Instances and cost to the Public Purse of the FM's husband accompanying her: FOI release

Information requested

To ask how many times in the past year (from today’s date) Mr Murrell has travelled in or on Scottish Government transport – cars, trains and planes. This information is not widely in the public domain. A total cost of Government funded air transport should also be included. Specifically, I’d like to know how many times Mr Murrell has been collected from home (with and without the First Minister) from their home. Also, how many times has the return journey been done. Please note, this is very specific and refers to Mr Murrell’s trips in Government chauffeur driven cars from the First Minister’s and Mr Murrell’s home to the SNP HQ or Scottish Parliament.

Response

Mr Murrell has accompanied the First Minister on two visits which involved air travel. The cost of his flights were £1223.90. There are no instances of Mr Murrell accompanying the First Minister by train.

With regards to official car use, while our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested. We do not record the number of times that Mr Murrell has accompanied the First Minister by car. It may be helpful to clarify that the Scottish Government does not provide a Government car for Mr Murrell's travel and he may only accompany the First
Minister when on official engagements.

This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested.

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