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

Correspondence regarding enhanced restrictions for places of worship: FOI release

“I would like to make an foi request with regards to the latest restrictions in place on places of worship. Can you provide details of any meeting minutes, or other recorded information, that pertains to any discussion or consideration made to ensure the regulations and guidance on places of worship comply with the Eu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-08
Reference
FOI/202100132535
Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Equality and rights, +1 more … Public sector

Communications concerning Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill and changes to Freedom of Information rules: FOI release

All communication between ministers, officials and press officers regarding the proposed changes to Freedom of Information rules.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 238 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000025358
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Extending response times to freedom of information requests: FOI review

Supply all correspondence/emails (including attachments) - to or from government ministers, special advisers or senior civil servants - dated on or prior to 2 April 2020 relating to the proposal to extend response times to freedom of information requests set out in Schedule 6 Part 2 of the [Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill....

FOI partially withheld 90 score 153 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-03-04
Reference
FOI/202000068453
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs referendum correspondence: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: Copies of all emails to and from Michael Russell with the word ‘referendum’ in them (including in the email body, as an attachment, in the subject line and/or otherwise).

FOI already published 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-03
Reference
FOI/202000118630
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Questions concerning COVID-19 testing and changes to vaccine dose schedule: FOI release

1. Could you please provide evidence that the delaying of the second Pfizer vaccine does not affect the efficiacy. 2. Could you please explain why the Governments are recording Covid Deaths as anyone having tested positive with covid by PCR testing. 3. Could you please provide information on what PCR cycles are being...

FOI unclear 50 score 15 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2021-03-03
Reference
FOI/202100145692
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Information relating to the use of hydrogen peroxide in salmon farming: EIR release

Please provide information on the use of hydrogen peroxide in salmon farming - via both wellboats, tarpaulins and any other methods - since 1 January 2016. Please include Excel spreadsheets, data, emails, letters, reports and any other information related to the use of hydrogen peroxide in salmon farming in Scotland. ...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.20 s.39 s.10(4) s.10(5) s.9 s.6(1)
Published
2021-03-02
Reference
FOI/202000122166
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Former First Minister inquiry motion for the recovery of documents: FOI release

1. Any mentions of the motion for the Commission and Diligence for the recovery of documents (or any shorthand variations used by the Scottish Government) regarding the Judicial Review in the case of Alex Salmond against the Scottish Government in Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed...

FOI withheld 55 score 59 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.36(1) s.17(1)
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000119779
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information regarding obligations to provide State Pension after independence: FOI release

"Can you provide me with any discussions or analysis conducted by the Scottish Government with respect to whether the Scottish Government or the U.K. Government has a legal obligation to provide state pensions after independence.”

FOI already published 80 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.25(1) s.29 s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000130448
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Integration of the British Transport Police and Police Scotland estimated staff cost: FOI release

1) Estimated Scottish Government staff costs for the 2018-19 financial year as a result of pursuing the policy of full integration of the British Transport Police and Police Scotland. 2) Any other costs incurred by the Scottish Government as a result of pursuing this policy. Please exclude the 2017-18 staff costs from ...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence meetings contracts spending s.17(1)
Published
2021-02-23
Reference
FOI/202000125882
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Equality and Human Rights Commission: FOI release

1. Correspondence between the Scottish Government Justice Directorate and the Equality and Human Rights Commission from the months of May, June, July and August 2020. 2. Meeting minutes or other documents mentioning the Equality and Human Rights Commission from the months of May, June, July and August 2020 held by the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.29(1) s.36 s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000092321
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Scottish Parliament election contingency plan: FOI release

1. Any reports, documents or email correspondence from between 1 August and present day [13 October] between Scottish Government civil servants on the topic of the Scottish Parliament election in 2021 and contingency plans surrounding it. 2. During the same time period, any briefing reports, draft reports, emails, What...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25 s.27 s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000097860
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Internal communication relating to British Sign Language Progress Report: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes, phone calls or otherwise), regarding the British Sign Language Progress Report. I would like this information from 01 June 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.36(1) s.29(1) s.30 10 attachments
Published
2021-02-17
Reference
FOI/202000096790
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Equality and rights, Public sector

Transport Scotland legal services structure: FOI release

1. Please provide a copy of legal services structure showing service structure, position in the organisation, reporting structure, team structure and number of solicitors and non-qualified officers (ie paralegals, legal assistants and other support officers). 2. Please provide details of professional staff numbers and ...

FOI unclear 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence contracts spending s.3 s.10 s.11
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202000119519
Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector, Transport

Harassment Committee inquiry legal fees costs: FOI release

"£54,378 was the figure obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Daily Telegraph. This was used on external assistance with regards to the Alex Salmond enquiry. I would like to know who the money was paid to and in what capacity. I would also like any internal Government correspondence regarding the tra...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence spending s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100137923
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Communications relating to the legal advice received pertaining to Harassment Committee: FOI release

'Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, phone calls, text or WhatsApp messages) on the subject of the legal advice received in connection with the Alex Salmond Judicial Review. I would like this information from 04 November to 13 November 2020'.

FOI cost limit 45 score 55 working days over deadline correspondence spending whatsapp s.12 s.36(1)
Published
2021-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000115821
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Autism within the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 2003: FOI release

1. The direct definition of how and where autism is covered in the Act under the definition of learning disability; and 2. The specific part of the Mental Health Act/Codes/Guidance that states autism is covered within the act, and where it states that autism is a mental disorder/mental illness.

FOI unclear 55 score 3 working days correspondence s.32
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000127409
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Equality and rights, Public sector

Civil Servant legal advice or advisory services costs: FOI release

'Please provide the cost of any legal advice or legal advisory services provided to Scottish Ministers who have or are set to attend in the near future an evidence session at the Scottish Parliament's Committee on the Scottish Government's Handling of Harassment Complaints'.

FOI unclear 55 score 10 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202100145102
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Restitution order under Section 104 Scotland Act 1998: FOI release

You asked for: 1. When the Scottish Government made a request for an order under Section 104 of the Scotland Act 1998 to enable the use of Restitution Orders as set out in the Victims and Witnesses Act 2014 which ended up being entitled the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Modification) Order 20...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence meetings s.10 s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000118535
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence regarding timing of publishing referendums bill: FOI release

From 1 September 2020 to present: Copies of correspondence (emails, texts, minutes of calls, memos, minutes of meetings and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or Scottish Government Cabinet members on the timing of publishing the referendums bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202000096516
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Programme for Government, Public sector

Civil Servants preparation in giving evidence to Committee for Former First Minister inquiry: FOI release

Provide me with the current figure for the cost of providing external assistance for civil servants ahead of evidence sessions of the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints. A previous FOI put the figure at £54,378 as of November 3, so please provide an updated figure as of today (Jan 14...

FOI unclear 55 score 17 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2021-02-09
Reference
FOI/202100137646
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Civil servant witnesses at Harassment Committee: FOI release

"having read that the ScotGov spent 55k on coaching for witnesses at the Alex Salmond enquiry I would like to obtain the following information. Which witnesses received this coaching. Why it was thought they need coaching to tell the truth under oath. Who decided that coaching was needed or appropriate. How much in to...

FOI unclear 55 score 15 working days correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2021-02-05
Reference
FOI/202100144996
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

FOI request 202000077960 regarding Former First Minister various questions: FOI release

"I note the above Freedom of Information request answered on 23rd September Secondly, which official/officials provided the information which suggested the November 9th date? And on whose instruction was it included in the answer? Thirdly, and please treat this last point as an FOI in itself as well as a question, kind...

FOI already published 80 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1) s.25 s.25(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-04
Reference
FOI/202000093492
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet on the Referendums Bill and Programme for Government 2020: FOI release

From 27 July 2020 to present (2 September 2020 - the date of requests): Copies of any correspondence (emails, hand-written notes, briefing, Whatsapp messages, minutes of meetings, minutes of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants, special advisors and/or any member of the Scottish Government cabinet on the refe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-20
Reference
FOI/202000083702
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Programme for Government, Public sector

COVID Support Grant-Restart (CSG-R): FOI release

1. All CSG-R Payments - every operator who has received CSG-R Split by route or service number or some other identifier which makes clear the route for which the operator has received CSG-R Split by date, ideally by each individual day. 2. All legal advice regarding the initial implementation of the scheme and then o...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.17(1) s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-01-20
Reference
FOI/202000124456
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector, Transport

Total cost of the daily media briefings by the Scottish government: FOI release

1. How much does it cost the Scottish government to use the BBC as a broadcaster for the daily briefing for the first minister could you break the cost down to category 2. Could you tell me the legislation that was used to implement the coronavirus legislation and the legislation used to implement the travel restricti...

FOI unclear 55 score 11 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.25(1) s.20
Published
2021-01-15
Reference
FOI/202100133093
Directorate
Digital Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector