Correspondence with the Independent Advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code: FOI release

Information requested

All items of information in all correspondence between the First Minister, or his officials, and the Independent Advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code, or their support, since 20 January 2025.

This should include correspondence in both directions and correspondence addressed to or sent by single or multiple Advisers.

Correspondence includes emails, letters, reports, text messages and messages sent using WhatsApp, X and other social media platforms.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you requested because exemptions under FOISA apply to some of that information. The exemptions that apply are:

Section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA (free and frank exchange of views)
Section 30(c) (the effective conduct of public affairs)
Section 36(1) (legal advice privilege)
Section 38(1)(b) (personal data of a third party)

The reasons why these exemptions apply are set out in the annex to this letter.

Some of the information you have requested is available in our response to a previous Freedom of Information request. This can be found here: Meeting between First Minister and advisers on the Scottish Ministerial Code: FOI release - gov.scot

You can also find the Advisers’ Terms of Reference here: Terms of reference - The Scottish Ministerial Code: independent advisers - gov.scot

Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500454253 - Information released - ANNEX

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PDF

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62.4 kB

FOI 202500454253 - Information released - Document

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PDF

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1.1 MB