Palestine flag costs and communications: FOI release

Information requested

1) The amount of money spent on Palestine flags by the Scottish Government since January 1, 2025, and the number purchased.
2) Any internal communications including briefings for ministers on the decision to raise the Palestine flag outside government buildings from the same date.

Response

1) The Scottish Government purchased two Palestinian flags. The costs of the flags is £839.04. The flags were purchased at the request of the First Minister following a Scottish Cabinet discussion on Tuesday 26 August 2025.

2) We have released relevant information found under scope, which is attached to the covering email. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information under this part of your request because an exemption under section 38 (personal data relating to third party) applies, exemption under section 30(b)(ii) (the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation) applies to it. The reasons for applying this exemption are set out below. An exemption under section 36(1) of FOISA (confidentiality in legal proceedings) applies to some of the information requested because it is legal advice and disclosure would breach legal professional privilege.

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.

FOI 202500490123 - Information Released - Annex

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