Senior Constitution Special Adviser communications: FOI release

Information requested

All recorded communications sent to or from Senior Constitution Special Adviser Ewan Crawford during the period 24 November 2025 to 30 November 2025 inclusive. This includes emails, letters, briefing material, and messages held on Scottish Government systems.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested in Annex A.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under Sections 25(1), 27(1), 29(1) (a), 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are set out below.

Section 25 (1) Information otherwise accessible

Some of the information you have requested is publicly available from Scottish Parliament | Scottish Parliament Website, The Scottish Government - gov.scot, Home - BBC News, and Reuters | Breaking International News & Views. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you.

Section 27(1) Information Intended for Future Publication

This is a formal notice that Section 27(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. The information requested will be published within 12 weeks of your request and will be available at this link: The Scottish Government - gov.scot. This exemption allows public authorities to refuse to disclose information if they already plan to publish it within the next 12 weeks. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

Section 29(1)(a) formulation or development of government policy

An exemption under section 29(1)(a) of FOISA (formulation or development of government policy) applies to some of the information requested because it relates to the development of Scottish Government policy. This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions.

Section 38(1)(b) (Third party personal data)

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) applies to some of the information requested. This is because it relates to the personal data of civil servants below Senior Civil Service grades. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

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 202500496219 - Information released - Annex A

File type

PDF

File size

772.2 kB