Largest number of Freedom of Information requests made by a single person in one day: FOI release

Information requested

1. What is the largest number of FOI requests made to yourselves by a single person in one day, and who made those requests (and in what capacity, e.g. journalist, media, lobbying, campaigner, party researcher)?

2. For each of the years 2025, 2024 and 2023, what is the largest number of FOI requests made to yourselves by a single person in one day, and who made those requests (and in what capacity, e.g. journalist, media, lobbying, campaigner, party researcher)?

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 38(1)(a) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. An exemption under section 38(1)(a) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some of the information you have requested because it the personal data of the person requesting the information.

I have interpreted Question One as requesting information on the highest number of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests submitted to the Scottish Government on a single day. The Scottish Government’s FOI/EIR reporting system was launched in November 2018. Accordingly, the data provided covers the period from November 2018 to 2025, on the basis that your request relates to full reporting years only. From November 2018 to December 2025 the most FOI’s received in one day is 80. The Scottish Government operates an applicant‑blind approach to handling information requests. We do not investigate the origin or identity of requesters, and all requests are considered solely on the basis of the information sought.

I have interpreted Question two as seeking information on the highest number of FOI requests submitted to the Scottish Government on a single day by a single individual for each of the years 2023, 2024, and 2025, and the capacity in which the individual or individuals who submitted those requests were acting. For the year 2023, the largest amount of FOI’s made to the Scottish Government in one day by a single individual is 43. For the year 2024, the largest amount of FOI’s made to the Scottish Government in one day by a single individual is 80. For the year 2025, the largest amount of FOI’s made to the Scottish Government in one day by a single individual is 21.

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.