Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,864releases indexed
39,478attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,113partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-06-12newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,113 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
4,931 matching releases

COVID-19 guidance for universities, colleges and student accommodation: FOI release

“At the end of August 2020, the Scottish government distributed a draft document, entitled 'Coronavirus (Covid-19): Guidance for universities, colleges and student accommodation providers' to interested parties, to gather their comments, before the finished guidance was published on September 1. On the printed page, th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000092295
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the review into the 2020 SQA awards process: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls) on the subject of the review into the 2020 SQA Awards process that is to be led by Mark Priestley. I would like this information from 09 August 2020 to 23 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000090265
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Unacceptable behaviour at matches correspondence with Scottish Professional Football League: FOI appeal

A copy of the contract or agreement the Scottish Government made with the SPFL with regards to collecting and reporting on instances of unacceptable conduct at football games ahead of the start of the 2017-18 season. A copy of any earlier drafts of the contract or agreement aforementioned. Any communications between th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 305 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/19/01620-Appeal
Directorate
Population Health Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the pausing of new applications to the First Home Fund: FOI release

Information from 1 September 2020 to present, copies of correspondence (emails, minutes of meetings, texts, minutes of calls, and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or Special Advisors and/or Housing Minister Kevin Stewart regarding the decision to temporarily stop applications to the pilot scheme of the First Ho...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000091486
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Public sector

COVID-19 Furlough scheme extension briefings: FOI release

1. Whether any briefings were provided for ministers or civil servants (prior to publication) about the production of the Scottish Government’s proposal to extend the furlough scheme as published here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19-analysis-extending-coronavirus-jobretention-scheme/ - Please provide copies...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000092822
Directorate
Chief Economist Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

COVID-19 impact on Attainment Scotland Fund and school closures: FOI release

Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding the impact of the Attainment Scotland Fund. I would like this information from 01 January 2020 to 15 September 2020. Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding t...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1)
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000089953
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector

Hospitality business owners' correspondence: FOI release

1. Copies of any emails received by Scottish Ministers from 1 August 2020 to date from anyone identified as owners of a hospitality business such as a bar, a restaurant, a café, a nightclub or similar. 2. How many meetings have Ministers in the Scottish Government had with anyone identified as owners of a hospitality b...

FOI cost limit 70 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000092800
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Business, industry and innovation, Public sector

Children's soft play centres correspondence: FOI release

Copies of any emails received by Scottish Ministers from 1 August 2020 to 30 September 2020 from anyone identified as owners or operators of children’s indoor or soft play centers or similar. You also asked how many meetings have Ministers in the Scottish Government had with anyone identified as owners or operators of ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.1(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000092805
Directorate
Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Children and families, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, +1 more … Public sector

Outdoor education centres communications: FOI release

"Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public to the Scottish Government regarding outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 08 August 2020 to 08 October 2020."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.38 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000096748
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish Licenced Trade Association (SLTA) correspondence: FOI release

1. Copies of any correspondence such as letters, emails or otherwise received by Ministers in the Scottish Government from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association from 1 June to date of submission. 2. Copies of any correspondence such as letters, emails or otherwise sent by Ministers in the Scottish Government to the S...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000092794
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Business, industry and innovation, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence regarding Margaret Ferrier MP: FOI release

Copies of all internal and external Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) which mention “Margaret Ferrier”. Please limit to the time period 26 September...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000094155
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the SQA 2020 exam moderation process: FOI release

All correspondence/advice/emails/documents/papers advising against the moderation process being put in place by the Scottish Qualifications Authority for this year’s school national qualification results. Including any correspondence/advice/emails/documents/papers sent to, or seen by, John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000077980
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Association of Scotland's Self Caterers (ASSC) COVID-19 exemption: FOI release

All documents or transcripts relating to the legal advice or clarification provided to the Association of Self Catering Scotland on 22 September 2020 regarding the exemption granted to all self catering accommodation Scotland from the single two households only rule. This has been widely publicised by ASSC on social me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.38(1) s.2 s.3 s.4 s.7 4 attachments
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000090205
Directorate
Topic
Arts, culture and sport, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Public sector

Briefings and minutes of meetings with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) concerning 2020 awards: FOI release

Minutes of any meetings, and any briefings produced for these meetings, between the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, that are (at least in part) on the subject of the 2020 SQA Awards. I would like this information from 25 July to 20 August. Any cor...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000087831
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Stirling Council revised term dates: FOI release

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Stirling Council on the subject of revised term dates and expectations of education.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000077293
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) awards model: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, letters, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls or otherwise) regarding the 2020 SQA awards model. I would like this information from 06 August to 11 August.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000074160
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Tenders for the Scottish Employer Skills Survey (ESS) 2020: FOI release

Full copies of each of the tenders submitted in response to the Scottish Government's Invitation to Tender for the Scottish Employer Skills Survey (ESS) 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) 32 attachments
Published
2020-10-29
Reference
FOI/202000092363
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector, Work and skills

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 2020 awards and qualifications certification model: FOI release

All communications (including emails, letters, text messages, hand written or typed notes) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the moderation process for the 2020 awards and qualifications certification model. I would like this information from 01 July 2020 to 04 August 2020. All communication...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-28
Reference
FOI/202000071396
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

University guidance regarding COVID-19: FOI release

A copy of all correspondence between the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, and Universities Scotland on issues relating to the university sector response to coronavirus, relating to preparations of the new university term. From 1 June to 28 Septe...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-28
Reference
FOI/202000091780
Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Information relating to parental alienation: FOI review

The Scottish Parliament Justice Committee published its Stage 1 Report on the Children (Scotland) Bill on May 1st, 2020, Whereby it is stated: “The Scottish Government consulted on the inclusion of a specific factor relating to parental alienation but ultimately decided against it. Scottish Government officials told t...

FOI cost limit 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings spending s.12 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000076045
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Law and order, Public sector

First Minister, Deputy First Minister and SQA 2020 exam methodology correspondence: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between Education Secretary John Swinney and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher qualifications. 2. All briefing notes, me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000072824
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence on the marking and grading methodology for 2020 exam results: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between any Cabinet Secretary, minister, advisor or representative of the Scottish and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-20
Reference
FOI/202000072834
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the Scottish Government withdrawal from UK wide joint work on the internal market: FOI release

Copies of any correspondence (emails, letters, hand-written notes, whatsapp messages, internal briefings, minutes and details of calls and/or otherwise) between civil servants and/or special advisors and/or Scottish Government Cabinet members regarding the Scottish Government’s decision to withdraw from UK wide joint w...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-20
Reference
FOI/202000072459
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Economy, Public sector

The impact of SQA moderation on measures of socio-economic inequality: FOI release

All briefings, analysis, reports, notes or other documentation held regarding the impact of the SQA results moderation process on different SIMD categories (or any other measure of socio-economic inequality such as free school meals) The time frame for this request is 19 March 2020 - present

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000070661
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Education, Equality and rights, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence and consultation regarding the grading for 2020 SQA exams: FOI release

1. All consultation responses from academics, policy experts and stakeholders supplied to the Scottish Government regarding this year’s grading system for SQA exams. 2. All correspondence between academics, policy experts, stakeholders and the Scottish Government which contains advice regarding this year’s grading for...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.5 s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000071159
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector