Correspondence between the Chief Economist Directorate and Economist of Scotonomics: FOI release

Information requested

For the period 26th October 2025 - date, please provide:

(1.) All correspondence between the Chief Economist Directorate of the Scottish Government and William Thomson of Scotonomics.

(2.) Any briefing materials, notes, or minutes relating to meetings (in person or virtual) involving the Chief Economist Directorate and William Thomson of Scotonomics.

Response

I enclose a copy of most 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 have requested because an exemption under section s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies. Personal phone numbers and a personal exchange have been withheld. An exemption under section s.30(b)(ii) of FOISA (the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation) also applies to some of the information requested.

Exemption s.30(b)(ii) 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.

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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 202500498747 - Information released - Annex

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