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
738 matching releases

Communications from First Minister to Scottish National Party (SNP) relating to Former First Minister complaints: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails, typed or hand-written notes, text messages or otherwise) from the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, to the Scottish National Party regarding the actions of the Scottish Government is dealing with complaints about Alex Salmond, former First Minister, considered under the...

FOI unclear 55 score 5 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.17(1)
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000096045
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Questions concerning COVID-19 diagnosis and recording: FOI release

1) Could the Scottish Government provide a breakdown of deaths counted as Covid-19 in terms of the particular ICD classification/coding i.e U07.1 and U07.2. If data could be provided since the inclusion of U07.2 to the ICD coding (March 2020), that would be appreciated. 2) Could the Scottish Government provide details...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-23
Reference
FOI/202000094152
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Meeting between the First Minister and Mr Geoff Aberdein: FOI release

(1) In the light of the apparent admission to Sky News, does the Scottish Government wish to reconsider its reply of 3 August to the question of whether the First Minister met with Geoff Aberdein on 29 March 2018? Did she in fact do so? (2) If so, who else, if anyone, was present at this meeting? (3) If not, is Sky New...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-13
Reference
FOI/202000090531
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Harassment complaints: FOI release

-All correspondence between the Scottish Government and the SNP regarding concerns/complaints made about Alex Salmond. This should date back to 2017 when ‘concerns’ were first raised about the former first minister, to the present day. This should include all emails, documents, minutes of meetings/phone calls, text and...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-05
Reference
FOI/202000085367
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Scottish Government staff working from home during COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

The number of Scottish Government staff who have been allowed to work from a location outside of Scotland during the pandemic. This should be staff members who would work in Scottish Government offices but have been required to work at home during the pandemic. Please include all those who have travelled internationall...

FOI unclear 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-10-01
Reference
FOI/202000082290
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Suspension of compliance with the Freedom of Information Scotland Act: FOI release

Can you advise what advice/instruction/guidance was provided by the Scottish Government to Scottish Local Authorities on their obligation to comply with the timescales in terms of responding to a request for information made in terms of the Freedom of Information Scotland Act during the COVID-19 pandemic. Were Scottish...

FOI unclear 80 score 3 working days correspondence s.25(1) s.17(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-09-24
Reference
FOI/202000079439
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Bute House female civil servants’ rota changes correspondence: FOI release

"To disclose any emails or written communications from Chris Burt on or around April 2014 relating to a change in rota for (female) Civil Servants at Bute House, Edinburgh or for any other locations including but limited to The Scottish Parliament."

FOI unclear 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-09-17
Reference
FOI/202000077299
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): FOI release

EIDL is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. 1. How much has...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence spending s.1 s.3 s.17(1)
Published
2020-09-15
Reference
FOI/202000066554
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector

British Sign Language National Plan: FOI release

1. Where has the Scottish Government published the review of the British Sign Language National Plan as per the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015? 2. How did the Scottish Government involve the 12,533 BSL users in Scotland in this review? 3. How much has the Scottish Government spent on the review of the BSL Na...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-08-31
Reference
FOI/202000062291
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Scientific advice for return to school: FOI release

"The Scottish Government has advised that the return of teachers and children to school is not risk free. This raises significant concerns. Under FOI legislation I ask for sight if the scientific and medical advice rendered to the Scottish Government on this matter. For avoidance of doubt this request also includes adv...

FOI unclear 80 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.1 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-13
Reference
FOI/202000049471
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … Public sector

Social Security Scotland I.T. questions: FOI release

From 18 March 2020 to present: Part 1: The number of data breaches by Social Security Scotland staff. Part 2: The number of times the IT system for Social Security Scotland staff crashed. Part 3: The number of IT complaints from Social Security Scotland staff. Broken down by the type of complaint and the number that ty...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence contracts s.17(1)
Published
2020-08-11
Reference
FOI/202000052695
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Change of policy or practice regarding working alone with Ministers: FOI release

"clarify if those made aware of a change of policy or practice, whereby female members of Scottish Government staff were not to be alone with Alex Salmond, included Nicola Sturgeon and/ or any other current or former Minister or their Special Advisor."

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2020-08-03
Reference
FOI/202000067779
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) questionnaire: FOI Release

the response of the Scottish Government to the Questionnaire distributed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CRC/StudyChildrenDeprivedLiberty/Pages/Questionnaire.aspx

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-21
Reference
FOI/202000042733
Directorate
Topic
Children and families, International, Public sector

Various questions regarding COVID-19 testing kits: FOI release

From information provided by the Scottish Government it appears that the first Covid-19 tests were conducted in Scotland on 24 January 2020. 1. Testing kits for Covid19 a. How many test kits were initially obtained and where were these sourced from b. Since the delivery of that first batch when have more kits been obta...

FOI unclear 55 score 64 working days over deadline correspondence contracts s.17(1) s.2A s.25
Published
2020-07-08
Reference
FOI/202000024469
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Civil Servants working alone with Ministers advice: FOI release

1. The number of occasions, since January 2010, that civil servants have been advised to not work alone with any Government Minister. 2. On any occasion in which this advice was given, can you provide the full circulation list of individuals that were notified about this advice being given.

FOI unclear 55 score 69 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2020-06-19
Reference
FOI/202000020921
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Single use plastic purchases: FOI release

I. How many bin liners were purchased and used by this organisation in each of the 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 financial years. In relation to above, how many of the purchased bin liners were biodegradable. II. How many plastic cups were purchased and used by this organisation in each of the 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-...

FOI unclear 80 score 19 working days correspondence contracts s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-04-03
Reference
FOI/202000019838
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Scottish Government and Cycle to Work related questions: FOI release

You asked for:- I. Are any Scottish Government ministers enrolled in the Scottish Parliament Cycle to Work scheme. If so please provide details of who, and what they receive as part of the scheme. II. Does the Scottish Government have a cycle to work scheme, or anything similar for staff members and ministers? If so ...

FOI unclear 55 score 12 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2020-03-27
Reference
FOI/202000019862
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Transport

Questions concerning the Scottish Government's handling of Coronavirus (COVID-19): FOI release

You asked for: ‘1) The numbers you have that require being transported out of hospital immediately to care homes or to temporary or permanent accommodation by their local authority to reduce the risk of death to none? In or out of Scotland? In the instance that people could die due to bed blocks by those who are not ...

FOI unclear 55 score 8 working days correspondence s.2 s.17(1) s.25(1)
Published
2020-03-19
Reference
FOI/202000019973
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector

Housing for the Elderly Disabled: FOI release

How many bungalows were allocated to the elderly disabled for the following years 2018 & 2019? And how many flats were allocated? Please itemise for each year. What number of these were new builds? And how many were old stock? How many of these were purposely built with disabled people in mind i.e.; adapted specificall...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.12
Published
2020-03-13
Reference
FOI/202000016447
Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Housing, Public sector

Complaints regarding Midlothian and Edinburgh primary schools: FOI release

complaints about Scottish primary schools and it's staff (inc. head teachers, assistant head teachers, teachers and teaching assistants). What is their pay? Any bonuses? Any misconduct? In your clarification email you asked for any complaints regarding Loanhead Primary School, Midlothian and also any details of complai...

FOI unclear 80 score 4 working days correspondence s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-11
Reference
FOI/202000018280
Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Water Bailiff appointments and warrants issued: FOI release

You asked for: i. - How many warrants have been issued to people to be empowered as Water Bailiffs appointment by Scottish Ministers between 2018-2019? ii. - What arrangements are in place such as for Special Constables if the Water Bailiff is injured or worse during the course of his duty? iii. - Please supply the ...

FOI unclear 55 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)
Published
2020-03-11
Reference
FOI/202000016049
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries, Public sector

Public Sector Frameworks used to procure Professional Consultancy Services: FOI release

You asked for the following: 1. Please list all frameworks which your authority has used to procure consultancy services in the last 3 years. 2. For each framework, please provide the total value of awards made during financial years 16/17, 17/18 & 18/19. 3. Please list all frameworks which have been used to procure...

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence contracts spending s.2 s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-06
Reference
FOI/202000014980
Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector, Transport

Publication of Freedom of Information requests: FOI release

"How many responses to Freedom of Information requests are currently awaiting publication? Over the past 12 months, how many FOI responses have been awaiting publication for (a) less than a month, (b) 1-6 months and (c) more than 6 months? Please provide a copy of communications discussing delays of greater than 3 mont...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence s.17(1)
Published
2020-03-05
Reference
FOI/202000014692
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

The Gregg Violin program - Celebration of Burns tour expenses: FOI release

The full itinerary and cost to the Scottish Government of this violin tour around America: https://ntsusa.org/burns-violin-tour/ Please include in this breakdown the amount charged on each occasion during the tour, when it was charged, and what the money was spent on. Please include the following detail: Transaction A...

FOI unclear 80 score 19 working days correspondence spending s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-05
Reference
FOI/202000014702
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, International, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector