Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,863releases indexed
39,476attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,112partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,112 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

2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263 2025-10 217

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
1,032 matching releases

Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003: FOI Release

You asked for a breakdown of figures since the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (‘2003 Act’) came into force on the following; The number of patients who have had their named persons and witnesses revoked under the 2003 Act. How many of those patients went on to be made subject to compulsory meas...

FOI unclear 55 score 9 working days correspondence spending s.7 s.17(1)
Published
2023-09-14
Reference
202300367993
Directorate
Mental Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Independent valuation of the Scottish Government's securities: FOI review

You expressed you were not satisfied with our reply to your original Freedom of Information (FoI) request which was allocated reference number 20220031298479: “1) The Scottish Government in media statements has stated that an independent valuation of the Scottish Government's securities relating to the Lochaber Guaran...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 5 working days correspondence ministers s.33(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(2)
Published
2023-09-11
Reference
FOI/202200317840 Review of 20220031298479
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Chief Medical Officer stance on Covid-19 vaccine: FOI release

1- Has Dr. Gregor Smith Chief Medical Officer for Scotland ever claimed COVID-19 vaccines were safe and effective? 2- If so, what is meant by 'safe and effective' and from what date and data was this claim based on? 3- Is Dr. Gregor Smith Chief Medical Officer for Scotland confident full informed consent has been appli...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending whatsapp s.12
Published
2023-09-04
Reference
FOI/202300370540
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Number of draft versions of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Scotland Bill: FOI release

A list of the number of drafts/versions of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Scotland Bill Policy Memorandum and Explanatory Notes and first draft of each document.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.29(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-08-29
Reference
FOI/202300364441
Directorate
Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC) ruling 004/2023: FOI release

The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counsel - in regards to the decision to challenge the SIC ruling 004/2023. Any internal correspondence among senior civil servants, special advisers, and ministers (including any attachments or referenced br...

FOI withheld 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.36(1)
Published
2023-08-29
Reference
FOI/202300368377
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Legal costs: FOI release

The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counsel - around the decision to pause the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme. The cost of any legal advice - either from the Scottish Government's legal directorate or from external advisers/counse...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.17(1)
Published
2023-08-28
Reference
FOI/202300368376
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Alcohol Advertising Consultation: FOI release

The full and unredacted copies of all of the documents listed in our response of 5 June 2023 to your previous request dated 13 April 2023.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence s.28(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-08-21
Reference
FOI/202300364857
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Communications with Operation Branchform Mentions: FOI release

All emails sent or received by Scottish Ministers and/or Special Advisers containing the term “Branchform” or “Branch form”. Please provide the full contents of emails containing either of these terms dating back to 1 September 2022.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.35(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-08-21
Reference
FOI/202300367384
Directorate
Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Net-zero Target: EIR release

You requested the following information: What is the Scottish government's definition of 'net zero'? Assuming Scotland's achieves it's 'net zero' target by 2045 has any assessment been undertaken to calculate how much this will contribute to lowering global temperatures ? How much money is estimated to be spent by 204...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1)
Published
2023-08-21
Reference
FOI/202300367656
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Serco NorthLink Ferries: FOI release

Please clarify whether you are responsible for answering FOI requests relating to the contract carried out by Serco Northlink Ferries for the service between Aberdeen and Orkney and Shetland. If you are not, please state which public body is responsible. With reference to the ferry service carried out by Serco Northlin...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence contracts s.7 s.17(1)
Published
2023-08-16
Reference
FOI/202300365182
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Deputy First Ministers meetings with Lady Poole: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to the following meetings: John Swinney's meetings with Lady Poole...

FOI already published 80 score 100 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 10 attachments
Published
2023-08-09
Reference
FOI/202300338420
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Deposit Return Scheme: EIR release

“Which Scottish Government departments have been involved in the creation of the policy for the Scottish Deposit Return Scheme What are the total legal costs associated with the DRS, accumulated since 2018? Please provide any background notes, email exchanges, and internal communication between the First Minister and t...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 7 working days correspondence ministers spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2023-07-04
Reference
FOI/202300357986
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Legal advice relating to Ferguson Marine loan: FOI release

Please could you confirm whether legal advice was given to Scottish Government ministers in relation to a £30m loan intervention that was provided to Ferguson Marine in June 2018 and if so whether it was from external counsel. Please could you confirm whether legal advice has been given to Scottish Ministers in relatio...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers contracts s.30
Published
2023-06-26
Reference
FOI/202300359106
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI Review

“Can you please provide ALL communications, including emails, between any member of the Scottish Government and any member of the Scottish Prison Service, in relation to any or all transgender prisoners, between 10-Jan-2023 and 02-Feb-2023.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 59 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.21(4) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2023-06-05
Reference
FOI/202300353625 Review of 202300341318
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Law and order, Public sector

2022 exam appeals - internal communications: FOI release

The following information regarding the 2022 exam appeals: All internal communication involving the following: Ministers Special Advisers Communication staff Learning Directorate staff Education Reform Directorate staff The time frame for this request is April 1, 2022 - present. Communication would include, but woul...

FOI already published 80 score 137 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-23
Reference
FOI/202200328831
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence and Briefing relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

All government correspondence (including emails, whatsapps, text) between officials, civil servants, ministers, special advisers, outside sources that mention Isla Bryson or Adam Graham over the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-05-09
Reference
FOI/202300342026
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Services relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison Service in January 2023 relating to transgender prisoners. This could include but not limited to emails, briefing notes, text messages, WhatsApp messages and meeting minutes.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 67 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-05-04
Reference
FOI/202300340666
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence and Briefing held by Scottish Government relating to Transgender Prisoners: FOI release

“Please provide me with all correspondence, briefing notes, minutes and other information held by the Scottish Government regarding Isla Bryson, formerly Adam Graham, who has been convicted of two rapes. Please include exchanges with other agencies regarding this person's imprisonment. Specifically, can you provide al...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 68 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.25(1) s.35(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2023-05-04
Reference
FOI/202300340450
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Documentation regarding 2022 National Qualifications: FOI Review

Original request - 202100231966 The Scottish Government has today confirmed that exams will take place in 2022 (if safe to do so) - https://www.gov.scot/news/national-qualifications-2022/. Please release any documents (such as advice, analysis, briefings, options documents etc) outlining / analysing / considering etc....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 173 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.38 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-19
Reference
FOI/202200312730 Review of 202100231966
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI Review

Original request - 202100231963 "The Scottish Government has today confirmed that exams will take place in 2022 (if safe to do so) - https://www.gov.scot/news/national-qualifications-2022/. Please release any internal communication between the Scottish Government members and staff (first minister, education secretary, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 178 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.38 s.36 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-19
Reference
FOI/202200312728 Review of 202100231963
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications relating to petition PE1458: FOI release

Information contained in documents, meetings, communications and discussions and any private chat groups or messenger services - within, and between – the Scottish Government and anyone acting for it – and any other person or organisation including the Lord President, Judicial Office, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Serv...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-03-31
Reference
FOI/202300345955
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence received by Michael Matheson on Water management: EIR release

Internal and external correspondence received by the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson MSP, regarding ‘water management’ and ‘drought management’ between 1 September 2021 and the present day.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.10(5) s.11(2) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-03-17
Reference
FOI/202200322006
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Imports, disease and biosecurity in relation to Atlantic salmon and salmon farming: EIR release

Information relating to the subject area of ‘imports, disease and biosecurity’ in relation to Atlantic salmon and salmon farming. The questions posed and information requested covered a number of areas including, import notifications, refusals to allow imports, authorisations associated with Aquaculture Production Busi...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.1 s.20 s.39(2) s.7 s.11(2) s.10(4) s.9 s.10 s.3 s.34(1) s.6(1)
Published
2023-03-14
Reference
FOI/202200279510
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Transport Scotland emails regarding publication date of Audit Scotland report: FOI Review

"This is a request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. It should be treated as a single request and not aggregated with others. On 11 May 2022, the Scottish Government publised a five-page PDF document on its website titled Ferguson Marine - response to submission to Ministers requesting approval of C...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 132 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-03-13
Reference
FOI/202200312123 Review of 202200299814
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Communications between Scottish Government and Tata Steel: FOI Review

A copy of all communications sent or received, and minutes of Scottish Government discussions with (a) Tata Steel UK and (b) Liberty Steel or the GFG Alliance over the last 12 months in regards to the 2016 purchase/sale agreement of the Dalzell steelworks.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 106 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.21(4) s.28(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-03-13
Reference
FOI/202200321085 Review of 202200313269
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector