str...

FOI not held 45 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.19(4)
Published
2020-12-16
Reference
FOI/202000110935
Directorate
Topic

COVID-19 and organised classes for children: FOI release

Question 1 - any evidence or investigation undertaken pertaining to the risk assessment or relative infection rates and spread of Covid-19 in the following settings overall and by age breakdown if available; 1. Indoor classes for children 2. Hospitality settings 3. Nursery schools 4. Supermarkets 5. Parks and recreatio...

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.17(1)
Published
2020-12-15
Reference
FOI/202000093059
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the hospitality sector during lockdown: 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 the hospitality industry either as owners, employers, staff or otherwise.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-15
Reference
FOI/202000110668
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Economy, +1 more … Public sector

Statistics on Scottish Government Car Service: FOI release

You asked for: The amount the Scottish Government spent on the Government Car Service in each year from 2010/11 to 2020/21 (to the date of this request). Number of cars in the Scottish Government, Government Car Service in each year from 2010/11 to 2020/21 (to the date of this request). The number of FTE staff working...

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.27(1)
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000103801
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Questions regarding Early Learning and Childcare: FOI release

You requested the following information: Please provide figures for how many settings are currently providing 1140 funded hours and how many are providing less. Can you please show the figures overall as well as split by Council and split into PVI and LA settings. Please state whether each Council is being given full...

FOI already published 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.17(1) s.6 s.25(1)
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000104094
Directorate
Early Learning and Childcare Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Questions concerning legislation and police powers in enforcing restrictions: FOI release

1. Copies of all the scientific evidence used to determine the efficacy of Scotland's 4 tiers rules. 2. Details of devolved legislative powers being used by Scotland to enforce these 4 tiers. 3. Details of devolved legislative powers being used or will be used to prevent travel in / out of Scotland and around Scotlan...

FOI unclear 55 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.4 s.6 s.25(1) s.20 s.49
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000103347
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Law and order, +1 more … Public sector

Question regarding COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings: FOI release

“Please provide any scientific evidence which justifies the fact that in level 4 restriction only 15 people can attend a wedding and wedding receptions are not allowed while funeral wakes, christenings, Bar Mitzvah’s etc are allowed for up to 20 people. Please also provide any evidence justifying why a distinction is m...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20
Published
2020-12-11
Reference
FOI/202000111732
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Law and order, Public sector

Questions concerning issues faced during the COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

1. Is it not the case that the First Minister's failure to order lockdown early enough caused the death of 2,000 citizens in Scotland? 2. What is the name of the expert/s that was/were advising the First Minister about lockdown during the first three weeks of March 2020? 3. How many reports did that expert/those expe...

FOI not held 70 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-09
Reference
FOI/202000087292
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence with President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA): FOI release

All correspondence received by or communicated from any of the Scottish Ministers, or their special advisors and Councillor Allison Evison, President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities during 2019/2020 calendar years- relating to either; A. The allocation of the £50 Million for schools awarded as a result ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-12-09
Reference
FOI/202000111613
Directorate
Topic
Brexit, Public sector

Scottish Government correspondence concerning National 5 exams in 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, typed or hand written notes, text messages or phone calls) regarding National 5 exams in 2021. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000099398
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

James Hamilton QC investigation remit: FOI release

Does the remit of the Investigation being conducted by James Hamilton officially include whether there has been ANY breach of ANY part of the Ministerial Code by the First Minister - including section 1.3(c) - or is his brief restricted to the narrower aspects of the Code specified in the remit published by the Scottis...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.1
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000108998
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former First Minister investigation and trial: FOI release

1. The name(s), job title(s) and employer(s) of the person or persons who decided what charges should be brought in the criminal proceedings against the former First Minister. 2. The name(s) of any SNP MSP who had an input to the charges brought against the former First Minister. The name(s) of any SNP member(s) of sta...

FOI unclear 55 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000107081
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Questions concerning COVID-19 restrictions in Scotland: FOI release

1. Was it legal to implement ANY restrictions to peoples’ liberties during this Covid mess made by the government and where can I find out when this legislation was given under law ? 2. Presently IS it legal to continue restrictions? 3. Is it now legal to trample over people human rights (as no one has ever answered ...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-07
Reference
FOI/202000106239
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Questions on Exercise Cygnus and page extracts: FOI release

Please provide the title of Scottish Government Ministers (including the First Minister), Cabinet Secretaries and health officials that attended each of the four COBRA meetings. Page 42 states that participants in EC were asked to produce: 1) evaluation of their performance against the criteria based on the exercise ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 73 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000068643
Directorate
Topic

ScotRail and the support during the pandemic: FOI release

You asked for the following information:- 1. The full amount from when the government started paying Scotrail wages to the present day. 2. How much revenue has Scotrail lost since the pandemic started in March to the present day? 3. What other public service has had extra money put into it since the start of the pan...

FOI not held 45 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.27(1) s.3
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000094525
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Correspondence regarding polling by Ipsos Mori/STV News: FOI release

You asked for details on: Any Scottish Government emails from 11-15 October 2020 (inclusive), either internal or external, concerning polling by Ipsos Mori/STV News or news inquiries or news coverage related to this polling. Please also include attachments to these emails. Any briefings or notes provided to Scottish ...

FOI released 100 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000098657
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Justice portfolio briefing notes for FMQs session on 17 September 2020: FOI release

You asked for: ‘The First Minister’s Briefing for the FMQs session which took place on 17 September 2020. More specifically with regards to victims of crime, crime statistics or any other part of the briefing relevant to the justice portfolio’.

FOI partially withheld 60 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000100246
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the approval of the proposed exam moderation system: FOI release

What form and when the recommendations of the SQA for the award of grades after the cancellation of exams were approved by Scottish Ministers, including the First Minister and the Scottish Cabinet. In particular did Ministers approve the proposed moderation system and on what basis ?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000092924
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Funding supplied to Relationship Scotland: FOI review

You asked for funding and conditions of funding for Relationships Scotland. You wrote and asked for the following: Please supply me with the total amount of funding supplied to Relationship Scotland from 1st March 2020 until present date? Please break this down for each funding item i.e. funding t provide training on...

FOI unclear 50 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000092017 Review
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Supplementary Guidance on Planning Obligations documentation by Fife Council: FOI release

You asked for confirmation of what documentation was submitted by Fife Council in support of the notice of intention to adopt Supplementary Guidance on Planning Obligations, through reference to Scottish Ministers correspondence to Fife Council on 12 March 2018.

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000108713
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Obligations in legislation around domestic abuse and coercion of children: FOI release

What is the formal process whereby a now non-primary caregiving parents enacts their obligations under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, and the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act, to make a report of domestic abuse by the use of sustained coercive control for their child/children, and third parties? whilst the background giv...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.11 s.1(1)
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000101069
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Information on proposal to establish a publicly owned energy company: FOI release

You asked for information on how much the proposal to establish a publicly owned energy company has cost the taxpayer, including the fees to consultants, time spent by ScotGov staff and Scottish parliamentarians.

FOI unclear 50 score 8 working days correspondence ministers spending
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000108937
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Public sector

Economic assessment with changes to trading hours for bars and pubs announced on 7 October 2020: FOI release

You asked for: 1. The economic assessment made of changes to trading hours for bars and pubs announced by the First Minister on 7 October 2020. 2. (a) The number of behavioural economists employed by the Scottish Government and (b) how many are working on Covid - 19 policies, restrictions.

FOI released 95 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000096849
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Transport Scotland - most up to date cost estimates for a number of projects: FOI release

Provide the most up to date cost estimates for the following projects: Continued investment to support public sector fleet alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles Improved rail services and accessibility to stations between East Kilbride and Glasgow, and Aberdeen and Central Belt Improvements to the rail network be...

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000102801
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport