Scottish Government FOI Index

21,792releases indexed

39,278attachments found

29.7avg calendar days

8,073partially withheld

2016-06-13oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

Timeline

2026-05 339 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 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days

Clear

774 matching releases

Correspondence regarding answer to Parliamentary Question S6W-33595: EIR release

All internal Scottish Government correspondence, involving Civil Servants and/or Special Advisers, discussing the drafting of this answer provided by Gillian Martin to a written question asked in the Scottish Parliament: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-33595

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence special advisers s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-25
Reference: EIR/202500450327
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

Scottish Land Commission Chair Appointment: FOI release

Information regarding correspondence between Scottish Government Ministers and officials with reference to the proposed appointment of Michael Russell as Chair of the Scottish Land Commission. You requested disclosure of any emails, letters or messages sent between Scottish Government Ministers or officials, including ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-25
Reference: FOI/202400395590
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Freedom of Information requests received regarding ministerial trip to Scottish League Cup Final: FOI release

How many FOI requests about Neil Gray's ministerial trip to the Scottish League Cup Final on December 17 have been made, and how many were registered as sensitive and were sent to Special Advisers for comment and onwards to Ministers for clearance? Could you supply each of these "sensitive" FOI requests, who they went...

FOI unclear 50 score 4 working days correspondence ministers special advisers

Published: 2025-02-20
Reference: FOI/202500451289
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Details of lobbying of Scottish Ministers by Propertymark: FOI release

Information pertaining to the lobbying of Scottish Ministers and MSPs, specifically: A full list of Scottish Ministers and MSPs who have been lobbied by Propertymark in the time period of 2020-2025. For any meetings, please provide minutes covering any agendas, requests, or key topics raised by Propertymark. If minute...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-20
Reference: FOI/202500448567
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Details of lobbying of Scottish Ministers by UK Finance: FOI release

Information pertaining to the lobbying of Scottish Ministers and MSPs, specifically: A full list of Scottish Ministers and MSPs who have been lobbied by UK Finance in the time period of 2020-2025. For any meetings, please provide minutes covering any agendas, requests, or key topics raised by UK Finance. If minutes ar...

FOI released 100 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-20
Reference: FOI/202500448564
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill correspondence: EIR Review

Original request 202400440963 1. “All mentions of the terms “Ed Mountain”, “Edward Mountain”, “NZET Convener”, “NZET Committee Convener”, “Net Zero Convener”, “Net Zero Committee Convener”, “Net Zero, Energy and Transport Convener” and “Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Convener” by Mairi Gougeon (or anyone in ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.20 s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-18
Reference: EIR/202500447064 Review of 202400440963
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Farming and rural, Public sector

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and Elon Musk: FOI release

Any emails sent by Scottish government special advisers which mention Elon Musk between January 1st and today, January 7th. Any emails sent by Scottish government media officers (press officers) which mention Elon Musk between January 1st and today, January 7th. Any emails sent by, or on behalf of, Scottish government ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.32(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-14
Reference: FOI/202500446991
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish International Development Association Head of Policy and Communications appointment: FOI release

1. When the Scottish Government first became aware of the Scottish International Development Association’s appointment of Patrick Grady to the role of Head of Policy and Communications. 2. The initial response the Scottish Government drafted up for responding to press queries about this story and all subsequent change...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.30 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-02-14
Reference: FOI/202500446733
Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Freedom of Information requests sent to Special Advisers and Ministers: FOI release

1. How many FOI requests have been sent to Special Advisers and Ministers in the last 12 months, and how many haven't been sent in the same time period? 2. Could you detail which one they had been sent to i.e Special Adviser or Minister or both?

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.20

Published: 2025-02-14
Reference: FOI/202500448221
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Briefing provided to First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Housing Minister regarding offshore wind: EIR Review

Original request 202400435367 1. All correspondence between Stephen Flynn and Scottish Ministers (and anyone in their offices) or Special Advisers between 3 October 2024 and the present date inclusive. This correspondence should include WhatsApps, instant messages, phone calls, emails, meetings (either in person or on...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.20 s.10(4) s.33 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-31
Reference: EIR/202400441690 Review of 202400435367
Directorate: Business and Better Regulation Directorate
Topic: Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Training days attended by Special Advisers: FOI release

A breakdown of costs associated with any away days or training days attended by Special Advisers (SpAds) over the past five years. Details of the dates, locations, and purposes of these events.

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers spending s.17(1)

Published: 2025-01-22
Reference: FOI/202400444261
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill correspondence: EIR release

1. “All mentions of the terms “Ed Mountain”, “Edward Mountain”, “NZET Convener”, “NZET Committee Convener”, “Net Zero Convener”, “Net Zero Committee Convener”, “Net Zero, Energy and Transport Convener” and “Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Convener” by Mairi Gougeon (or anyone in her private office), Fiona Hysl...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 37 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.6(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2025-01-22
Reference: EIR/202400440963
Directorate: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Pay grades or salary bands for current Special Advisors: FOI release

1. An updated list of all current Special Advisers (SpAds) employed by the Scottish Government. 2. The pay grades or salary bands for each individual SpAd.

FOI unclear 55 score 10 working days correspondence special advisers s.25(1)

Published: 2025-01-21
Reference: FOI/202400444257
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence regarding drafting of written question asked in the Scottish Parliament: EIR release

All internal Scottish Government correspondence, involving civil servants and/or special advisers, discussing the drafting of the written answer provided by Gillian Martin to the following written question asked in the Scottish Parliament: To ask the Scottish Government, regarding any impact on its energy policy and s...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-20
Reference: EIR/202400442029
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Ministerial statement on Winter Fuel Payment replacement: FOI release

1. The original draft of Shirley-Anne Somerville's ministerial statement delivered on 28 November 2024 regarding the Scottish Government’s announcement replacing the Winter Fuel Payment and all subsequent drafts of that ministerial statement, including feedback, edits, comments or changes suggested by Scottish Governme...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-20
Reference: FOI/202400443264
Directorate: Social Security Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Costs for visit to Climate Week NYC by Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy: FOI Review

Original request 202400435508 A breakdown of the costs incurred - whether paid or yet to be paid - by the Scottish Government in respect of the visit to Climate Week NYC by Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin, and her accompanying officials and special advisers. This should include a perso...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.27(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-17
Reference: FOI/202400439353 Review of 202400435508
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Questions formulated for the National Speed Management Review consultation: FOI release

1. Were the questions in the consultation formulated "in house" i.e. by civil servants employed by the relevant department? 2. If civil servants did not formulate the questions, who did? Specifically, I would like to know if this was an independent consultant, consultancy company or special adviser. 3. Whoever was re...

FOI unclear 50 score 3 working days correspondence special advisers spending

Published: 2025-01-17
Reference: FOI/202400444506
Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Transport

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Climate Week NYC itinerary: EIR release

You asked for "the full itinerary of Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin, and her accompanying officials and special advisers for Climate Week NYC in September 2024; all briefings given to Ms Martin for events, meetings, calls and media engagements during the trip; and all minutes, notes an...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 85 score 14 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-09
Reference: FOI/202400439360
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Granting of the title of Lord Provost to the Provost of Stirling Council: FOI release

Information held by the Scottish Government in relation to the granting of the title of Lord Provost to the Provost of Stirling Council.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-01-09
Reference: FOI/202400438978
Directorate: Local Government and Housing Directorate
Topic: Housing, Public sector

Directorate for Communications and Ministerial Support staffing, specific spend details and Ministerial code guidance: FOI release

1. The total number of staff employed in the Directorate of Comms, Ministerial Support and Facilities (also known as Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate) in each of the following financial years: 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 and currently in 2024-25, broken down by pay scale. 2. What training cour...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.3 s.5 s.17(1) s.9 4 attachments

Published: 2024-12-17
Reference: FOI/202400437904
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Date specific Special Adviser commenced role: FOI release

What date did Olaf Stando begin his role as Special Adviser to the First Minister?

FOI unclear 50 score 2 working days correspondence ministers special advisers

Published: 2024-12-17
Reference: FOI/202400441696
Directorate: People Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Briefing provided to First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Housing Minister regarding offshore wind: EIR release

1. All correspondence between Stephen Flynn and Scottish Ministers (and anyone in their offices) or Special Advisers between 3 October 2024 and the present date inclusive. This correspondence should include WhatsApps, instant messages, phone calls, emails, meetings (either in person or on zoom/teams). 2. Any briefing ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.33 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-27
Reference: FOI/202400435367
Directorate: Business and Better Regulation Directorate
Topic: Energy, Public sector

Correspondence discussing J.K. Rowling's criticism of the Scottish Government: FOI release

Copies of all internal Scottish Government email correspondence (including Ministers, Civil Servants, Special Advisers, and Press Officers) discussing the response to this previous FOI request: FOI/202400424984

FOI already published 80 score 149 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25 s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-18
Reference: FOI/202400435503
Directorate: Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence relating to zonal pricing in the context of the electricity market: EIR release

All Scottish Government documents mentioning “zonal pricing” in the context of the electricity market, including correspondence between Ministers, Civil Servants, and Special Advisers, and with external parties, from 12th May 2023 - date.

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) s.11 s.34(1) s.10(5) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-18
Reference: FOI/202400435912
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector

Details of GreenPower (International) Ltd meeting: EIR release

1. Full details of the meeting held between GreenPower (International) Ltd and Patrick Harvie MSP, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights, on 23/09/2022, as outlined in the Scottish Parliament’s Lobbying Register. Please include all minutes taken, the date the meeting was set, any corresp...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-11-06
Reference: FOI/202400434756
Directorate: Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic: Energy, Environment and climate change, Public sector