SNP heavyweights travel 3,257 miles for 'Tartan Week' on the taxpayers' dime
Scottish taxpayers have footed a huge £30K bill to pay for MSPs of all parties to sun themselves in New York for the Tartan Week celebrations.
Members of the Scottish Parliament used taxpayers' money to travel to New York for "Tartan Week" celebrations. A new Freedom of Information request revealed that an extra £20k was spent on sending officials and MSPs from the Scottish Parliament to America as well to take part in the parade.
MSPs from the SNP, Labour and Tories made the 3,257 mile trek from Edinburgh to New York, while the UK Government was also represented, with Scotland Office Minister John Lamont in attendance, reports Scottish Daily Express.
The taxpayers were stuck with a huge £30K bill to pay for MSPs as well as Angus Robertson to sun themselves in New York for the Tartan Week celebrations.
Previous estimations predicted it would cost £10,175.62 to send the SNP Culture minister and five officials to the Big Apple in April.
The annual tradition sees New York celebrating its Scottish heritage with a variety of events, culminating in a grand parade through the city.
This march is typically led by a well-known Scot who has made a significant impact in America, with "Crime" and "Mission Impossible" actor Dougray Scott being honoured with the role this year.
Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone also travelled to New York, accompanied by SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed, a member of the Economy and Fair Work Committee and the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee; Tory MSP Maurice Golden, a member of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee; and Labour MSP Michael Marra, Deputy Convener of the Finance and Public Administration Committee.
They were joined by two officials on the nine-day, taxpayer-funded trip, with expenses totaling £21,781 (£3,630 per person).
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This included £6,187 for flights, £10,669 for hotels, £845 for airport transfers, £563 for taxis and public transport, £2,023 for meals, and £1,494 for miscellaneous purchases.
Speaking about the visit, Ms Johnstone said: "The Tartan Day Parade and events throughout Tartan Week are a chance for millions of people to celebrate the contribution of Scottish Americans to North America and to build on the deep cultural and historical ties between the people of Scotland and those of the US, Canada and beyond.
“As the Scottish Parliament celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, we are delighted to be able to visit the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for the first time. It is a privilege to be able to share experiences, exchange ideas and discuss common challenges with our counterparts in a legislature that influenced the design of the Scottish Parliament. The strengthening of these relationships and learning gained are highly beneficial to the Scottish Parliament.”
Mr Robertson was joined by five government officials when he attended the same Tartan Week events, a reduction of five from 2023, with the total bill for travel, accommodation and food came to over £10,000 this time around. His flights cost £1697.91, as did flights for his private secretary. A further £45.75 was spent on a train for the SNP Minister and almost £110 for a 'shared' airport taxi.
He also expensed £82.18 for food during the trip. Other officials to travel to the event included the head and deputy of the Scottish Government's US office.
A communications officer and project manager were also in attendance courtesy of the public purse.
