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
241 matching releases

Civil servant wages: FOI release

1. How much is the Scottish Government spending on wages of civil servants now, and in each of the following years: 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022? Breakdown of these costs and how many there are employed? 2. How much is the Scottish Government spending on special advisers and press officers now, including how many of each...

FOI already published 55 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.25(1) s.27(1) s.17(1) s.12 s.30
Published
2024-04-18
Reference
FOI/202300389550
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Correspondence on Legislative Consent Motion for Electronic Trade Documents Bill: FOI release

"I understand that the Scottish Government recommended that the Scottish Parliament pass a Legislative Consent Motion for the UK Parliament to make the Electronic Trade Documents Act extend to Scotland. Can you please supply all internal correspondence, memos, minutes of meetings and advice given in reaching this deci...

FOI already published 80 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.36(1) s.30 4 attachments
Published
2024-03-20
Reference
FOI/202300387684
Directorate
International Trade and Investment Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the merging of the emergency services: FOI release

All communications to and from the Scottish Government relating to the merging of the emergency services on an administrative basis.

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence contracts s.25(1) s.33(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2024-03-14
Reference
FOI/202300379637
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Work and skills

Exam appeals in 2022: FOI release

Regarding the 2022 exam appeals, all briefings and analysis held by the government. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, ministerial briefing papers, options papers, documents discussing appeal outcomes / public response etc. The time frame for this request is 1 January 2022 to the present.

FOI already published 80 score 141 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-02-15
Reference
202200328849
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Meeting with TATA steel 5 Dec 22: FOI release

A copy of the minutes of the meeting between the Scottish Government and TATA Steel on 5th December 2022. A copy of all correspondence, including those which involve ministers, Special Advisors and the media office, around the setting up of this meeting.

FOI already published 80 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.59 2 attachments
Published
2024-02-02
Reference
202300345908
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Communication with SQA regarding grading of 2022 exams: FOI release

All communication between the Scottish Government (ministers, special advisers, staff from education-focused directorates) and the SQA regarding the grading of 2022 exams. To be clear, this would include discussions / information related to grade boundaries, pass rates, attainment gaps, and likely public/media response...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-26
Reference
202200315060
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Ferguson Marine and the Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise: FOI review

All briefings, correspondence, emails, letters, notes of meetings and telephone conversations, between 25 July 2022 and 5 October 2022 between Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Ltd and the Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise regarding the delivery and costs for vessels 801 and 802. Please provide the Mini...

FOI already published 80 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings contracts s.21(4) s.17(1) s.30 s.25 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-23
Reference
FOI/202200332412 Review of 202200327836
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Public sector

2022 exam appeals - internal communications: FOI review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) originally submitted on 19 May: Please release the following information regarding the 2022 exam appeals: All internal communication involving the following: Ministers Special Advisers Communic...

FOI already published 80 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2024-01-17
Reference
FOI/202300357586 Review of 202200328831
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Government Resilience Room meetings: FOI release

All Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) meetings that have taken place in 2022 and so far in 2023, including attendees of the meeting, the chair of the meeting, the reason for the meeting and any minutes that were recorded of these meetings.

FOI already published 80 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25 s.30 4 attachments
Published
2024-01-15
Reference
202300336999
Directorate
Performance, Delivery and Resilience Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner's Decision Notice: FOI release

Any internal or external correspondence, including any attachments, WhatsApp messages, text messages, instant messaging, memos, OneNotes, minutes, agendas, appendixes or other correspondence, relating to the Scottish Information Commissioner's Decision Notice, reference number 048-2022, and related FOIs.

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.30 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202200297190
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Exam support materials for the 2022 exam diet: FOI release

Regarding the 'exam support materials' for the 2022 exam diet recently published by the SQA: All internal communication regarding or relating to the exam support materials. The time frame for this request is 1 Feb 2022 to present. Please include records of meetings and other discussions.

FOI already published 80 score 42 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-21
Reference
202200290546
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Conservatives Winter Recovery Plan: FOI release

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

FOI already published 80 score 30 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-17
Reference
202300361915
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Information relating to National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication: FOI Review

Further to my letter of 4 August, I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for correspondence, records or minutes of any meetings regarding discussions over protests at the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, including discu...

FOI already published 80 score 18 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.25 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-15
Reference
FOI - 202300369630 review of 202300365029
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Resource Spending, Capital Spending and Medium-Term Financial Strategy : FOI release

1. All correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, minutes of meetings, briefings, WhatsApp messages or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service regarding the Scottish Government’s Resource Spendin...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings spending s.25 s.27(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-12-08
Reference
202200303701
Directorate
Public Spending Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding the appointment of a Women's Health Champion: FOI release

Any and all correspondence, emails and minutes from August 2021 until 15 September 2022 in relation to the appointment of a Women’s Health Champion as part of the Women’s Health Plan published in August 2021.

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.29(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-07
Reference
202200320730
Directorate
Chief Medical Officer Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence regarding free school meals and parental transition fund: FOI release

"1. All correspondence between the Scottish Government, Social Security Scotland and the UK Government regarding the payment of the adult disability allowance between November 2022 and the date of this FOI. 2. All briefings and correspondence received and prepared for ministers, including internal correspondence, rega...

FOI already published 80 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.29(1) 6 attachments
Published
2023-12-05
Reference
FOI/202300381634
Directorate
Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Humza Yousaf's meetings: 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 the following meetings: Humza Yousaf's meetings with David McCo...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 s.17(1) s.25(1) s.6(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-12-05
Reference
202300338463
Directorate
Health Workforce Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Mull and Iona Ferry Committee and Routes to and from Mull: FOI release

I would like to request all correspondence, in any form including meetings and reports, between Transport Scotland and the Mull and Iona Ferry Committee on the subject of the Mull and Iona Ferry Committee operating any of the ferry routes to and from Mull. It should also include information relating to running the port...

FOI already published 80 score 27 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-20
Reference
202200328758
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

SQA exam results for 2021: FOI release

Any correspondence including but not limited to emails, letters, texts, WhatsApp messages or internal messaging apps such as Gchat and details of meetings including agendas, minutes, notes, handouts, attendance lists, location, and purpose, on the topic of the SQA exam results for 2021 to and from the Scottish Governme...

FOI already published 80 score 471 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-17
Reference
202100230956
Directorate
Education Reform Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Ministerial briefings, reports, presentations, submissions, relating to or directly resulting from this contract of the review of the Scottish Welfare Fund: FOI release

You asked for any ministerial briefings, reports, presentations, submissions, relating to or directly resulting from this contract of the review of the Scottish Welfare Fund: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=FEB440508

FOI already published 80 score 13 working days correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.30 s.38(1) s.25 s.29(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-14
Reference
202200289724
Directorate
Social Security Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Cashback for Communities (CfC) programme: FOI release

You made six specific requests for information relating to the Cashback for Communities (CfC) programme.

FOI already published 55 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence s.27(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.21
Published
2023-11-02
Reference
202300336532
Directorate
Safer Communities Directorate
Topic
Public sector

FM meetings: FOI Review

You requested a review stating the following: “I am writing to you to request an internal review of this decision. I do not believe the exemptions apply to all the information, particularly the briefing documents, and have been applied far too liberally. In any case, the public interest is in favour of disclosure.”

FOI already published 80 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.41 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.28(1) 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-01
Reference
FOI/202300362913 review of 202300338437
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Consideration of alternatives to judicial review of section 35 Order: FOI release

Further to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice's statement to Channel 4 News on 12 April that "the Scottish Government has given due consideration to the other alternatives [to bringing legal action on the current Section 35 Order], to ensure that we didn't get into a place of having a judicial review" (see here: ...

FOI already published 80 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.35 s.36(1) s.25(1) s.27(1) s.3(2) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-24
Reference
202300351714
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Health and Care Recovery (Winter Planning): FoI review

I am not happy with this response and request a review is conducted. No public interest test has been considered and the official has not applied the legislation correctly. I am well aware "Section 30(b)(ii) is an exemption that protects the free and frank provision of advice," however the official cannot simply resta...

FOI already published 80 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.25(1) s.38 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-24
Reference
FOI/202300360521 Review of 202300349319
Directorate
Chief Operating Officer, NHS Scotland Directorate
Topic
Health and social care, Public sector

Best use of public services and early PFI and Directors: FOI release

All letters to any Directors associated with the buyout and Scottish Government. Copies of any communication between any member of the Persons who might have assisted with the request between November 2022 and March 2023.

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.14(2) s.30 s.38(1) s.25 2 attachments
Published
2023-10-23
Reference
202300348899
Directorate
Health and Social Care Finance Directorate
Topic
Public sector