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

95 matching releases

First Minister emails relating to Lord Advocate and former Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party: FOI release

A copy of any email in the First Minister’s inbox (sent by him or received by him) relating to the Lord Advocate or Peter Murrell that was received or sent on 16th, February, 17th February, 18th February and 19th February.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.28(1) s.35(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-13
Reference: FOI/202600512647
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Freedom of Information vexatious or repeated requests data: FOI release

1) Please provide the number of Freedom of Information requests refused by the Scottish Government for being vexatious since John Swinney became First Minister. Also provide the same for the time Humza Yousaf was First Minister and the same for when Nicola Sturgeon was First Minister. 2) For each of the above provide ...

FOI transferred 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.14(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.14V 2 attachments

Published: 2026-05-06
Reference: FOI/202600510718
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Documents which mention section 52 of FOISA and First Minister to cease the effect of a Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC) decision: FOI release

All communications/documents which mention section 52 of FOISA/the ability of the FM to cease the effect of a SIC decision notice since January 2024.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.52 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-24
Reference: FOI/202600506970
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Senior Special Adviser communications: FOI release

Communications sent and received by Senior Special Adviser Jeanette Campbell during the week commencing Monday 2 February 2026.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.25 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-21
Reference: FOI/202600505102
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Scottish Government Ministers pay rise documentation: FOI release

1. Could you supply all documentation held by the Scottish Government, including minutes/notes from meetings, correspondence sent and received (including internal), briefings and analysis, about pay rises for Scottish Government Ministers, between December 1 2025 and the date of this FOI? 3. Could you supply how much ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-04-16
Reference: FOI/202600504656
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

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

Scottish Minister media training: FOI release

Please confirm all media training, voice coaching, public speaking coaching or presentational training provided to Scottish Government ministers in each of the last five full financial years, including 2025-26 to date. In each individual case, please confirm which minister received the training, how much it cost, who t...

FOI not held 45 score 16 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-03-10
Reference: FOI/202600500672
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Measurement of Scottish Government staff productivity and employment tribunal costs: FOI release

1. How many requests for ministerial direction have been made in the last two years, and can you disclose what they were and whether they were accepted or rejected? 2. Could you supply the latest copy of the internal Scottish Government's working from home policy? 3. For those who work mainly from home, how is their ...

FOI already published 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1)

Published: 2026-03-09
Reference: FOI/202500499757
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' July 2025 diary: FOI release

“Under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, I would like to request the following information... Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Cultures' full diary (government and political) for July 2025.”

FOI unclear 80 score 13 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-25
Reference: FOI/202500496298
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Short report for late cases of Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

From FOI 202500490388: Email from Head of FOI Unit (Sent: 19 August 2025 16:35) "to look for patterns and investigate reasons, and start to draft a short report on what happened." Under The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, I request sight of: the SHORT REPORT

FOI unclear 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500496636
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Documentation for meetings attended by Former first Minister and Aamer Anwar and Co: FOI release

Copies of any minutes of meetings attended by both Humza Yousaf and Aamer Anwar, between May 3, 2015, and the point at which Mr Yousaf stood down as first minister. Details of any meetings (location, purpose, attendees) at which Mr Yousaf and Mr Anwar were both in attendance and for which minutes were not taken. Copi...

FOI already published 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2026-02-24
Reference: FOI/202500496562
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Plans for proactive publication of relevant data and ongoing communications plans information: FOI release

“Under The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, I request sight of;" 1. "All information held about 'plans for proactive publication of relevant data" 2. "All information held about 'ongoing comms plans"

FOI already published 80 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496088
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Senior Constitution Special Adviser communications: FOI release

All recorded communications sent to or from Senior Constitution Special Adviser Ewan Crawford during the period 24 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive. This includes emails, letters, briefing material, and messages held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI already published 80 score 15 working days correspondence special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.25 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496219
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Special Adviser to the First Minister communications: FOI release

All recorded communications sent to or from Senior Special Adviser David Hutchison during the period 24 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive. This includes emails, letters, briefing material, and messages held on Scottish Government systems.

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.28(1) s.28 s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-23
Reference: FOI/202500496223
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Social media guidelines for Scottish Ministers and staff: FOI release

Provide any documents the Scottish Government has published on the following: 1. Guidelines for the use of social media by Scottish Ministers 2. Guidelines for the use of social media by Scottish Government Staff.

FOI released 100 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-18
Reference: FOI/202500495380
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Team agreements correspondence in the Hybrid Working Team: FOI release

1. ALL information held on TEAM AGREEMENTS. 2. ALL internal correspondence in the HYBRID WORKING TEAM from the past 3 months about TEAM AGREEMENTS.

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.2 s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-09
Reference: FOI/202500492486
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Classification and ancillary costs of former First Minister's travel to Qatar: FOI release

I am requesting information regarding the decision-making process, classification, and public expenditure related to trips undertaken by the former First Minister, Humza Yousaf, to Qatar between 29 March 2023 and 7 May 2024. Please provide: 1. Trip Classification Protocol: Any internal correspondence, briefing notes,...

FOI not held 45 score 12 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.39 s.30 s.25(1) s.17(1)

Published: 2026-02-03
Reference: FOI/202500496383
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Release of legally privileged information and use of WhatsApp on Scottish Government phones: FOI release

1. Could you provide how many occasions in the last two years that the Scottish Government has been forced to publicly release legally privileged information, and include what this info was and why it had to be released? 2. Could you supply how many incidents have been recorded of government staff, officials or minist...

FOI not held 70 score 17 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-02-02
Reference: FOI/202500491146
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Meetings held between Scottish Government ministers and the Depute Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP): FOI release

1. All correspondence between Scottish Government Ministers and their special advisers and Keith Brown MSP. This should include all email correspondence with and from his MSP email, SNP email and any other email accounts used by Keith Brown since 6 May 2025. 2. All meetings (including virtual) Keith Brown MSP has atte...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2026-01-20
Reference: FOI/202500487575
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Consultation queries: FOI release

Information relating to consultations over the last 5 years. In particular, information relating to: The average time taken over the last 5 years between closing a consultation and publishing an analysis of responses, as well as publishing the responses themselves The longest time taken, over the last 5 years, between...

FOI not held 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers contracts spending s.12(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-24
Reference: FOI/202500483584
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Correspondence and meeting notes in relation to the handling of request 202500472911: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence and meeting notes etc. in relation to the preparation, handling and clearance of the response to FOI 202500472911. Notably, this should include FOI response clearance comments from the Scottish Government Executive Team, SG Communications, SpAds and Ministers.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.25(1) s.15 s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-12-02
Reference: FOI/202500481037
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Overseas trips conducted by the First Minister: FOI release

1. Overseas trips conducted by the first minister since 01 January 2024 including all countries visited on each trip. 2. The number of officials who accompanied the first minister on each trip. 3. The total cost of flights and accommodation for each trip, including for officials. 4. The class of flight tickets purch...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 16 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.4 s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1)

Published: 2025-11-03
Reference: FOI/202500478455
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Home and hybrid working policies for Scottish Government staff: FOI release

"Please provide any documents and correspondence, including emails, relating to guidance on home working policies for civil servants." "Please ensure these include internal changes and documents published and discussions with trade unions.”

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.25(1) s.12 2 attachments

Published: 2025-10-30
Reference: FOI/202500484504
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Information pertaining to catering, staffing and menus for official events: FOI Review

Original Request - 202500462429 1. How many official events (state dinners, lunches, cocktail receptions) have been held at Bute House since the 1st of April 2024? Please provide a brief description of each event as well as notable guests. 2. How much money has been spent on catering, staffing, and organising these ...

FOI not held 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers spending s.2 s.21(4) s.25(1) s.27(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2025-10-13
Reference: FOI/202500471460 - Review of 202500462429
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Information regarding the resignation of former Minister for Housing and former Minister for Climate Action: FOI release

1) The official resignation dates from ministerial office of Paul McLennan and Alasdair Allan. 2) The dates on which these resignations were communicated to the First Minister or Permanent Secretary. 3) Any correspondence (including emails, memos, or briefings) discussing the timing of their resignations. 4) Any doc...

FOI not held 45 score 15 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.4 s.3 s.25(1) s.17

Published: 2025-09-25
Reference: FOI/202500471470
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector