Scottish Government FOI Index

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

7,795 matching releases

Briefing materials prepared for the former Minister for Climate Action for the “Supporting Households with Cost of Living” debate: FOI release

All briefing materials prepared for Gillian Martin ahead of the “Supporting Households with Cost of Living” debate held on 11 March 2025 in the Scottish Parliament.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.29(1) s.30 s.38 4 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458276
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

Clarification on the meaning of "draft sub": FOI release

With reference to your previous request under FOISA (reference 202500449875), you asked for: 1) On page 28, what is meant by "draft sub on Hamilton"? 2) I request the "draft sub on Hamilton" and/or the eventual finished "sub on Hamilton".

FOI unclear 55 score 6 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.14(2) s.14 s.14O

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500461391
Directorate: Propriety and Ethics Directorate
Topic: Public sector

First Minister and Eric Trump meeting information: FOI release

The full minutes of the meeting between John Swinney and Eric Trump on March 13. Any correspondence between Mr Swinney and Mr Trump or anyone acting for him in the run up to the meeting.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458588
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Abolition of peak rail fares correspondence with Green Members of Parliament: FOI release

Details of any communications between Green Members of Parliament and the Transport Secretary and her officials since January 1st 2023 where the topic discussed was the abolition of peak rail fares - this includes copies of emails, letters, details of in person or online meetings, texts, messages on encrypted phone app...

FOI unclear 75 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500456511
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Documentation and correspondence regarding Eric Trump meeting: FOI release

All items of information in all briefings prepared for the First Minister and other participants in the meeting held at Bute House on 13 March 2025 between the First Minister and Eric Trump, and in all briefings prepared for any preparatory meetings or calls. All minutes, notes, and other records of the 13 March meeti...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458890
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Council tax queries: FOI release

1. How is the council tax calculated for different property categories in Aberdeen and what criteria is it based on? 2. How are the council tax rates formed in different areas of the city (A, B, C)? 3. What expenses are covered by council tax in the city’s budget? (education, healthcare, infrastructure repairs, etc.)...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.9 4 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458773
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Studies to improve data collection on quality of Scottish rental properties: FOI Review

Original request 202500458786 Information pertaining to the Scottish Landlord Register. Has any group or individual Civil Servant been tasked with studying how there could be more robust data collection on the quality of rental properties in Scotland? Can the recommendations or preliminary work done by Civil Servants...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.21(4) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458787 Review of 202500458786
Directorate: Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Housing, Public sector

Wind farm public inquiry information: EIR release

I am writing in reference to the response provided to my recent Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs) request (Case reference: 202500451517) concerning data on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) developments and renewable energy projects in the Scottish Borders and the Ettrick, Roxburgh and Be...

FOI/EIR clarification 80 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.20 s.39(2) s.36 s.37 s.62 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: EIR/202500456071
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

Human Rights Bill for Scotland documents that relate to the right for food: FOI release

Documents and sections of documents prepared in the course of drafting of the Human Rights Bill for Scotland which specifically relate to the right to food, including any text relating to the right to food which was included in the Scottish Government's draft Bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.30 s.36 s.38 6 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458689
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Exploration for oil and gas and low-carbon jobs correspondence: EIR release

You have asked for a range of information across multiple parts. This response covers the following parts of your request: 1) All correspondence between Ministers, Special Advisers and Officials relating to the policy proposal for a presumption against new exploration for oil and gas in the Scottish Government’s Draft...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: EIR/202500458970
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

The Edinburgh Agreement negotiations: FOI release

Could you give me a full list of all those involved in the Edinburgh Agreement negotiations from the Scottish Government side and the dates of when they were involved?

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500465520
Directorate: Constitution Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Meetings on removal of two child benefit cap: FOI release

1. The number of Scottish Government meetings attended by First Minister that were held regarding the removal of two child benefit cap in September 2024, October 2024 and November 2024 2. The number of Scottish Government meetings attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice that were held regarding the remova...

FOI unclear 50 score 14 working days correspondence ministers meetings

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500467617
Directorate: Social Security Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Cost approval for Barlinnie Prison: FOI release

Details of any value-for-money test undertaken prior to ministers approving the contract for the new Barlinnie prison.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.33(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458592
Directorate: Justice Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Ministerial correspondence, staffing and budget statement for the Offshore Wind Hub in Aberdeen: EIR release

1. All correspondence between Ministers, Special Advisers and Officials relating to the Scottish Government’s proposal to create an Offshore Wind Hub in Aberdeen as announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Local Government in the Scottish Government’s 2025/26 Budget Statement on 4 December 2024. 2. How many st...

FOI/EIR withheld 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.2

Published: 2025-07-08
Reference: FOI/202500458971
Directorate: Marine Directorate
Topic: Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Annual subsidies of the Gourock to Dunoon route: FOI release

All information held by Transport Scotland which identifies the impact on annual subsidies on the Gourock to Dunoon route following the recent Ministerial announcement re the removal of three return sailings and the cost of Stantec’s CNA Report on the Gourock to Dunoon route.

FOI unclear 50 score 17 working days correspondence ministers spending

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500461013
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Business rates relief for hospitality business information: FOI release

All external correspondence, minutes/notes from meetings, and briefings held about business rates relief for hospitality businesses, between December 1 2024 and December 15 2024.

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

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500457524
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE) documentation: FOI Review

Original request 202500454174 Grant Award Information: Could you clarify what information the Sponsor Team and the Scottish Government (SG) received from SOSE regarding the £200,000 grant award to Laggan Outdoor Ltd? I would appreciate sight of the relevant documents and audit trail. Meeting Papers: Please provide acc...

FOI clarification 80 score 16 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500458697 Review of 202500454174
Directorate: Economic Development Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

First Minister visit to St Fergus Gas Terminal documentation: EIR release

On 22/7/24 John Swinney MSP, First Minister, and Jack Middleton, Special Adviser met with Storegga Limited to visit the St Fergus gas terminal and undertake press work. Source: https://www.lobbying.scot/SPS/InformationReturn/SearchInformationReturnDetail/56630 https://www.gov.scot/news/fast-tracking-scotlands-energy-...

FOI/EIR released 100 score 14 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.6(1) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: EIR/202500459263
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

Constitutional role of Scottish Government in the operation of the Lord Lieutenants in Scotland: FOI release

The Scotland Act 1998 does not cover the operation of Lord-Lieutenants. They are directly responsible to the Monarch. Therefore, without a constitutional role why is the Scottish Government involved at all in the activities of the Lord-Lieutenants?

FOI unclear 50 score 14 working days correspondence ministers

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500459160
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information on the Deputy First Minister's meeting regarding workplace sickness: FOI release

In The Sunday Times on 23rd March 2025, Shirley-Anne Somerville is quoted as follows: “Economic inactivity due to sickness is a problem right across the UK. In certain areas of Scotland that rate is higher than elsewhere. That’s exactly why the Scottish Government’s looking at the reasons behind that. And in fact, Kat...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500458589
Directorate: Jobs and Wellbeing Economy Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

Scottish Government unauthorized disclosures impact statistics : FOI release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, please provide the number of fines or any other disciplinary actions taken against ministers, civil servants or employees of the Scottish Government for unauthorized disclosures from 2020 to 2025

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500462988
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Documentation regarding civil servants working a 35 hour week: FOI release

All documentation held by the Scottish Government, including correspondence sent and received (including internal), briefings, minutes/notes from meetings, analysis about civil servants working a 35 hour week from the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500457995
Directorate: Public Spending Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Council tax relief funding information: FOI Review

Original request 202500453366 Information regarding council tax relief funding for the 2025 - 2026 financial year: 1. Allocation Breakdown: A detailed breakdown of the exact amount allocated by the Scottish Government to each of Scotland's 32 local authorities for council tax relief. 2. Supporting Documentation: Cop...

FOI clarification 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.4 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500458076 Review of 202500453366
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Sale of alcohol at football grounds information: FOI release

What 'evidence' the First Minister is referring to during his interview on Sky Sport, list the sources of the evidence and provide a copy of them and confirm what reports or briefings have been prepared by Scottish Government officials for Scottish Ministers on the topic of alcohol at football matches during this Parli...

FOI released 95 score 13 working days correspondence ministers briefings 2 attachments

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500458409
Directorate: Population Health Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Health and social care, Public sector

Briefing materials for the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy's meeting with the German Energy Minister: FOI release

All briefing materials prepared ahead of the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy's meeting with German Energy Minister Udo Phillip, and any notes/minutes recording what was discussed.

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

Published: 2025-07-07
Reference: FOI/202500458275
Directorate: Culture and External Affairs Directorate
Topic: Energy, International, Public sector