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

Report of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery: FOI release

A copy of all communications between Mr Benny Higgins and Scottish Government ministers and officials regarding the drafting, revision and publication of 'Towards a Robust, Resilient Wellbeing Economy for Scotland: Report of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery'. The relevant correspondence which relates specificall...

FOI unclear 80 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 10 attachments
Published
2020-10-28
Reference
FOI/202000055037
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Numbers of transmissions that have taken place in home settings: FOI release

All information asked for is to be dated from 01/1/20 to present day. 1. As these numbers are being used to put restriction on our everyday activities, I would like information on the numbers of transmissions that have taken place in home settings, people who have been on holiday (both outwith and within the UK) and a...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17 s.27(1)
Published
2020-10-27
Reference
FOI/202000091626
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

The Scottish Government process of publishing FOI responses: FOI release

In order to clarify the strange apparent invisibility of several documents to the search engine - all of which, by a remarkable coincidence, relate to allegations of misconduct by the former First Minister Alex Salmond - please provide me with the search tags which have been attached to each of these 16 documents: (lis...

FOI released 95 score 5 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-26
Reference
FOI/202000101090
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information concerning contact between the First Minister, the Former First Minister and representatives: FOI appeal

Information concerning contact between Ms. Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, her Government and her staff and Mr Alex Salmond, Former First Minister and his representatives in the period 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2018: Dates and times of contact, meetings and phone calls Details of who was present at meetings...

FOI already published 80 score 457 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.56 s.49(7) s.25(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-10-26
Reference
FOI-19-00185-appeal
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Questions concerning COVID-19 diagnosis and recording: FOI release

1) Could the Scottish Government provide a breakdown of deaths counted as Covid-19 in terms of the particular ICD classification/coding i.e U07.1 and U07.2. If data could be provided since the inclusion of U07.2 to the ICD coding (March 2020), that would be appreciated. 2) Could the Scottish Government provide details...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-23
Reference
FOI/202000094152
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Support for teachers and the education system during the COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

1. Can you please confirm what, if any, steps have been taken to protect teachers from the COVID pandemic? 2. Further, as the pandemic is due to continue for some time to come what steps are planned to help improve the safety of our teachers? 3. What assurance is provided that any measures are being followed within s...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.2
Published
2020-10-23
Reference
FOI/202000091538
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … Public sector

A77 Maybole Bypass subcontractors: EIR release

Would it be possible to get a list of all subcontractors engaged previously or currently on the Maybole bypass ? If it helps , I only require current and previous subcontractors and only those involved onsite rather than a remote IT or architect or design company.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 4 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.20 s.39(2)
Published
2020-10-22
Reference
FOI/202000086126
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Public sector, Transport

Information regarding the Office for National Statistics GDP data release 2020: FOI release

You asked: Whether any briefing/analysis/memos or otherwise have been prepared by Scottish Government officials for Ministers and/or their advisers on the GDP data released by the Office for National Statistics on 12 August and by the Scottish Government on 19 August that showed the UK economy as a whole grew at 8.7 p...

FOI released 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings
Published
2020-10-22
Reference
FOI/202000077986
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Visits carried out by the First Minister in 2014: FOI release

In relation to the information relating to the visits carried out by the First Minister in 2014, can these be broken down as to whether these visits were carried out by the former First Minister or the current First Minister when she took office on 14 November 2014? Can this be broken down for each of the Scottish parl...

FOI unclear 75 score 18 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000077290
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information relating to parental alienation: FOI review

The Scottish Parliament Justice Committee published its Stage 1 Report on the Children (Scotland) Bill on May 1st, 2020, Whereby it is stated: “The Scottish Government consulted on the inclusion of a specific factor relating to parental alienation but ultimately decided against it. Scottish Government officials told t...

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000076045
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Law and order, Public sector

First Minister, Deputy First Minister and SQA 2020 exam methodology correspondence: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between Education Secretary John Swinney and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher qualifications. 2. All briefing notes, me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000072824
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence received by the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Fair Work and Culture: FOI released

Details on correspondence received by Nicola Sturgeon, Kate Forbes, and Fiona Hyslop from Jim McColl, Tom Hunter, John McLaren, and David Phillips, from 23/03/2020 - 24/07/2020 and copies of this correspondence where it exists.

FOI cost limit 70 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.12 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000066387
Directorate
Internal Audit and Assurance Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the full devolved benefit case transfer: FOI release

Copies of any internal correspondence (emails, texts, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, briefings and/or otherwise) regarding the expected new date (month and/or year) for the full devolved benefit case transfer between the Department of Work and Pensions and the Cabinet Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000079988
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence on the marking and grading methodology for 2020 exam results: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between any Cabinet Secretary, minister, advisor or representative of the Scottish and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-20
Reference
FOI/202000072834
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Glasgow City Council homelessness services correspondence: FOI release

i) Further to the Housing Minister's response to Parliamentary Question S5W-27567, from Johann Lamont MSP, I would like to be provided with the 'comprehensive progress update' on Glasgow City Council's homelessness services which Mr Stewart requested from Councillor Mhairi Hunter in an email on January 15 2020; ii) Th...

FOI unclear 75 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000075015
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Housing, Public sector

Correspondence and consultation regarding the grading for 2020 SQA exams: FOI release

1. All consultation responses from academics, policy experts and stakeholders supplied to the Scottish Government regarding this year’s grading system for SQA exams. 2. All correspondence between academics, policy experts, stakeholders and the Scottish Government which contains advice regarding this year’s grading for...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.5 s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000071159
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Travel advice during Pandemic: FOI Review

i Source, analysis and all correspondence relating to the “thorough review” of the decision to add Spain to 57 other countries from which incoming travellers will not have to isolate when they arrive in Scotland on 20 July 2020; ii Source, analysis and all correspondence relating to the decision of the Scottish Govern...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.30 s.3(2) s.32(1) s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-10-15
Reference
FOI/202000087775
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, International, Public sector

Lobbying to exempt grouse shooting from COVID-19 restrictions: FOI release

Details of all lobbying of the Scottish Government and its Ministers from organisations, entities and persons concerned in grouse shooting, in relation to the restrictions placed on the congregation of persons for the management of the spread of COVID19; Details of lobbying and representations made to the Scottish Gove...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1)
Published
2020-10-15
Reference
FOI/202000088452
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Farming and rural, +1 more … Public sector

Debt advice levy funding 2020/2021: FOI release

(i) "...how much from the fund devolved to the ScottishGovernment from the Financial Conduct Authority Debt Advice Kevy [Levy] has been given to Advice UK for this financial year (20-21) and for what purpose."; (ii) "...what other sums have been given to other organisations including the Scottish Legal Aid Board and f...

FOI unclear 50 score 12 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000083770
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Money and tax, Public sector

Questions related to the Scottish Government moratorium on the development of hydraulic fracturing: FOI release

"I note that the Scottish Government have passed a moratorium on the development of hydraulic fracturing, unconventional oil and gas, and coal gas. I wanted to ask further questions related to these developments, or at least a clarification of policy regarding this industry. The questions I would like to have answered...

FOI unclear 55 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.8A s.1(1)
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000080832
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector

Handling of Harassment complaints: FOI release

1. Any correspondence (including letters and emails) either to or from the Permanent Secretary, Leslie Evans, on the subject of the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints. I would like this information from 01 August 2020 to 15 September 2020. 2. Any briefings issued to the Permanent Sec...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.12 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000087823
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Briefings on food products: FOI release

1) Any Scottish Government correspondence from May 2018 to present, either internal or external, concerning the use of British branding on Scottish food and drink products (including but not limited to union jacks and the words ‘British’ and ‘UK’). External correspondence may include that with food or drink producers o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.33(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000088253
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Economy, International, +1 more … Public sector

Meeting between the First Minister and Mr Geoff Aberdein: FOI release

(1) In the light of the apparent admission to Sky News, does the Scottish Government wish to reconsider its reply of 3 August to the question of whether the First Minister met with Geoff Aberdein on 29 March 2018? Did she in fact do so? (2) If so, who else, if anyone, was present at this meeting? (3) If not, is Sky New...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-13
Reference
FOI/202000090531
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Harassment complaints: FOI release

-All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the SNP regarding concerns/complaints made about Alex Salmond. This should date back to 2017 when ‘concerns’ were first raised about the former first minister, to the present day. This should include all emails, documents, minutes of meetings/phone calls, text and...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-05
Reference
FOI/202000085367
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

COVID-19 related deaths reporting frequency change by NRS (National Records Scotland): FOI release

"On what date did a minister of The Scottish Government instruct the National Records of Scotland (NRS) to move from weekly reporting of deaths involving Covid-19 to the monthly reporting of these death statistics?"

FOI unclear 50 score 12 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2020-10-05
Reference
FOI/202000088898
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector