UK NEWS

SARI, CAVIAR AND VODKA AMONG CABINET’S GIFTS

McConnell is officially an African chief

Sunday October 19,2008

By Derek Lambie

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A SURVIVAL kit, a power save adaptor, a foot massager and a book called “Understanding the United Kingdom” were among the unusual gifts given to the SNP government in its first year in office.

Papers released under freedom of information detail the treasure trove of presents donated to the new Scottish ministers since they took office in May 2007.

Books, whisky, CDs, ties and diaries accounted for the highest proportion of gifts from public organisations, private firms, lobbyists and foreign governments.

First Minister Alex Salmond tops the list with some 150 items in his goodie bag – more than his predecessor Jack McConnell amassed in his final 12 months at Bute House.

Close behind was Linda Fabiani, the minister for Europe, external affairs and culture, who was given 94 presents, mainly from overseas dignitaries. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill fared worst with just one present – a tie worth less than £19 – given to him after the SNP’s victory.

Mr Salmond received eight bottles of whisky, including a Bruichladdich Islay single malt from St Andrews University, four boxes of wine, and two bottles of vodka, both from the Russian Consul General.

He was also given 36 books – including Understanding the United Kingdom and The Most Picturesque Places of Ukraine – 10 paintings or photos, 13 CDs, eight calendars and five diaries.

Among his more unusual presents were a photo of a Chinese cat, a Hearts football shirt, a papier mache puppet of himself and a power save plug adaptor which he now uses in his private office.

The documents, released by the Scottish Government, also show the First Minister was given caviar and a Harrods food hamper – and then consumed them in his office. Two other hampers, from the House of Beauly, were also “retained for private use”.

Linda Fabiani’s gifts were typical of the portfolio she holds, with the majority being books on foreign countries from overseas dignitaries. The documents suggest her bookshelves are overflowing with almost all the 50 publications she was given retained in her private office.

Ms Fabiani was also given a survival kit by Christian Aid, Russian vodka, wine and caviar from the Russian Consul General, and a French cookbook, which she also keeps in her office.

Bruce Crawford, the minister for parliamentary business, only received three gifts – a USB memory stick and a MP3 player from Manchester City Council and some Kyrgyzstan cognac.

Among Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s presents over the past year were a three-piece sari, chocolates, champagne and a cool bag containing Coca-Cola.

Shona Robison, the minister for public health, was given just five gifts – a patterned vase, a white ceramic tile, a picture of a thistle, a bouquet of flowers, and a trowel.

Environment minister Mike Russell boasts a “hand-made foot massager stick” and a box of Cuban cigars in his ministerial haul while Adam Ingram, the minister for children, received an i-Pod, which he has retained for private use.

The freedom of information papers also show Stewart Maxwell, the minister for communities and sport, managed to lose a statue of an elephant and a tea pot and cups during his visit to Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth Games announcement last year. Both gifts had “unknown” values.

Former Labour First Minister Jack McConnell received 93 items during his last year as First Minister, including a walking stick that officially made him an African chief during a tour of Malawi, and a traditional Japanese Happi coat.