Scottish Government Burns Night celebrations costs: FOI release

Information requested

1. The total cost of Burns Night celebrations for the Scottish Government.

2. A breakdown of these costs, including food, drink, and entertainment.

3. If possible, the guest list for any Burns Night events held.

Response

1. The cost of Burns Night celebrations totalled £87,093.

2. The breakdown of costs is as follows: catering (food and drink) £21,578; entertainment costs (inclusive of sundry items e.g., marketing/venue hire/AV/security etc) £33,893; extraneous sponsorship payments (no breakdowns - not SG-hosted events) £28,291; and ticket costs £171.

3. An exemption under section 32 (1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. Disclosure of personal information (names of attendees) is overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subjects.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.