Scottish Government FOI Index

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

7,794 matching releases

Minutes of the meeting between Minister for Public Finance and GFG Alliance: FOI release

I would be grateful if you could comply with the following request in relation to the ministerial statement on 11th September 2025, made by the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee MSP to Parliament about the status of GFG Alliance businesses in Scotland, mainly those based in Lochaber and Dalzell. During that stat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500485956
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) and Other Relevant Information (ORI) information: FOI release

A. ORI usage & outcomes (10-year view, where held) 1. In the last 10 years, how many individuals had Other Relevant Information (ORI) included on a PVG/Disclosure where there was: No charge, A charge but no conviction, An acquittal. 2. How many individuals remain on a PVG barred list despite having no criminal convi...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.5 s.17(1) s.14 s.14A s.15 s.25(1)

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500488918
Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence relating to visitor levy changing considerations: FOI release

I would like to get any correspondence To or from Ivan Mckee’s office that regards the letter sent last week where the government said they were ‘actively extending powers’ and the update to ‘actively considering’. I would like correspondence around the decision to change it, about it being a mistake, about how it happ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500486353
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Number of planning decisions appealed to Scottish Ministers: EIR release

"FOI on planning decisions overturned I would like to ask the following: In each year since 2023-24, including the current year to date, how many planning decisions were appealed to Scottish Ministers? Please provide as much detail as possible. In relation to Q1, how many of those appeals resulted in the original pla...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-21
Reference: FOI/202500489536
Directorate: Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector

Documentation that mentions former UK Prime Minister: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, analysis, which mentions Margaret Thatcher, from the last month.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488177
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora meeting documentation: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence and received (including internal), minutes/notes from the meeting, briefings and analysis about Angus Robertson's meeting with Minister for Diaspora Neale Richmond on June 16/17, between June 1 2025 and August 1 2025.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488096
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury which related to Aggregates tax: FOI release

For the period 1st January 2025 - date, please provide all correspondence and notes of phone calls or meetings (in person or virtual) between the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (or their office) and Shona Robison (or her office) which mentions Aggregates Tax. Context The Aggregates Tax and Devolved Tax Administratio...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.28 s.38 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500487079
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Transport Scotland - Aberdeen City Council low emission zone decision making process information: EIR release

Information around the decision-making process for implementing the low emission zone in Aberdeen City Council. 1) Could you please provide the air quality data and statistics that would have been gathered during the data gathering window in Aberdeen City Council implementing their low emission zone, and show the tren...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.2 s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: EIR/202500489997
Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector, Transport

Queries relating to the draft speech Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity regarding Urban Gull Summit: EIR release

1. A copy of the draft speech prepared for Jim Fairlie ahead of the Ministerial Statement on 1 October 2025 on the Urban Gull Summit. 2. A copy of any briefing prepared for Jim Fairlie ahead of the Ministerial Statement on 1 October 2025 on the Urban Gull Summit. 3. A copy of any correspondence sent to or sent from J...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500487372
Directorate: Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Meetings held between Scottish Government ministers and the Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP): FOI release

1. All correspondence between Scottish Government Ministers and their special advisers and Keith Brown MSP. This should include all email correspondence with and from his MSP email, SNP email and any other email accounts used by Keith Brown since 6 May 2025. 2. All meetings (including virtual) Keith Brown MSP has atte...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500487575
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Documentation that mentions BAE Systems: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including minutes/notes from meetings, correspondence sent and received (including internal), briefings and analysis, which mentions or is/from BAE Systems, from the last month.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 7 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488769
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Scottish Government spending or investment related to alcohol: FOI release

Period: 1 January 2023 – 31 March 2024 (15 months). Accounts/Codes: the four families you identified — ministerial gifts; catering; hospitality; gifts & awards. Fields to extract (as held): supplier name; invoice/line description; invoice date; net/VAT/gross; cost centre/cost code; directorate. Method: please filter...

FOI released 95 score 11 working days correspondence ministers spending 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500489966
Directorate: Financial Management Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Hate crime consultation information: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence (internal and external), notes and any other information in relation to the decision to extend the closing date to the Scottish Government consultation on the SSI to add sex as a protected characteristic to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488828
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence with member of Scottish Parliament: FOI release

For the period 2nd October 2025 - date, please provide all correspondence (including by direct messaging application) between Keith Brown MSP and the Scottish Government (including ministers, civil servants, special advisers, or press officers).

FOI released 95 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488653
Directorate: Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector

Correspondence regarding editing First Minister’s media release after publication: FOI release

This request relates to the following news release: https://www.gov.scot/news/challenging-poverty-with-family-friendly-policies/ When first published on 6th October 2025, the above news release included the following statement: The cost-of-living guarantee: Lower income tax than in the rest of the UK for the majori...

FOI partially withheld 85 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending whatsapp 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488097
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Briefing documents concerning Russian influenced operations in Scotland: FOI release

Any intelligence or briefing documents shared with Ministers concerning Russian influence operations in Scotland and any potential links to pro-UK political groups like Reform UK.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.3(2) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488300
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence on whether a correction to the Official Report was necessary regarding remarks on Professor Alexis Jay: FOI release

You asked "for the period 16th September 2025 - date, please provide all internal and external correspondence (including by direct messaging application) and notes of phone calls or meetings (in person or virtual) which discuss the question of whether a correction to the Official Report was necessary with respect to re...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500498692
Directorate: Children and Families Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Scottish taxpayer comparison data: FOI release

Any information held by the Scottish Government which explains how John Swinney’s below remarks are consistent with HMRC data published in this FOI response: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/scottish_tax_payers#incoming-3077026. At FMQs on 2nd October 2025, John Swinney said this: “Over half of taxpayers in Sco...

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488526
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence on First Minister’s Tax Claim and Potential Correction: FOI release

At FMQs on 2nd October 2025, John Swinney said this: “Over half of taxpayers in Scotland continue to pay less tax than if they lived elsewhere in the United Kingdom.” Please provide all internal and external correspondence (including by direct messaging application) and notes of phone calls or meetings (in person or ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488531
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Transport Scotland - Reinstatement of island representation on Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd Board: FOI release

You have: (1) raised concerns about the reappointment decision of Mr Murdo MacLennan to the CMAL Board, including the impact the decision will have on island community representation. You have called on Scottish Ministers to either reinstate Mr MacLennan or urgently appoint a qualified island-based Director. (2) requ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488744
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Emerging Energy Technologies Fund spend: EIR release

Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings, analysis, about the £80m promised by the Scottish Government to the Acorn Project, from the last three months? How much of this has actually been ...

FOI/EIR cost limit 45 score 14 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4)

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: EIR/202500489701
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice’s income tax remark discussions: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence (including by direct messaging application) and notes of phone calls or meetings (in person or virtual) involving Scottish Government ministers, civil servants, special advisers, or press officers, which discuss the veracity of Shirley-Anne Somerville’s below remarks, and/or the...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488544
Directorate: Tax Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence regarding combating knife crime: FOI release

You asked for all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), minutes/notes from meetings, briefings and analysis, about combating knife crime, from the last month.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.28(1) s.38(1) s.28 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488141
Directorate: Safer Communities Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Government building occupancy rates, maintenance and running costs: EIR release

As of the most recent date available, please provide: A list of all buildings owned or leased by the Scottish Government (including core directorates and agencies). For each building, the average occupancy rate for the most recent 12-month period and, identify those operating at below 20% occupancy. The annual maint...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.10 s.20 s.2 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500488547
Directorate: Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector

Ministerial communications regarding the Scottish Government’s MyCare NHS app: FOI release

All written communication, including associated briefings, to and from Ministers since 1 January 2025 to most recent relating to the Scottish Government’s MyCare NHS app.

FOI already published 75 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500486892
Directorate: Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic: Health and social care, Public sector