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

Correspondence with Lord Advocate regarding the Supreme Court: FOI release

1) Any correspondence, including meetings, notes, memos, agendas, ministerial briefings and minutes, between the Scottish Government and the office of the Lord Advocate on the topic of the Lord Advocate's reference to the Supreme Court between January 1, 2022 and June 28, 2022. This should include any emails, letters, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.2 s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-22
Reference
FOI/202200312193
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Question on alcohol: FOI release

‘How come you can't buy alcohol free drinks (for example becks blue) from say somewhere like home bargains before 10am yet I can drink alcohol at the airport at 4am? Or I can drink on a plane in the sky before 10am? I can understand that rule for selling actual alcohol but I can't understand the logic when it's non alc...

FOI unclear 55 score 7 working days correspondence s.12
Published
2022-08-16
Reference
FOI/202200313298
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Gender recognition bill: FOI release

On 22 August 2018, then Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People Shirley-Anne Somerville met with various stakeholders to discuss the gender recognition bill. In a blogpost, Susan Sinclair (of the organisation ‘Scottish Women’) claims that she attended one of these meetings, along with numerous other acto...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-05
Reference
FOI/202200304607
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

School attendance during Covid: FOI release

1. What advice did the Scottish Government give to local authorities with regard to recording COVIDrelated absence? 2. What work is the Scottish Government doing, in conjunction with Education Scotland and local authorities, to ensure that all pupils are re-engaging with formal schooling following lockdown and how is t...

FOI unclear 75 score 9 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-04
Reference
202200286782
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Independence referendum and prospectus resources: FOI release

Given the rapidly increasing likely resources now being employed on another independent referendum, please supply me with exact details of that resource and the expected total budget, the Scottish Government is providing for the First Minister's referendum and independence planning, communications and public engagement...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1)
Published
2022-08-02
Reference
FOI/202200308344
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Vaccination status app: FOI release

1. How much was paid for the creation of the Covid Status app? 2. Any reports produced during the testing of the app by the developer before it was released. 3. Correspondence sent to and from the Deputy First Minister, Health Secretary and First Minister regarding the app between Tuesday September 28 and Tuesday 5 Oct...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 105 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts spending s.17(1) s.25 s.38(1) s.30 s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-01
Reference
FOI/202100248440
Directorate
Digital Health and Care Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Questions regarding work on "Building a New Scotland" document: FOI release

1. How many civil servants worked on these documents and for how long and what the total cost of this was? 2. How many special advisers worked on these papers and what exactly their role was. I would also like to know if any of the special advisers have authority over civil servants. 3. Has the advice of the Permanen...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.3 s.17(1)
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202200306418
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Internal communications regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI release

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, special advisers, learning direct...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 234 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100231959
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI release

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 details of any meetings (dates, attendees, whether it was in person/online/telephone) and associated documents (emails, minutes, briefing documents,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 239 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100231963
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Documentation regarding 2022 National Qualifications: FOI release

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. the options available for nation...

FOI already published 80 score 240 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100231966
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Various reports files sizes: FOI release

"Please could you provide me with the exact number of pages and their respective file sizes, when sent as attachments, of the following documentation that is held by the Scottish Government: The Investigating Officer's (Judith Mackinnon) Report of February 2018. The Investigating Officer's (Judith Mackinnon) Report of...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.25(1) s.36(1)
Published
2022-07-25
Reference
FOI/202200304533
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

"Tinker Housing experiments": FOI release

“(a) provide us with copies of the legal advice which your government has received on this matter, and (b) provide a comprehensive explanation as to why the Scottish Government is unable to apologise on this matter, yet is able to apologise for various other historical injustices which preceded devolution such as those...

FOI withheld 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.36(1)
Published
2022-07-25
Reference
FOI/202200304820
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Government staff dedicated to dealing with Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

The number of Scottish Government staff dedicated to dealing with freedom of information requests for the last five financial years. The total salary costs for Scottish Government staff dedicated to dealing with freedom of information requests for the last five financial years. The number of external consultants e.g. l...

FOI not held 40 score 20 working days correspondence spending
Published
2022-07-21
Reference
FOI/202200303320
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Legal considerations regarding Dalzell Steelworks: FOI release

“1. Please provide a copy of the information the Scottish Government holds on how disputes about state aid rules are resolved post-Brexit. Does the Scottish Government have any documentation which states that the Court of Session and Supreme Court now have responsibility for interpreting and ruling on any dispute relat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 90 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.36 s.38(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-07-14
Reference
FOI/202200272825
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Various questions regarding Section 25 of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020): FOI release

1. Since July 2021, how many applications have the Scottish Ministers received to use their discretionary powers to direct payments be paid out of the Scottish Legal Aid Fund for legal assistance for Participation Individuals (siblings seeking to exercise their rights under section 25 of the Children (Scotland) Act 202...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.25 s.4(2) s.36 s.38(1) s.79 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-06
Reference
FOI/202200276053
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Internal correspondence mentioning For Women Scotland work: FOI Review

Further to my letter of 14 January 2022, I have now completed my review of Any internal correspondence among civil servants within the Children and Families Directorate, Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate, senior civil servants, ministers and special advisers which includes the name of the charity "ForWom...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 68 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2022-06-30
Reference
FOI/202200272543 Review of 202100248103
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Children's health and wellbeing census 21/22: FOI Review

What age children are targeted by the census? A full copy of the census. A copy of the ministerial sign-off of the census. A copy of senior civil service sign-off of the census. A copy of the data privacy risk assessment for the census. All communications with the FM and DFM on the subject of the census. The precise pu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.38(1) s.38 s.29(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-06-29
Reference
FOI/202200270559 Review of 202100260600
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Breakdown of legal advice provided to Ministers: FOI release

The number of times [not the actual advice] that the Law Officers of the Scots Govt have published [i.e. made publicly available ] formal legal advice given to Ministers acting for the SCOTTISH GOVT on any particular matter that has arisen & publicly released since the inception of Devolved Govt in Scotland ? Corollary...

FOI/EIR cost limit 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.36 s.29(1) s.12
Published
2022-06-22
Reference
202200300906
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Sexual abuse in Scottish football: FOI release

1. In that request, I was informed that the Scottish Government had not made contact with the United States Department of Justice, The New Jersey Attorney General, or both. Since the previous request: 1.1 Has the Scottish Government made contact with either or both? 1.2 If no contact has been made, can it be explained...

FOI unclear 55 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.1 s.2 s.3 s.17 s.5
Published
2022-05-17
Reference
FOI/202200289175
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Face covering regulations for adults in a primary school setting: FOI release

1. Please provide information/details of the relevant Scottish Government ‘Face covering’ regulations and advice for parents and other visitors when visiting a primary school. 2. Please provide information/details of the relevant Scottish Government ‘Face covering’ regulations and advice for adults when in a primary sc...

FOI unclear 55 score 8 working days correspondence ministers s.5 s.20
Published
2022-05-16
Reference
FOI/202200292251
Directorate
Early Learning and Childcare Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Scottish National Investment Bank CEO resignation correspondence: FOI release

1. All correspondence between Scottish Government ministers, special advisers and civil servants relating to the resignation of Eilidh Mactaggart from the Scottish National Investment Bank between January 25 2022 and March 16 2022. 2. All correspondence between Scottish Government civil servants, special advisers and m...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-05-11
Reference
FOI/202200288213
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Money and tax, Public sector

Legal costs incurred regarding the judicial review concerning the Gender Representation on Public Board (Scotland) Act 2018: FOI release

Can you please provide full external legal costs incurred by the Scottish Government regarding the judicial review concerning the Gender Representation on Public Board (Scotland) Act 2018, which was brought by the campaign group For Women Scotland. This should include full costs for the initial hearing (including print...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence spending
Published
2022-05-03
Reference
FOI/202200282789
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Clyde fishing ground closure between 1st October 2021 and 18th January 2022: EIR release

All correspondence between Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon MSP, Minister Mairi McAllan MSP, Minister Lorna Slater MSP and civil servants regarding the Clyde fishing ground closure between 1 October 2021 and 18 January 2022 including, emails, Whatsapp messages and meeting minutes.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.6(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-04-21
Reference
FOI/202200273687
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Impact of creeling removal within Clyde cod spawning closure: EIR release

Can you please supply copies of the assessments you have made as to the relative likelihood of creeling, dredging and trawling on impacting the sites objectives? Can you please supply copies of correspondence and copies of all minutes of meetings internal and external that would assist us in understanding the rational ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 45 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) 2 attachments
Published
2022-04-21
Reference
FOI/202200272637
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector