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

Documents held concerning work on the Heat Networks Bill: EIR release

You asked for disclosure of documents held by the Scottish government concerning work on the Heat Networks Bill by officials during 2020.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-03
Reference
FOI/202100238347
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Information Commissioner appeal Decision Notice 083/2021: FOI release

1. Any and all internal and external correspondence including emails, letters, WhatsApp messages, Signal messages, text messages relating to government business from officials, ministers, and special advisers and any other interested party relating to the consideration of the Scottish Information Commissioner appeal wh...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.25(1) s.26 s.30 s.35(1) s.35(2) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-10-28
Reference
FOI/202100223873
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence pertaining to the welfare of sheep on St Kilda: EIR release

A copy of your division’s correspondence, internal and external, pertaining to the welfare of, specifically the sheep on the St Kilda archipelago – including their considered legal welfare status – from the time of preliminary discussions around the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to the present day

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-26
Reference
FOI/202100235081
Directorate
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic
Farming and rural, Public sector

Information regarding Multi Agency Working: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100220747 Per a recent article in The Telegraph, local councils and NHS have engaged in multi agency working to vaccinate 16 and 17 year old’s without an underlying health condition in the England. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/07/02/children-vaccinated-councils-go-rogue/ 1. Please ad...

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence
Published
2021-10-20
Reference
FOI/202100234822 review of 202100220747
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Cost to Scottish Government of its participation of recent inquiry’s: FOI release

1. Any estimate and breakdown of the cost to the Scottish Government of its participation in the Scottish Parliament Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints. 2. Any estimate and breakdown of the cost to the Scottish Government of the James Hamilton inquiry. 3. Any estimate and breakdown o...

FOI unclear 55 score 75 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.2 s.12 s.17(1) s.25(1)
Published
2021-10-07
Reference
FOI/202100209285
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Various questions surrounding Scottish Government antisemitism policy: FOI release

Q1. Definition of antisemitism Q1a. You informed us on 31st October 2019 that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Definition of Antisemitism (‘IHRA Definition’) was adopted including all of its examples by Scottish Government on 13th June 2017. Unfortunately the link you had supplied in your email of 31st ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2021-10-07
Reference
FOI/202100233372
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

The New Scots Refugee Integration Delivery Project: FOI release

Please could you provide a full breakdown of the money allocated in this press release? Helping New Scots settle - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

FOI unclear 50 score 13 working days correspondence
Published
2021-09-29
Reference
FOI/202100231402
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland (MHTS) recruitment: FOI release

Information in relation to my application to the vacancy of legal member of the MHTS. Specifically: 1) Who were the two parties who sifted through the applications? 2) What were the criteria they used in assessing the applications? 3) How many of the 10 vacancies apply to Aberdeen and the North East; and how many ap...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.38 s.34(1) s.17 2 attachments
Published
2021-09-21
Reference
FOI/202100229987
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Communications relating to the Tinker Experiment: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100200656 All government emails , letters or memos or internal notes or transcripted telephone calls regarding The Tinker Experiment and any reference to an apology- with a particular interest on any documentation between the Government and its lawyers on the matter ( any communication to our...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29 s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-09-16
Reference
FOI/202100228699 review of 202100200656
Directorate
Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Funding provided for the regeneration of Stranraer: EIR release

1. All correspondence between the Scottish Government and South of Scotland Enterprise regarding the regeneration of Stranraer, including all proposals and cases for any waterfront development, and any correspondence relating to the £6 million pound allocation for Stranraer regeneration? 2. All correspondence between t...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(5) s.10(4) 10 attachments
Published
2021-09-14
Reference
FOI/202100217701
Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Physical distancing rules on Caledonian MacBrayne ferries: FOI release

1. What is the medical and scientific justification for the maintenance of this rule on CalMac ferries, given that other forms of transport in Scotland cannot enforce the same restrictions? Your website confirms this as follows : “You should also adhere to physical distancing whilst on public transport, at stations, te...

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-09-08
Reference
FOI/202100225329
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector, Transport

Meall Mhor fish farm: EIR release

Information concerning a disclosure made to Scottish Government relating to a possible offence under the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 at Meall Mhor fish farm. Specifically: 1. Was the disclosure notified to others within Marine Scotland and the Scottish Government? Please set out the positions held o...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.9 s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-08-25
Reference
FOI/202100216680
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

COVID 19 hotel quarantine: FOI release

1. Is there a defined list of what qualifies as compassionate exemption from Hotel Quarantine? 2. How many compassionate requests for exemption have been received since the start of hotel quarantine in February 2021? 3. How many compassionate requests have been successful? 4. What criteria is used for compassionate ...

FOI cost limit 45 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.12 s.20 s.6C s.36(1)
Published
2021-08-24
Reference
FOI/202100224014
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Issue of section 19 of Road Safety Act: FOI review

1. Copies of any correspondence, notes, reports, minutes, or any other documents shared between the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, and the Scottish Government and the Scottish Police Authority, since 1 Jan 2018 that relates to the issue of section 19 of the Road Safety Act 2006. 2. Copies of any correspondenc...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 15 working days correspondence meetings s.19 s.28(1) s.30 s.29(1)
Published
2021-08-12
Reference
FOI/202100223994 review of 202100214134
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

COVID 19 wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport: FOI review

1. All documents and information relating to the Scottish Government's decision to make the wearing of face coverings on public transport compulsory on Monday 22nd June 2020, including the scientific evidence on which the decision was based, the rationale of the decision and the full minutes of the meetings between the...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-08-06
Reference
FOI/202100215047 review of 202100136327
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Breakdown of legal fees from £25,000 - £50,000: FOI release

1. In the last five financial years (inclusive of 2021/22), please provide the details of which matters counsel or legal advice was sought for any cumulative cost of legal fees of more than £25,000 and less than £50,000, itemised by amount. 2. This should include live and closed matters, with "matters" taken to be a ge...

FOI unclear 50 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-08-04
Reference
FOI/202100220760
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Law and order, Money and tax, Public sector

Advice given to Scottish Government regarding weddings: FOI release

Any clinical advice received by the SG (either internally or externally) that relates to the decision to include children of all ages in the limits for weddings but not other indoor settings. I would also like copies of any risk assessments or other policy documentation produced or held by the SG which consider or disc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.36(1) s.20 s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-28
Reference
FOI/202100219009
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID 19 correspondence relating to local level coronavirus restrictions: FOI release

All internal correspondence and written material, including but not limited to correspondence between officials and ministers, relating to The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Amendment (No. 28) Regulations 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.20 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-28
Reference
FOI/202100217336
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Local Serving Rates: FOI release

Please provide all information concerning the Rates List, including that which concerns: (1) which bodies were involved in decision-making around the rates listed in the Rates List; (2) correspondence, telephone attendance notes, documents, charts and/or meetings reports and minutes concerning the Rates List created ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-07-26
Reference
FOI/202100216757
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Health and social care, Public sector

E-scooter trials in Scotland: FOI review

Please can you confirm whether the Scottish government holds any information produced since the UK government's announcement of e-scooter trials in Great Britain in May 2020 which relates to the matters of: a) The amendment of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, and an...

FOI cost limit 70 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.12 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-23
Reference
FOI/202100217324 review of 202100206613
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

COVID 19 deaths in care homes: FOI release

You asked for any correspondence between special advisers or officials in the community health and social care directorate and the National Records of Scotland (NRS) on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to 27 May 2021. You also ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100207401
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Correspondence to/from the Health Secretary relating to deaths in care homes: FOI release

Any correspondence copied to the health secretary, sent to the health secretary, or including the phrase "Cab Sec" on the topic of the publication of Covid-19 deaths in care homes broken down by individual care home between September 29, 2020 to 27 May 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 38 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-21
Reference
FOI/202100207405
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Number of Freedom of Information request submitted by journalist: FOI review

1. The number of Freedom of Information requests sent to the Scottish Government by journalist Conor Matchett in the period 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2021. 2. Please give a rough breakdown of requests by subject matter. 3. Please give a breakdown of how many were appealed and reviewed internally and externally with a brea...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.38(1) s.10(1) s.20 s.38(2A) s.38(5) s.3(2) s.38 s.34(1)
Published
2021-07-16
Reference
FOI/202100215149 review of 202100202671
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Purchase details and communications regarding Ferguson Marine Limited: FOI release

“To provide all information held, including legal opinion, about the decision by ministers to purchase Ferguson Marine between August 30, 2019 and October 10, 2019. In particular I am seeking details of the rival offers for the shipyard, and what they amounted to. Further, I am seeking communications between the Scotti...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.36(1) s.33(1) s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-07-15
Reference
FOI/202100214212
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector