First Minister and Commonwealth Games 2026 mascot: FOI release

Information requested

You asked for all copies of communication where John Swinney was invited to be photographed with Finnie the 2026 mascot and the pictures taken at any location which features John Swinney and Finnie the mascot.

Response

The Commonwealth Games Team are aware of two occasions where the First Minister has been photographed with Finnie the Commonwealth Games 2026 mascot, firstly when the mascot was revealed on 23 July 2025, and secondly at an event at Edinburgh Castle on 29 January 2026. In both instances the meeting was organised directly with officials and relevant stakeholder colleagues, so there is no record of a formal invitation. Regarding the photos taken at these events, the information you have requested is available from the Scottish Government Flickr account: Scottish Government | Flickr.

Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

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.