The right to know: freedom of information in Scotland

Author: Courtney Aitken

PDF Published: Wednesday 14 May 2025 (SB 25-20)

Expand
Overview
Report

Hide

Hide

Overview
Report
- Summary
- Freedom of information
  - Freedom of information in Scotland
- The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002
  - The right to information
    
    Making an information request
    
    Scottish public authorities
    
    Powers to change the bodies covered by freedom of information legislation
    
    Amending the schedule 1 list of public authorities
    
    Designating a new public authority using the section 5 order making power
    
    Limiting the application of the Act to certain public authority functions
    
    Proactive publication and the publication scheme duty
    
    Time for compliance with an information request
    
    Fees and excessive cost of compliance provisions
    
    Format of response to information request
    
    Responses to information requests
    
    Information held by public authorities
    
    Information transferred to the Keeper of the Records of Scotland
    
    Refusal of information request
    
    Information exempt from disclosure
    
    Absolute exemptions
    
    Section 25: Information otherwise accessible
    
    Section 26: Prohibitions on disclosure
    
    Section 36(2): Confidentiality
    
    Section 37: Court records
    
    Section 38: Personal information
    
    Qualified exemptions
    
    The public interest test
    
    How the public interest test is applied
    
    Section 27: Information intended for future publication
    
    Section 28: Relations within the United Kingdom
    
    Section 29: Formulation of Scottish Administration policy
    
    Section 30: Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs
    
    Section 31: National security and defence
    
    Section 32: International relations
    
    Section 33: Commercial interests and the economy
    
    Section 34: Investigations by Scottish public authorities
    
    Section 35: Law enforcement
    
    Section 36(1): Confidentiality
    
    Section 39: Health, safety and the environment
    
    Section 40: Audit functions
    
    Section 41: Communications with His Majesty etc. and honours
    
    Historical records
    
    Meaning of historical record
    
    Time-limited exemptions
    
    Vexatious or repeated requests
  - Enforcement of the freedom of information regime
    
    The role of the Scottish Information Commissioner
    
    Public authority review
    
    Applicant requirement for review
    
    Public authority review procedure
    
    Appealing to the Scottish Information Commissioner
    
    Codes of Practice
    
    Section 60 Code of Practice: Good freedom of information practice
    
    Section 61 Code of Practice: Records management and freedom of information
    
    Information notices
    
    Interventions and enforcement notices
    
    The First Ministerial "veto" of Scottish Information Commissioner decisions
    
    Scottish Information Commissioner powers of entry and inspection
- The Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004: Access to information about the environment
  - Definition of environmental information
  - Public authorities covered by the EIRs
    
    Obligations under the EIRs
    
    Active dissemination of environmental information
    
    Provision of environmental information on request
    
    Duty to provide assistance and information on fees
    
    Refusal of environmental information requests
    
    Transfer of environmental information requests
    
    Making a request for information under FOISA and the EIRs
  - Exceptions under the EIRs
    
    Overview of the exceptions in Regulation 10
    
    Differences between EIRs and FOISA
  - Enforcement of the EIRs
  - Summary of differences between FOISA and the EIRs
- Twenty years of freedom of information in Scotland
  - The impact of freedom of information in Scotland
  - Four Scottish Information Commissioners
  - Freedom of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2013
  - New public bodies designated under FOISA
  - Freedom of information during the COVID-19 Pandemic
    
    Coronavirus legislation
    
    Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020
    
    Coronavirus (Scotland) (No. 2) Act 2020
    
    Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021
    
    Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) Scotland Act 2022
    
    Scottish Information Commissioner Special Reports on COVID-19 and freedom of information
    
    The UK COVID-19 Inquiry and freedom of information practice
- The future of freedom of information in Scotland and potential for reform
  - Post-legislative scrutiny of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act
    
    Who is covered
    
    What is covered
    
    Proactive publication and resourcing of freedom of information
    
    Requests for information
    
    Resourcing, reviews, and appeals
    
    Responses to the Committee report
  - Consultations on freedom of information reform
    
    The proposed Freedom of Information Reform Bill
    
    Response to the consultation
    
    General aim of the proposed Member's Bill
    
    Specific aims of the proposed Member's Bill
    
    Scottish Government consultation on freedom of information
    
    Consultation analysis
    
    Agility of the FOISA regime
    
    Developments in information technology
    
    Improving proactive publication
    
    Technical updates to FOISA
    
    Response to the consultation
  - What's next for freedom of information reform?
    
    Scottish Parliament
    
    Scottish Government
Sources

Bar chart showing the number of freedom of information request made in each financial year between 2013 and 2025.

Image: Freedom of information requests made to Scottish public authorities between 2013 and 2025

Bar chart showing the number of requests for environmental information made in each financial year between 2013 and 2025.

Image: Requests for environmental information made to Scottish public authorities between 2013 and 2025

Mendel, T. (2003). Freedom of Information as an Internationally Protected Human Right. Retrieved from https://www.article19.org/data/files/pdfs/publications/foi-as-an-international-right.pdf [accessed 31 January 2025]

United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights [accessed 31 January 2025]

Council of Europe. (1950). European Convention on Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.echr.coe.int/documents/d/echr/convention_ENG [accessed 31 January 2025]

United Nations. (1966). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights [accessed 31 January 2025]

Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act. (2002). Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2002/13/contents [accessed 1 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2025). FOI law in Scotland. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/foi-law [accessed 31 January 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2000). Freedom of Information Act 2000. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/36/contents [accessed 31 January 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2001). Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s1/freedom-of-information-scotland-bill [accessed 3 April 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2004). The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (Commencement No. 3) Order 2004. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2004/203/article/3/made [accessed 11 February 2025]

Dunion, K. (2011). Freedom of Information in Scotland in Practice. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). Does FOI law give a right to information or to copies of documents?. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/RighttoInformationorCopies%20%281%29.pdf [accessed 27 March 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (1998). Scotland Act 1998. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/46/contents [accessed 11 February 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2002). Explanatory Notes: Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2002/13/notes/contents [accessed 11 February 2025]

Scottish Government. (2023). Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - exercise of section 5 power: report. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/freedom-information-scotland-act-2002-report-exercise-section-5-power-3/ [accessed 11 February 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2025). Check what is published. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/check-what-is-published [accessed 24 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2025). Publication schemes. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/publication-schemes [accessed 24 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2022). Get FOI right first time. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-05/GetFOIRightFirstTimePoster.pdf [accessed 31 March 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2016). Policy note: The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (Time for Compliance) Regulations 2016. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/sdsi/2016/9780111032565/policy-note/contents [accessed 31 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Charging a fee or refusing to comply with a request on excessive cost grounds. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/FeesandExcessiveCostofComplianceBriefing.pdf [accessed 31 March 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2004). The Freedom of Information (Fees for Required Disclosure) (Scotland) Regulations 2004. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2004/467/contents/made [accessed 31 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2021). FOISA Exemption Guidance Section 17: Information not held. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/BriefingSection17Informationnotheld.pdf [accessed 11 February 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023, November 2). Statement on the status of 'non-corporate' messaging tools under FOI law. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/commissioners-statement-status-non-corporate-messaging-tools-under-foi-law [accessed 19 March 2025]

Aitken, C. (2024, January 25). Digital footprints to deleted trails: what is the status of deleted information and non-corporate messaging tools in the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002? . Retrieved from https://spice-spotlight.scot/2024/01/25/digital-footprints-to-deleted-trails-what-is-the-status-of-deleted-information-and-non-corporate-messaging-tools-in-the-freedom-of-information-scotland-act-2002/ [accessed 11 November 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 25: Information otherwise accessible. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-05/BriefingSection25InformationOtherwiseAccessible_25.5.23.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

McKay, S. (2022). Retained EU Law and the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill. Retrieved from https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/ResearchBriefings/Report/2022/11/7/e5d4bea5-5da7-4f2e-82f0-2fd39a25c033-2 [accessed 3 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 26: Prohibitions on disclosure. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-05/BriefingSection26ProhibitionsOnDisclosure_25.5.23.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2008). The Freedom of Information (Relaxation of Statutory Prohibitions on Disclosure of Information) (Scotland) Order 2008. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2008/339/article/2/made [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 36: Confidentiality. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-07/BriefingSection36Confidentiality_2023.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 37: Court records, etc.. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-07/BriefingSection37CourtRecords_2023.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2024). FOISA Guidance: Section 38: Personal Information. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-04/BriefingSection38PersonalInformationGDPR.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance The public interest test in FOISA. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-07/PublicInterestTestFOISA_2023.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 27: Information intended for future publication. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-05/BriefingSection27InformationIntendedforFuturePublication_25.5.23.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 28: Relations within the United Kingdom. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-05/BriefingSection28RelationswithintheUnitedKingdom_25.5.23.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 29: Formulation of Scottish Administration policy etc.. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-04/BriefingSection29FormulationofScottishAdministrationPolicy.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 30: Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-04/BriefingSection30PrejudicetotheEffectiveConductofPublicAffairs.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Government. (2024). Scottish Ministerial Code: 2024 Edition. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-ministerial-code-2024-edition/documents/ [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 31: National security and defence. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-05/BriefingSection31NationalSecurityandDefence_25.5.23.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 32: International Relations. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-05/BriefingSection32InternationalRelations_25.5.23.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 33: Commercial interests and the economy. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-06/BriefingSection33CommercialInterestsandtheEconomy.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 34: Investigations by Scottish public authorities. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-07/BriefingSection34InvestigationsbyScottishPublicAuthoritiesandProceedings_2023.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 35: Law Enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-04/BriefingSection35LawEnforcement.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance. Section 39: Health, Safety and the Environment. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-07/BriefingSection39HealthSafetyandtheEnvironment_2023.pdf [accessed 11 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 40: Audit functions. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-07/Briefing_Section40AuditFunctions2023.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance Section 41: Communications with His Majesty etc. and honours. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-07/BriefingSection41CommunicationsWithHisMajestyetcandHonours_2023.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2002). Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (as enacted). Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2002/13/pdfs/asp_20020013_en.pdf [accessed 23 March 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2013). Freedom of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2013. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2013/2/contents [accessed 19 March 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2013). The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (Historical Periods) Order 2013. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2013/365/contents/made [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). FOISA Guidance: Vexatious or repeated requests. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-06/BriefingSection14VexatiousorRepeatedRequests2023.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioenr. (2024). Scottish Information Commissioner: Strategic Plan 2024-28. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2024-03/Final%20Strategic%20Plan%202024_28.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2025). Officeholders. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/about/how-parliament-works/parliament-organisations-groups-and-people/officeholders [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2025). What can I do if I'm unhappy?. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/what-if-im-unhappy [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2025). Asking the authority for a review. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/asking-for-a-review [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2024). Investigations Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-08/Investigations_Handbook.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2025). Appeal to the Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/appeal [accessed 1 April 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (1994). Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994) 1994. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1994/1443/contents [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Government. (2024, June 20). Freedom of information policy objectives: 2024 to 2026. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/freedom-of-information-policy-objectives/pages/background/ [accessed 20 June 2025]

Scottish Government. (2016). FOI/EIR: section 60 code of practice. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-eir-section-60-code-of-practice/ [accessed 24 March 2025]

Scottish Government. (2011). Section 61 code of practice on records management. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/code-of-practice-on-records-management/ [accessed 24 March 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2011). Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2011/12/contents [accessed 25 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2014). Memorandum of Understanding between The Keeper of the Records of Scotland and the Scottish Information Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/National_Archives_MoU%20%281%29.pdf [accessed 24 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2019). Submission from the Scottish Government to the Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee. Retrieved from https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/3/archive2021.parliament.scot/S5_Public_Audit/General%20Documents/11_Scottish_Government.pdf [accessed 25 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2021). Interventions: Our approach and procedures. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-04/InterventionProcedures.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). Enforcement Policy. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-06/EnforcementPolicy.pdf [accessed 1 April 2025]

The Environmental Information Regulations. (1992). Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3240/contents/made [accessed 1 October 2024]

The Environmental Information (Amendment) Regulations. (1998). Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/1447/contents/made [accessed 1 October 2024]

The Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations. (2004). Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2004/520/contents [accessed 1 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2021). EIRs Guidance Series: Introduction to the EIRs. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/EIRBriefingsIntroduction.pdf [accessed 9 October 2024]

United Nations Treaty Collection. (1998). Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. Retrieved from https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XXVII-13&chapter=27&clang=_en [accessed 1 October 2024]

EUR-Lex. (2003). Directive 2003/4/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2003 on public access to environmental information and repealing Council Directive 90/313/EEC. Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32003L0004 [accessed 1 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2021). EIRs Guidance Series: What is environmental information?. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/EIRBriefingsDefinition.pdf [accessed 1 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2021). EIRS Guidance Series: Which bodies are covered by the EIRs?. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/EIRBriefingsBodiesCovered.pdf [accessed 1 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2020). Decision 097/2020: District Salmon Fishery Board - failure to respond. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/decision-0972020 [accessed 1 October 2024]

Scottish Government. (2024). Salmon and recreational fisheries. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/policies/salmon-and-recreational-fisheries/enforcement/ [accessed 9 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2011). Decision 085/2011: Thomas Clark and Solway Shellfish Management Association. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/decision-0852011 [accessed 9 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2015). Decision 099/2015: Mr X and Dunbritton Housing Association Limited. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/decision-0992015 [accessed 9 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2021). Decision 044/2021: Is Abellio ScotRail Ltd subject to the EIRs?. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/decision-0442021 [accessed 9 October 2024]

legislation.gov.uk. (2019). The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (Designation of Persons as Scottish Public Authorities) Order 2019. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/sdsi/2019/9780111040805/contents [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament: Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. (2022). Transfer of operation of ScotRail. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/committees/current-and-previous-committees/session-6-net-zero-energy-and-transport-committee/business-items/scotrail [accessed 24 April 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2021). EIRS Guidance Series: What do the EIRs require Scottish public authorities to do?. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/EIRsGuidanceAuthorityObligations.pdf [accessed 11 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2020). EIRS Guidance Series: Differences between FOISA and the EIRs. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/DifferencesbetweenEIRSandFOISA.pdf [accessed 11 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). EIRS Guidance: The public interest test in the EIRs. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-07/PublicInterestTestEIRs_2023.pdf [accessed 27 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023). EIRS Guidance Series: An Overview of the Exceptions. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-11/EIRsGuidanceOverviewofExceptions.pdf [accessed 11 October 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2025, January). Celebrating 20 years of FOI - in 20 numbers. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/celebrating-20-years-foi-20-numbers [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2025). FOI and EIRs Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/statistics [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2002). Appointment of Scottish Information Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S1M-03701 [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2008). Reappointment of the Scottish Information Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S3M-01193 [accessed 19 March 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2010). Scottish Parliamentary Commissions and Commissioners etc. Act 2010. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2010/11/contents [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2012). Appointment of the Scottish Information Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S4M-01865 [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2017, June 22). Appointment of the Scottish Information Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/votes-and-motions-search/S5M-06278 [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2023, June 26). Appointment of the Scottish Information Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-09727 [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2012). Freedom of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s4/freedom-of-information-amendment-scotland-bill [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2012). Freedom of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. Retrieved from https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20240327012546mp_/https://archive2021.parliament.scot/S4_Bills/Freedom%20of%20Information%20(Amendment)%20(Scotland)%20Bill/b14s4-introd-pm.pdf [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2019). Section 41: Communications with Her Majesty etc. and honours. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-04/BriefingSection41CommunicationsWithHerMajestyetcandHonours.pdf [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2013). Bill Summary: Freedom of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. Retrieved from https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20240327022417mp_/https://archive2021.parliament.scot/S4_Bills/FOIAmendmentBillSummary.pdf [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2002, April 24). Official Report: Freedom of Information (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-24-04-2002?meeting=4372&iob=30664#orscontributions_M2077E174P347C773161 [accessed 1 April 2025]

Mcgrath, F. (2012, August 12). Freedom of Information (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. Retrieved from https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20240327023047mp_/https://archive2021.parliament.scot/ResearchBriefingsAndFactsheets/Factsheets/SB_12-54.pdf [accessed 19 March 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2013). The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (Designation of Persons as Scottish Public Authorities) Order 2013. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2013/278/contents/made [accessed 19 March 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2016). The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (Designation of Persons as Scottish Public Authorities) Order 2016. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2016/139/contents/made [accessed 19 November 2025]

Scottish Government. (2020, March 6). Freedom of information - extension of coverage: consultation analysis. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/freedom-information-extension-coverage-consultation-analysis/ [accessed 11 November 2024]

Gilmour, R. (2023, November 23). Scottish Government to consult on extension of FOI to private and third sector providers of care homes. Retrieved from https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,scottish-government-to-consult-on-extension-of-foi-to-private-and-third-sector-providers-of-care-homes [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2025). Care Reform (Scotland) Bill. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s6/care-reform-scotland-bill [accessed 13 May 2025]

Scottish Government. (2025, April 30). Care sector - Consultation Advisory Group: terms of reference. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/care-sector-consultation-advisory-group-terms-of-reference/ [accessed 12 May 2025]

legislation.gov.uk. (2020). Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2020/7/contents [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2020). Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Bill. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s5/coronavirus-scotland-no-2-bill [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2020). Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2020/10/contents [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2021). Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2021/19/contents [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Government. (2022). Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020: fourteenth and final report on the Scottish Ministers' responses to requests for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-scotland-no-2-act-2020-fourteenth-final-report-scottish-ministers-responses-requests-information-under-freedom-information-scotland-act-2002/ [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2022). Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Act 2022. Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2022/8/contents [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2022). Covid-19 Special Reports. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/covid-19-special-reports [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2020). The Impact of Covid-19 on FOI in Scotland. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/Impact_of_Covid19_on_Freedom_of_Information_in_Scotland_Special_Report.pdf [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2022). Freedom of Information during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2022-03/FOI_During_and_After_the_Pandemic_Special_Report.pdf [accessed 19 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2023, October 31). Official Report Meeting of the Parliament Tuesday 31 October 2023: Covid-19 Inquiries (Scottish Government’s Provision of Information). Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-31-10-2023?meeting=15512&iob=132360#1870 [accessed 19 March 2025]

UK Covid-19 Inquiry. (2024, January 22). INQ000334433_0037 – Extract of Alison Strath WhatsApp messages from CMO weekly Call Group, dated between 05/06/2020 and 29/03/2023. Retrieved from https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/documents/inq000334433_0037-extract-of-alison-strath-whatsapp-messages-from-cmo-weekly-call-group-dated-between-05-06-2020-and-29-03-2023/ [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2024). Scottish Government Intervention - communications and records. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/scottish-government-intervention-communications-and-records [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Government. (2024, March 22). Former data commissioner to lead external review. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/news/former-data-commissioner-to-lead-external-review/ [accessed 19 March 2025]

Aitken, C. (2025, January 21). The new Scottish Ministerial Code . Retrieved from https://spice-spotlight.scot/2025/01/21/the-new-scottish-ministerial-code/ [accessed 19 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2024). Commissioner's statement following the independent review of the Scottish Government's use of mobile messaging tools. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/commissioners-statement-review-scottish-government-use-mobile-messaging-tools [accessed 24 April 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2017). Post-legislative Scrutiny: Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 [ARCHIVED]. Retrieved from https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20240327025321/https://archive2021.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/111249.aspx [accessed 1 November 2024]

The Scottish Parliament Session 5 Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee. (2020, May 19). Post-legislative scrutiny: Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. Retrieved from https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/Committees/Report/PAPLS/2020/5/19/Post-legislative-scrutiny--Freedom-of-Information--Scotland--Act-2002#Introduction [accessed 1 November 2024]

The Scottish Parliament. (2021, September 10). Letter to the Convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee from the Convener of Public Audit Committee on Session 5 Post-legislative scrutiny of Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/committees/current-and-previous-committees/session-6-public-audit-committee/correspondence/2021/session-5-post-legislative-scrutiny-of-freedom-of-information-and-lobbying-scotland-acts [accessed 1 November 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2022). Freedom of Information (Reform) Scotland Bill Proposal: Consultation response from the Scottish Information Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-03/Private%20Members%20Bill%20FOI%20Consultation%20Response.pdf [accessed 24 April 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2019). Submission from Scottish Information Commissioner to Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee. Retrieved from https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20240327034700/https://archive2021.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/112163.aspx [accessed 11 November 2024]

The Scottish Parliament. (2019). Submission from Alasdair Clark to Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee. Retrieved from https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20240327034700/https://archive2021.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/112163.aspx [accessed 11 November 2024]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2022). Scottish Information Commissioner Annual Report and Accounts 2021-22. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2024-02/SIC_Annual_Report_And_Accounts_2021-22_Access_Checked.pdf [accessed 11 November 2024]

The Scottish Parliament Session 5 Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee. (2021, March 15). Session 5 Legacy Paper. Retrieved from https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/Committees/Report/PAPLS/2021/3/15/4f0f838b-3e50-479a-8721-621037bca0a0 [accessed 11 November 2024]

Scottish Government. (2022, November 29). Access to information rights in Scotland. Retrieved from https://consult.gov.scot/constitution-and-cabinet/access-to-information-rights-in-scotland/ [accessed 30 January 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2022, November 1). Proposed Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/proposals-for-bills/proposed-freedom-of-information-scotland-bill [accessed 31 January 2025]

Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland. (2022, January). CFoIS - News. Retrieved from https://www.cfois.scot/ [accessed 31 January 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2022, November). Consultation on a proposed Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill by Katy Clark MSP, Member for West Scotland (Scottish Labour). Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/-/media/files/legislation/proposed-members-bills/freedom-of-information-reform-bill--consultation-by-katy-clark-msp.pdf [accessed 19 November 2024]

The Scottish Parliament. (2023, December 7). Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill: Summary of Consultation Responses. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/-/media/files/legislation/proposed-members-bills/final-version--foi-consultation-summary.pdf [accessed 24 February 2025]

Scottish Government. (2022, November 29). Access to information rights in Scotland: consultation. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/access-information-rights-scotland-consultation/pages/1/ [accessed 25 February 2025]

Scottish Government. (2023, June 30). Access to Information Rights in Scotland: Consultation Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/consultation-analysis/2023/06/access-information-rights-scotland-consultation-analysis/documents/access-information-rights-scotland-consultation-analysis/access-information-rights-scotland-consultation-analysis/govscot%3Adocument/access-information-rights-scotland-consultation-analysis.pdf [accessed 25 February 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2023, March). Access to information rights in Scotland: Response from the Scottish Information Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2023-03/Scottish%20Government%20FOI%20Consultation%20Response.pdf [accessed 3 March 2025]

National Records of Scotland. (2019, May 6). Model Records Management Plan. Retrieved from https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/publications/model-records-management-plan/ [accessed 3 March 2025]

Scottish Government. (2023, November 28). Access to information rights consultation: response. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/access-information-rights-scotland-response-analysis-consultation-responses/pages/1/ [accessed 3 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2024, July 2). Chapter 9 Public Bill Procedures: Standing Orders of the Scottish Parliament. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/about/how-parliament-works/parliament-rules-and-guidance/standing-orders/chapter-9-public-bill-procedures#topOfNav [accessed 3 March 2025]

Scottish Information Commissioner. (2024, September). Scottish Information Commissioner Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24. Retrieved from https://www.foi.scot/sites/default/files/2024-10/2023-24%20Annual%20Report%20and%20Accounts.pdf [accessed 3 March 2025]

The Scottish Parliament. (2025, January 30). Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee [Draft] Meeting date: Thursday, January 30, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/lghp-30-01-2025?meeting=16244&iob=138749 [accessed 3 March 2025]

Last Updated: 3/4 2:53pm

Image: Freedom of information requests made to Scottish public authorities between 2013 and 2025

Image: Requests for environmental information made to Scottish public authorities between 2013 and 2025

An error occured while loading, please try again in a few minutes.