Scottish Government FOI Index

11,099releases indexed

19,072attachments found

28.7avg calendar days

4,403partially withheld

2023-10-02oldest in sample

2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 4,403 unclear 3,109 not held 1,663 released 816 already published 409 cost limit 376 clarification 166 withheld 123 transferred 34

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 2824 s.20 2437 s.34(1) 2118 s.39(2) 1920 s.30 1721 s.17(1) 1465 s.25(1) 1326 s.10(4) 1159 s.11(2) 933 s.29(1) 703 s.2 586 s.6(1) 478

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 743 releases · 28.1 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 632 releases · 29.1 avg days Local Government and Housing Directorate 437 releases · 29.3 avg days Marine Directorate 406 releases · 26.4 avg days Population Health Directorate 404 releases · 25.8 avg days Environment and Forestry Directorate 354 releases · 34.0 avg days Economic Development Directorate 334 releases · 41.5 avg days People Directorate 332 releases · 23.9 avg days

Clear

54 matching releases

Special Advisor communications: FOI release

You asked for all communications that Senior Special Advisor Davie Hutchison sent and received the week of Monday 20 October.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25 s.25(1) s.27 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.36(1) s.17 s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2026-03-24
Reference: FOI/202500491193
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Hybrid working policy alignment with climate commitments, infrastructure Costs, and senior leadership discussion: EIR release

Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I am requesting access to materials regarding the Scottish Government’s hybrid working arrangements, their alignment with Scotland’s climate targets, and associated infrastructure costs. I am particularly focused on how internal discussion has evolved under differen...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.3 s.4 s.6 s.20 s.39(2) s.11(2) s.10(5) s.34(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-09
Reference: EIR/202500478223
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Environment and climate change, Public sector, Work and skills

Freedom of Information (FOI) statistics: FOI release

1) The total number of FOI responses issued by the Scottish Government. 2) The number of FOI responses that were referred to a Special Adviser for review or comment prior to release. 3) The number of FOI responses that were referred for Ministerial approval or sign-off prior to release. 4) If recorded, the number of...

FOI/EIR clarification 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.20 s.12

Published: 2025-09-25
Reference: FOI/202500471350
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government spend on social media graphics: FOI release

The total amount that the Scottish Government has spent on graphics for social media posts (for posting on sites such as Twitter/X, Bluesky, Facebook, and LinkedIn) broken down into a table to reflect every financial year from 2021-22 to date.

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.20

Published: 2025-09-10
Reference: FOI/202500461911
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Building, planning and design, Public sector

Freedom of Information requests received by the Deputy First Minister: FOI release

How many FOI requests for info come in about Kate Forbes since she started as Deputy? What were they about?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.20

Published: 2025-04-10
Reference: FOI/202500453667
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Criteria for responding to FOI requests: FOI release

1) It is a requirement that SPADs and/or the FM's chief of staff clear FOI responses from civil servants in the FOI unit? 2) How many FOIs were received by the Scottish Government in 2024, and how many of these were cleared by SPADs and/or FM's chief of staff before release? 3) What is the purpose of the following em...

FOI/EIR cost limit 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.20 s.3 s.12 s.25(1) s.5

Published: 2025-03-25
Reference: FOI/202500447375
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Freedom of Information request queries: FOI release

1. In case the Scottish Government does not currently have resources to answer all of the questions to a Freedom of Information request, what questions does the Scottish Government select from the request? Will the questions be answered in order, or will only the easiest questions be answered, or anything else? 2. How...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence briefings s.14 s.60 s.20

Published: 2025-02-18
Reference: FOI/202500447643
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, 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

Percentage of Freedom of Information requests that receive a late response: FOI release

For each month of the last 5 years, what percentage of FOI requests received by the Scottish Government receive a late response (based on timescales set out on FOISA). For each month of the last 5 years, the number of FOI requests received by the Scottish Government that receive a late response.

FOI/EIR released 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.20

Published: 2024-09-11
Reference: FOI/202400422810
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Freedom of Information Review statistics: FOI release

For each month of the last 5 years, what percentage of FOI requests received by the Scottish Government are reviewed. For each month of the last 5 years, what percentage of FOI reviews to the Scottish Government are partially or fully upheld.

FOI/EIR unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-11
Reference: FOI/202400422722
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Response time statistics for Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

The mean, median and maximum response times for an FOI to the Scottish Government for each month of the last five years. The number and percentage of FOIs that were referred to Special Advisers for each month of the last five years. The mean, median and maximum response times for all FOIs referred to Special Advisers...

FOI/EIR released 100 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence special advisers s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-11
Reference: FOI/202400422721
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Freedom of Information request response statistics: FOI release

The top 10 longest waits for currently outstanding FOIs, including information about the department handling it and subject of the FOI.

FOI/EIR released 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending whatsapp s.20

Published: 2024-09-11
Reference: FOI/202400422720
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Angela Constance's Oslo trip and Angus Robertson's Tartan Week trip: FOI release

The full costs of Angela Constance's trip to Oslo in March, including how many officials she took with her, their expenses, and cost of hotels/travel there, including the name of the hotel she stayed in. The full itinerary from her time in Oslo, and all minutes/notes from meetings she held there. All correspondence sen...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.20 s.39(2) s.6(1) s.10(4) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-05
Reference: FOI/202400412095
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Ineos Grangemouth and Michael Matheson MSP correspondence: EIR release

1. Could you supply all correspondence sent and received by the Scottish Government, including internally, all briefings, all analysis, all minutes/notes from briefings, about Ineos Grangemouth, from the last two months? 2. Could you supply all correspondence sent and received by the Scottish Government, including int...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(5) s.10 s.38 s.30 s.27 4 attachments

Published: 2024-09-04
Reference: EIR/202400415721
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Economy, Public sector

Stewart Milne Group housebuilders, greyhound ban, holiday homes council tax, alcohol levy and Middle East Eye interview: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent about Stewart Milne Group housebuilders, including internally, briefings and minutes from any meetings about the company, from between November 1 2023 and the date of this FOI. 2. All briefings and analysis produced by or for the Scottish Government about the ban on greyhound ra...

FOI/EIR cost limit 70 score 73 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.12 s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.11(2) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-09-03
Reference: FOI/202400402718
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Economy, Housing, International, +1 more … Public sector

Circular Economy Bill, oil and gas licences and Keir Starmer correspondence: EIR release

1. a) Could you supply minutes/notes from all meetings Lorna Slater has held about the circular economy bill this year? b) Could you also supply the risk register for the circular economy bill? 2. a) Could you supply a list of all meetings held by Humza Yousaf between October 7 2023 and October 31 2023? b) Could you s...

FOI/EIR not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.20 s.39(2) s.10(4) s.5(1) s.10 s.11 s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-30
Reference: EIR/202400405191
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Energy, Environment and climate change, +1 more … Public sector

Freedom of Information request response times: FOI release

The top 3 slowest FOI responses in each of the last 5 years, including the total length of time it took to respond to each FOI and a short description of the subject of the FOI.

FOI/EIR released 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.20

Published: 2024-08-27
Reference: FOI/202400422728
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Freedom of Information Unit resourcing and staffing numbers: FOI release

(1) The staffing of the central FOI team; (2) The number of civil servants across the Scottish Government responsible for dealing with FOIs? specialist teams or staff devoted to this work? Central records of specialists kept? How many civil servants in Scottish Government have 'FOI' or 'Freedom of Information' or 'EIR...

FOI not held 70 score 10 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.17(1) s.25(1) s.14(1) s.12(1) s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2024-08-15
Reference: FOI/202300388436
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Freedom of Information request statistics: FOI release

1. Over the past five years how many FoI requests have been submitted? Please can I have this broken down by year? (So for the years of 2019, 20, 21, 22, 23. If financial years are used, please may I have the data for this financial year to the date this has been submitted.) 2. Over the past five years how many FoI re...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence whatsapp s.20 s.17(1)

Published: 2024-04-10
Reference: FOI/202400397701
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Number of FOIs submitted regarding Education and Skills: FOI release

The number of FOIs submitted to the Scottish Government regarding Education and Skills from 1 to 30 November 2023. By Education, I am referring to any subject that may fall under the remit of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, the Minister for higher and further education and the Minister for children, you...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 8 working days correspondence ministers s.20

Published: 2024-04-03
Reference: FOI/202400392433
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Climate emergency clothing and accessories: FOI release

1. The number of climate emergency scarves, masks, and any other relevant clothing and accessories bought, produced or commissioned by the Scottish Government in the last five years, divided by the calendar year of acquisition and the type of clothing or accessory acquired. 2. The cost of these materials.

FOI unclear 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.20

Published: 2024-03-04
Reference: FOI/202300389887
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Education and Skills Freedom of Information statistics: FOI release

In your email, you requested the following information: 1. The number of FOIs submitted to the Scottish Government regarding Education and Skills from 1 to 31 December 2023. By Education, I am referring to any subject that may fall under the remit of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, the Minister for hig...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 8 working days correspondence ministers s.20

Published: 2024-02-23
Reference: FOI/202400392468
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Freedom of Information statistics for Education and Skills: FOI release

1. The number of FOIs submitted to the Scottish Government regarding Education and Skills from 1 to 30 October 2023. By Education, I am referring to any subject that may fall under the remit of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, the Minister for higher and further education and the Minister for children, y...

FOI/EIR unclear 55 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.20

Published: 2024-02-14
Reference: FOI/202300388008
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector, Work and skills

Communications between the Scottish Government and UK monarchy on various topics: FOI release

Any communications between the government and the UK monarchy or their representatives which refer – either directly or indirectly – to: Laws and legislation The Crown Estate Any property or assets owned by the monarchy in Scotland Crown consent Carbon emissions. Please include all communication channels used by gove...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence spending whatsapp s.38 s.41 s.20 18 attachments

Published: 2024-01-10
Reference: 202300339844
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Staff structure/organogram for the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands office: FOI release

The staff structure/organogram (giving job titles, not names of individuals) for the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands office, including both civil service and political staff, and (ii) the wider and complete political staff structure/organogram (special advisors) of the current Scottish Gove...

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.20 2 attachments

Published: 2023-12-29
Reference: 202300358360
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector