Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

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
81 matching releases

Correspondence regarding Former First Minister meeting cancellations and resignation: FOI release

1. All correspondence, including internally, briefings and notes about Humza Yousaf cancelling his appearance at the Colleges Scotland conference on Wednesday 24 April, and him being subsequently replaced by Jenny Gilruth, held from between April 22 until the date of this FOI. 2. All correspondence, including internal...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.29 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.41 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-04
Reference
FOI/202400412001
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, 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

Freedom of Information guidance, monitoring the social media profiles of journalists and sex offender name changing: FOI release

1. Could you supply the full internal guidance/guidebook for dealing with FOIs which the Scottish Government abide by, including whether Special Advisers are given first look at them, and what details they are provided with? 2. Could you supply details about whether the Scottish Government monitor the social media pro...

FOI withheld 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.2 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-09-02
Reference
FOI/202400408156
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Law and order, Public sector

Scottish Budget, Former First Minister's Cabinet reshuffle and trip to Qatar: FOI release

1. All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Institute for Fiscal Studies about the budget, including internal correspondence, notes, briefings and minutes from any meetings, between December 1 2023 and the date of this FOI. 2. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government, including...

FOI already published 80 score 44 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) s.2(1) s.39 s.41 s.47 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-30
Reference
FOI/202400399489
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Economy, Public sector

Freedom of Information (FoI) requests for consideration by Special Advisers: FOI release

1) Since the start of 2024, please provide a list of the FOI's which have been subject to consideration by the FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot email address and/or Special Adviser emails. 2) Any correspondence between FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot and the FOI Unit since January 1, 2024. 3) Any correspondence between FoI.SpAdsPO@gov.scot...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.2 s.17(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-30
Reference
FOI/202400406282
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee: FOI release

All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) relating to the Minister for Transport’s invitation to give evidence to the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee on Monday 11 Septem...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 59 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.17(1) s.1 s.38 s.29(1) s.27(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2024-08-14
Reference
FOI/202300377285
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Correspondence regarding Scottish Golf Open and Ministerial communications: FOI release

1. All correspondence, including internal correspondence, between the Scottish Government and organisers of the Scottish Golf Open about ministerial appearances at the event between July 13 and 16. 2. All briefings for ministers prepared for the event in question one, plus all minutes from meetings held there and the ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.38(1) s.12 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-08-14
Reference
FOI/202300381827
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Various meetings and correspondence relating to former First Ministers: FOI release

1. All correspondence received and sent by the Scottish Government to Back Off Scotland and all briefings written for ministers about the group between March 2023 and the date of this FOI. 2. Did Humza Yousaf issue an instruction to his cabinet to support Nicola Sturgeon in June after her arrest and all written minist...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2024-08-12
Reference
FOI/202300374275
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

FOI requests rejected due to exceeding the cost limit and Section 29(1)(a) exemption: FOI release

1) the number of FOI requests made to the Scottish Government and its agencies which have been rejected due to exceeding the cost limit of £600 2) the number of FOI requests made to the Scottish Government and its agencies which have been rejected under the guise of the application of the Section 29(1)(a) exemption.

FOI cost limit 45 score 16 working days correspondence spending s.29(1)
Published
2024-04-30
Reference
FOI/202400407491
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

First Minister's family moving into Bute House: FOI release

Please provide me with any correspondence, briefing notes and memos concerning Humza Yousaf’s family moving into Bute House.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-04-16
Reference
FOI/202300384069
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Meetings the First Minister has attended between and including - 1st October 2023 and 31st January 2024: FOI release

1. A list of meetings the First Minister of Scotland has attended between and including - 1st October 2023 and 31st January 2024. 2. A list of these meetings that have minutes available as to their content. 3. A list of these meetings that do not have minutes available or minutes are not being provided for public vie...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.4
Published
2024-04-15
Reference
FOI/202400396967
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Information pertaining to WhatsApp messages: FOI Appeal

Request 1: I am writing to you to request the following information. For the month of August 2021, any WhatsApp messages or text messages sent or received by any government minister on government business. Request 2: I am writing to you to request the following information. For the entire month of March, 2021 (inc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 88 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17 s.26 s.28(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.19 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-03-15
Reference
FOI Appeal of 202100255908 / 202100255912
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care meetings November 2023: FOI release

A list of meetings attended by / or scheduled to be attended by Michael Matheson between 8 November 2023 and 20 November 2023, including who was attending, subject of meeting etc. Did Michael Matheson or his office have to reschedule, cancel or fail to turn up to any of the above meetings?

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.27(1) s.29(1)
Published
2024-01-30
Reference
FOI/202300386135
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Health's scheduled meetings that have been cancelled since 19 February: FOI review

How many meetings and engagements originally scheduled within the window of 20 February 2023 - 27 March 2023 in the Cabinet Secretary for Health's Ministerial diary have been cancelled since 19 February?] I have concluded that a different decision should be substituted. Information is exempt under section 29(1)(d) if...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1)
Published
2024-01-23
Reference
FOI/202300345923 Review of 202300344594
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance’s meeting with Ross Greer MSP: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to Shona Robison's meeting with Ross Greer on April 12 All internal...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 59 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-11
Reference
FOI/202300369457
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Scottish Conservatives Removal of Office and Recall Bill: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (briefing, letters, emails, handwritten notes, memos, minutes of calls, minutes of meetings, attachments and/ore otherwise) from and/or to civil servants and/or Special Advisers and/or Scottish Government MSPs regarding the Scottish Conservatives Removal of Office and Recall Bill.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 13 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-16
Reference
202300361918
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Documentation regarding ministerial briefing preferences: FOI release

The content of all documentation regarding Ministerial preferences detailing how current Scottish Government Ministers prefer their briefings, speeches and correspondence to be prepared and handled.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.17(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-11
Reference
202300360682
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence with Ross Greer MSP: FOI release

1. All correspondence between Ross Greer MSP and Kate Forbes MSP since January 1, 2022, including emails, phone calls (including minutes of these), in-person meetings, Whatsapp messages, Twitter messages, Signal messages and any other smartphone communication. 2. All correspondence between Ross Greer MSP and John Swinn...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.30(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-10-05
Reference
FOI/202200315607
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministers pay talks: FOI release

1. Information relating to all meetings held in which Ross Greer MSP and Kate Forbes MSP were present since January 1, 2022, including, dates, times, locations, minutes and actions resulting from the meeting. Please exclude all Scottish Parliament committee meetings, all party groups, and meetings of the whole Scottish...

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.29(1) s.30(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-09-13
Reference
FOI/202200315611
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministerial briefings provided between 18th May 2021 and 2nd June 2021: FOI release

All briefings provided to the new Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, the Minister for Children and Young People and the Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training between 18th May 2021 and 2nd June 2021.

FOI partially withheld 65 score 74 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.29(1) s.38(1)
Published
2021-10-11
Reference
FOI/202100208478
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Scottish Government Audit and Assurance Committee (SGAAC): FOI release

"The minutes (and associated materials, such as, but not limited to agendas, papers, reports or presentations) for any meetings held between senior Scottish Government staff and nonexecutive directors and deputy directors of the Scottish Government. I am interested in records relating to any meetings that have taken pl...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.33 s.38(1) s.33(1) s.33(2) s.38(1)B s.34(1)
Published
2021-02-11
Reference
FOI/202100134076
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government communications: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes, or phone calls) either to or from the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, Aileen Campbell MSP. I would like this information for 05 May 2020

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-15
Reference
FOI/202000064632
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Jeane Freeman's appearance on question Time 2/November 2017: FOI release

Scottish Government internal correspondence and briefings on Jeane Freeman's appearance on question Time on 2 November 2017. I would specifically also ask for correspondence on her use of the ministerial car for that event.

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2018-07-25
Reference
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ministerial diary, James Wolffe's Belgium visit January 2018: FOI release

The ministerial diary for James Wolffe for when he was in Belgium from 28 to 29 January including engagements and who he met with; I would also like to ask for his personal costs associated with the visit and for any staff who accompanied him; for correspondence on the trip and for the job titles of the staff that acco...

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.39(1) s.30 s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2018-07-17
Reference
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic

Central FOI e-mail address: FOI release

In a recent release to me, government documents revealed the existence of a central email address identified as 'FOI SpAds PO' Please confirm The date on which this address was set up On whose instruction the address was set up Who has access to emails sent to this address Please also release Any guidance or other ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score correspondence ministers special advisers s.1 s.38(1) s.29(1) 4 attachments
Published
2018-03-13
Reference
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector