Bute House Interview on 8 November 2023: FOI release

Information requested

1. On the 8th November 2023, the ‘Middle East Eye’ released an interview with Ms Nadia el-Nakla, the wife of the First Minister Humza Yousaf, as part of their ‘Real Talk Interview’ series. The location for this interview (30 minutes long and available online) was Bute House. Please provide information on whether staff from Bute House (or other Scottish Government staff) were involved with the provision of refreshments, which is clearly shown, during the course of this interview.

2. As it is a requirement of Section 7.2 of the Ministerial Code that personal events held at the Official Residence of the First Minister should be at their own or at party expense, please provide information to confirm that the refreshments provided during the course of the interview with the 'Middle East Eye' were paid for in this way and with no cost 'falling on the public purse'.

Response

The costs of the refreshments were met by the First Minister. No Scottish Government staff were involved in their provision.

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