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

427 matching releases

Ministerial preferences for how briefings, speeches and correspondence are prepared and handled: FOI release

"I would be grateful if you could provide 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.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-05-23
Reference: FOI/202200278457
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Conservative Party: FOI release

Internal correspondence between the press office and from the press office to special advisers and Scottish Ministers on the Conservative conference or the Conservatives generally during September or October 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2022-05-23
Reference: FOI/202200291454
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Breakdown of First Minister expenses and staffing costs: FOI release

The following information regarding Nicola Sturgeon’s expenses from The Scottish Government. 1. Please provide a full breakdown and details of office costs for years 2021-2022 and 2020-2021. This should include, staffing, postage and couriers, stationary and printing, shredding, software and applications, advertising a...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.3 s.17(1) s.25(1)

Published: 2022-03-16
Reference: FOI/202200278934
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Communications with Lorna Slater MSP regarding workload and duties during COP26: FOI release

Please provide any communications between minister Lorna Slater and officials in October/November where Ms Slater raises: The scope and nature of her workload/duties; The number of engagements she will have to undertake per day; Her preferences about any limits of numbers of engagements carried out during COP26;

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2022-02-16
Reference: FOI/202100262420
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Government Press Office correspondence regarding UNCRC: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, texts, letters or otherwise) that took place within the Scottish Government Press Office, where the UK Supreme Court decision on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill was discussed.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2022-02-14
Reference: FOI/202100257532
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Public sector

Creative agencies used by Scottish Government: FOI Review

1. Please list the creative services agencies used by the government during 2021. 2. A list of all appointments made under each agreement during 2021 - detailing the creative services agency used, campaign name, the lead artist / provider and agreed fee. The following questions relate solely to the creative service age...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.3 s.25(1) s.17(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-02-09
Reference: FOI/202100257826 Review of 202100248294
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Information regarding complaint made by Alex Salmond: FOI review

I previously sent an FOI regarding an allegation that the name of a complainer had been revealed to Mr Geoff Aberdein by a senior Scottish Government official. A complaint had been made about this by Mr Alex Salmond, and I asked a series of questions regarding this. It is only recently that I have been made aware throu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 33 working days over deadline correspondence s.21(4) s.1 s.2 s.26 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) s.6 4 attachments

Published: 2022-01-31
Reference: FOI/202100254262 review of 202100244471
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

All events held in Bute House in the last five years: FOI release

A list of all events held in Bute House, hosted by a Scottish Government Minister (including the First Minister) in each of the past 5 financial years, including the current financial year to date. Please include the number of guests invited and the total itemised cost of the event.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-01-05
Reference: FOI/202100257159
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector

Communications including the words 'Janey Godley' between 13th August to 3rd September 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications that include the words ‘Janey Godley’ between 13 August 2021 and 3 September 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2021-12-16
Reference: FOI/202100236902
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Information regarding Janey Godley appearance on Covid-19 advert: FOI release

1. An overview of the procurement process used for this communications campaign. 2. All communications between officials in regards to the selection process in which Ms Godley was identified as the face of this campaign (or indeed any other), including any concerns raised at any level within the Scottish Government as ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 51 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts spending s.3 s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2021-12-16
Reference: FOI/202100237091
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Appointment of Janey Godley in recent Covid-19 advertisement campaign: FOI release

1. All communications (email, telephone, written) relating to the appointment and arrangement of Janey Godley to the recent NHSS marketing campaign. 2. How much Janey Godley was compensated for said campaign.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2021-12-16
Reference: FOI/202100238371
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

NHS Scotland Covid-19 advertisement campaign: FOI release

Minutes of meetings and discussions, and relevant emails, which concern the process for procuring the services of Ms Godley. Specifically, please provide documentation, or appropriate commentary, to cover: 1. How Ms Godley was selected - what process was used, and over what timeframe. 2. Whether other options, e.g. oth...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 70 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending s.30 4 attachments

Published: 2021-12-16
Reference: FOI/202100238627
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, 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

COVID-19 cost of targeted advertisement: FOI release

1. The amount of money spent by the Scottish Government on advertising campaigns encouraging the public to accept a Covid-19 vaccine when offered it, from December 2020 to the date of this request. 2. Breakdown by month and medium (eg TV, Google, Facebook, Twitter, radio, print). 3. Breakdown by spend per targeted camp...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 18 working days correspondence contracts spending s.33 s.33(1)

Published: 2021-09-10
Reference: FOI/202100226589
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, Public sector

Senior staff executive team question and answer session: FOI release

It is my understanding that the Scottish Government senior staff executive team carries out Q&A sessions with other government staff and there have been three of these since last July. Can I please have a transcript of all questions and answers for each session from July 2020 to date? If that involves too much work, co...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence s.38(1) 8 attachments

Published: 2021-07-26
Reference: FOI/202100218490
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Communications regarding Freedom of Information request: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls, handwritten notes or any other documents) regarding an FOI request that sent on the 5th of May 2021 (reference number 202100199466). I would ask for correspondence between the lead official and/or Scottish Government ministers and/or the SG FOI Unit and/or special advis...

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

Published: 2021-07-26
Reference: FOI/202100217275
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector, Work and skills

Breakdown of Government Car Service (GCS): FOI release

1. Details of The Government Car Service in Scotland (GCS) from April 2017 to April 2021 showing a breakdown of when this service has been used to transport documents to people/addresses. I am looking for a breakdown showing the date of each GCS car trip, where each document was dropped off to and who the document was ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-05-24
Reference: FOI/202100184349
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the draft Independence Referendum Bill: FOI release

Copies of correspondence (emails, letters, handwritten notes and/or otherwise) to Mike Russell and/or Nicola Sturgeon from members of the public with any reference to the draft independence referendum bill published 22 March.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2021-05-21
Reference: FOI/202100186133
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Law and order, Public sector

Communications relating to vaccine rollout: FOI release

Correspondence (emails, notes, minutes of calls, memos and/or otherwise) from the Scottish Government Communications Team regarding the poll undertaken by Savanta ComRes by The Scotsman on 11 February 2021 between the period of 9 February 2021 to 23 February 2021.

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

Published: 2021-05-05
Reference: FOI/202100164031
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs meetings: FOI release

From 1 October 2020 to present: 1. A list of all meetings that Michael Russell has conducted with foreign officials. Including details of the date of the meeting and who was present at the metting. 2. Copies of the minutes from all the above meetings.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.32(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-04-09
Reference: FOI/202100136000
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Emails concerning Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, Europe and External Affairs: FOI release

From 22 December 2020 to 29 December 2020: Copies of all emails from/to Michael Russell including the term ‘no deal’. This can be in the subject header, body of the email, attachment to the email and/or otherwise.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38 s.30 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-07
Reference: FOI/202100133548
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, Europe and External Affairs including the term ‘no deal’: FOI release

From 15 December 2020 to 22 December 2020: Copies of all emails from/to Michael Russell including the term ‘no deal’. This can be in the subject header, body of the email, attachment to the email and/or otherwise.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-06
Reference: FOI/202100133526
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Margaret Ferrier between September and October 2020: FOI release

Any communications, correspondence, be it email, text message, whatsapp or of any kind available relating to Margaret Ferrier MP between the Scottish Government Ministers/Special Advisors and people external to the Scottish Government between September 14th and October 14th.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-26
Reference: FOI/202000118037
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence with Minister for Justice containing the word Trump 2021: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence sent and received by Humza Yousaf between January 1, 2021 and January 12, 2021 containing the following keyword: "Trump".

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

Published: 2021-03-11
Reference: FOI/202100135747
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: International, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Deputy First Minister's appearance on Politics Scotland: FOI release

From 1 January 2020 to present: Copies of all correspondence (emails, texts, whatsapp messages, memos, briefings and/or otherwise) from and/or to Special Advisors regarding John Swinney’s appearance on Politics Scotland on Sunday 10 January 2021.

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

Published: 2021-03-11
Reference: FOI/202100136050
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic: Public sector