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
1,032 matching releases

Documents pertaining to teachers one off payment of £400: FOI release

All documentation regarding the decision to offer a single payment to teachersand lecturers rather than paying an amount determined by student numbers. All documentation regarding the decision to offer £400, including how this specific amount was calculated.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-27
Reference
FOI/202100163050
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Costs of legal advice provided to special advisers for harassment inquiry: FOI release

The total cost, to date, of providing external legal services/advice to Scottish Government special advisers related to the Scottish Parliament's Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints. This should include all legal services related to the inquiry, such as providing personal legal advice...

FOI unclear 50 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers spending
Published
2021-04-21
Reference
FOI/202100158578
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Creation of Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group: FOI release

Copies of all information including, but not limited to, minutes, correspondence, notes of telephone calls and emails held by Scottish Government on :- The decision to create the “Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group”, relating to the choice of “misogyny” and not the broader “sex” as discussed as pa...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-21
Reference
FOI/202100156901
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Correspondence relating to 'herd immunity' surrounding COVID-19: FOI release

All email correspondence or written correspondence or minutes of meetings that mention the phrase 'herd immunity' sent from or to the National Clinical Director, Prof Jason Leitch, Dr Catherine Calderwood, Dr Gregor Smith, the First Minister or Health Secretary. I would like this information from the end of February th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 118 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-20
Reference
FOI/202000091244
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Cost of legal advice provided to Chief of Staff: FOI release

The cost of any legal advice provided to Nicola Sturgeon's Chief of Staff Elizabeth Lloyd in relation to the Scottish Parliament's committee on the handling of harassment complaints and her involvement in the proceedings.

FOI unclear 50 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-04-19
Reference
FOI/202100151009
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

European Union (EU) flags on Scottish Government buildings: FOI release

"Any information you hold on the recent reports that the Scottish Government will fly EU flags on Scottish Government buildings. In particular, i) any minutes of meetings with Ministers or officials where the above was discussed. ii) any emails relating to the issue above. iii) all advice to Ministers on the above i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-19
Reference
FOI/202100160401
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Correspondence between First Minister and Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS): FOI release

Any meetings or correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the First Minister and the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland or the Lord President of the Court of Session regarding the appointme...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.95(4) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-19
Reference
FOI/202100154340
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence received by Permanent Secretary relating to second referendum: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, briefings, attachments, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from and/or to Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans regarding Scottish independence and/or a second independence referendum.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-16
Reference
FOI/202100164037
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Internal communications relating to expansion of free school meals: FOI review

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, text or WhatsApp messages, typed or handwritten notes) on the subject of the policy of the expansion of free school meal provision for primary school pupils from 2022. I would like this information from 20 October 2020 to 27 November 2020. I understand ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence briefings whatsapp s.29(1)A s.29(1) s.36(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202100135539 review of 202000118815
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Communications concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, letters, text or WhatsApp messages, phone calls) concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications in the academic year 2020-21. I would like this information from 17 November 2020 to 09 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202000121887
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Transport Scotland legal costs: FOI release

Information relating to Transport Scotland’s role in operating, maintaining, developing and constructing infrastructure. Please provide the following information, in respect of defending actions brought by external parties in relation to operating, maintaining, developing and constructing infrastructure: 1, The total l...

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending
Published
2021-04-14
Reference
FOI/202100166368
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

COVID-19 European Convention on Human Rights compliance regarding visiting places of worship: FOI release

1. Under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights governments of religious practice may only be subject to limitations "as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rig...

FOI not held 70 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-12
Reference
FOI/202100141123
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Information relating to Harmful Sexual Behaviours Online Survey: FOI release

All correspondence between Scottish Government officials and Young Scot regarding the Harmful Sexual Behaviours Online Survey promoted by Young Scot on social media on 26 January 2021.

FOI released 95 score 15 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-09
Reference
FOI/202100146126
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Fisheries protection around the island of Rockall: FOI release

1) All letters, emails and documents exchanged between the Scottish and Irish government relating to fishing rights for EU trawlers around the island of Rockall, dating from 1 January 2019 to the date of this request. 2) All briefing documents prepared in advance of meetings or telephone conversations between Scottish ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.4 s.17(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-08
Reference
FOI/202100133316
Directorate
Topic
International, Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Scottish Government Resilience Room minutes from February and March 2020: FOI appeal

The minutes of the Scottish Government Resilience Room meetings held in February and March 2020. In addition I would like to have lists of all those who attended those meetings.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 3 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-01
Reference
FOI/202000047153 - appeal
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) revision of appeal process: FOI release

Ministerial direction SQA refer to and any information, paperwork, correspondence etc between SG and SQA and also more generally which explains the thinking behind the revision of the appeals process (please treat as an FOI). I am not sure whether you can also explain where responsibility lies for the design of the app...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000108636
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Tarbolton Landfill Site: EIR release

1. Information contained in copies of correspondence (including emails), internal and external reports, notes of internal and external meetings, and other documentation held by the Scottish Government (SG) in relation to any investigations, risk assessments, remediation strategies, requests for remediation funding or o...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.10(4) s.10(5) 8 attachments
Published
2021-03-25
Reference
FOI/202100133009
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 correspondence: FOI release

Correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the UK Government and the Scottish Government regarding the Covert Human Intelligence Sources Bill. Please limit between 1 April 2020 and the present dat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-24
Reference
FOI/202000111668
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

COVID-19: Closure of places of worship: FOI release

1) I would be extremely grateful if you could email me a full copy of the Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - as well as a full copy of all the evidence underpinning the same Equality and Human Rights Impact Assessment - specifically pertaining to worshippers and Places of Worship that the Scottish Minister(s...

FOI not held 70 score 40 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.2 s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202100133792
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +2 more … Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Culchunaig Farmhouse planning application: EIR release

Information regarding planning application 18/04194/FUL - Culchunaig Farmhouse, Westhill Inverness, you also asked specific questions regarding the handling of the same case. 1. Please inform me of the name of the signatory of the decision letter of 17 November in relation to the above aqpplication and an organogram sh...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.2 s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-22
Reference
FOI/202000114543
Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Environment and climate change, Public sector

James Hamilton QC independent investigation: FOI release

1 - An Independent Investigation currently being led by James Hamilton QC is investigating possible breaches of the ministerial code by the First Minister. If he concludes that the FM did not knowingly mislead parliament as well as did not break other parts of the MC then I presume that the First Minister would not res...

FOI released 75 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.1 s.25(1)
Published
2021-03-18
Reference
FOI/20210016129
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Former Finance Secretary’s representation to the Scottish Parliament Finance Committee: FOI release

Please provide all information held, including legal opinion, about finance secretary Derek Mackay's representation to the Scottish Government's finance committee in November, last year where he talked about a "proposed contingent liability" which was passed by MSPs. This should include, but is not limited to (A) all ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.33(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-17
Reference
FOI/202000106220
Directorate
Topic
Economy, Money and tax, Public sector

Legal advice received pertaining to Harassment Committee: FOI release

"I note that £76,000 of taxpayers money was spent on coaching civil servants for the recent parliamentary committee investigating complaints for Salmond. Following this, I would like to request: a) which company did this coaching? b) any records relating to the coaching including minutes, communications, and correspond...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence meetings contracts spending s.17(1)
Published
2021-03-15
Reference
FOI/202100157175
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information on complaints procedures for local authorities: FOI release

In relation to local authority complaints procedures I would like to ask if there is any publication or notice that gives advice to local authorities on the correct procedures? Also, are there any circumstances where it would be appropriate for a local authority service to escalate a complaint received by them to a fo...

FOI unclear 50 score 2 working days correspondence
Published
2021-03-09
Reference
FOI/202100148857
Directorate
Topic
Public sector