View source for Scottish Government

{{Short description|Devolved government of Scotland}}
{{Redirect|Government of Scotland|an overview of the political system of Scotland|Politics of Scotland}}
{{about||earlier administrations|Government in medieval Scotland|and|Government in early modern Scotland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2020}}
{{ Infobox executive government
 | background_color = #0168B3
 | government_name = Scottish Government
 | nativename = {{langx|gd|Riaghaltas na h-Alba}}<br />{{langx|sco|Scots Govrenment}}
 | border = devolved
 | image = Scottish Government Logo.svg
 | image_size = 275px
 | image2 = 
 | image_size2 = 
 | caption2 = 
 | date_established = {{Start date|1999|07|01|df=y}}
 | country = [[Scotland]]
 | address = [[St Andrew's House]], [[Edinburgh]]
 | leader_title = [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]] ([[John Swinney]])
 | appointed = First Minister nominated by [[Scottish Parliament|Parliament]] and appointed by the [[British monarchy|monarch]]
 | budget = £59.7&nbsp;billion (2024–25)<ref>{{cite web |title=Scottish Budget 2023 to 2024: guide |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-budget-guide/pages/scottish-budget-2023-to-2024-guide/ |website=www.gov.scot |access-date=3 April 2024 |language=en |date=5 March 2024}}</ref>
 | main_organ = [[Scottish Cabinet]]
 | ministries = 56 [[Directorates of the Scottish Government|government directorates]]<br>131 [[Public bodies of the Scottish Government|public bodies]]<br>10 [[Executive agencies of the Scottish Government|executive agencies]]<br>46 [[Public bodies of the Scottish Government#Executive non-departmental public bodies|non–executive agencies]]
 | responsible = [[Scottish Parliament]]
 | url = {{URL|https://www.gov.scot}}
 }}
{{Politics of Scotland}}
The '''Scottish Government''' ({{langx|gd|Riaghaltas na h-Alba}}, {{IPA|gd|ˈrˠiə.əl̪ˠt̪əs nə ˈhal̪ˠapə|pron}}) is the [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|devolved government]] of [[Scotland]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Scottish Parliament 1999-2009: The First Decade |last=Jeffery |first=Charlie |publisher=Luath Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-1906817213}}</ref> It was formed in 1999 as the Scottish Executive following the [[1997 Scottish devolution referendum|1997 referendum on Scottish devolution]], and is headquartered at [[St Andrew's House]] in the capital city, [[Edinburgh]].<ref name="establishment">{{cite web| url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/46/section/44/enacted| title=Scotland Act 1998| publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]]| access-date=23 November 2016| archive-date=28 August 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828061922/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/46/section/44/enacted| url-status=live}}</ref> It has been described as one of the most powerful devolved governments globally,<ref>{{cite web |title=5 reasons why Scotland is more powerful as part of the United Kingdom |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/5-reasons-why-scotland-is-more-powerful-as-part-of-the-united-kingdom |website=GOV.UK |access-date=1 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref> with [[Responsibilities of the Scottish Government|full legislative control over a number of areas]], including [[Education in Scotland|education]], [[NHS Scotland|healthcare]], [[Police Scotland|justice]] and [[Scots law|the legal system]], rural affairs, housing, the [[Crown Estate Scotland|crown estate]], the environment, emergency services, equal opportunities, public transport, and [[Taxation in Scotland|tax]], amongst others.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Scottish Government |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=21 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2. Ministers and The Government - Scottish Ministerial Code 2023 Edition |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-ministerial-code-2023-edition/pages/3/#:~:text=2.31%20The%20Law%20Officers%20have,legal%20issue%20which%20may%20arise. |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=21 January 2024}}</ref>

The Scottish Government consists of the '''Scottish Ministers''', which is the term used to describe their collective legal functions. The Scottish Government is accountable to the [[Scottish Parliament]], which was also created by the Scotland Act 1998. The [[First Minister of Scotland|first minister]] is nominated by Parliament, then formally appointed by the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|monarch]]. The [[Scotland Act 1998]] makes provision for ministers and junior ministers, referred to by the current administration as cabinet secretaries and ministers, in addition to two [[Law officers of the Crown|law officers]]: the [[lord advocate]] and the [[solicitor general for Scotland]]. The first minister selects ministers from the body of serving [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|members of the Scottish Parliament]], after which their appointment is approved by Parliament and the monarch. Collectively the Scottish Ministers and the [[Civil Service (United Kingdom)|Civil Service]] staff that support the Scottish Government are formally referred to as the Scottish Administration. The [[Scottish Cabinet]] consists of the first minister and their deputy, cabinet secretaries, the law officers, the [[Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government|permanent secretary]] and [[Minister for Parliamentary Business]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Cabinet and Ministers |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/ |website=www.gov.scot |access-date=24 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
{{main|Scottish devolution|1997 Scottish devolution referendum|Scotland Act 1998}} 
The [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] included the creation of a [[Devolution in the United Kingdom|devolved]] [[Scottish Parliament]] in its manifesto for the [[1997 United Kingdom general election|1997 UK general election]]. [[Tony Blair]] won a landslide victory, with a majority of 179.<ref name="mitchell-1998">{{cite journal |doi=10.1093/oxfordjournals.pa.a028782 |title=The 1997 Devolution Referendum in Scotland |year=1998 |last1=Mitchell |first1=J. |last2=Denver |first2=D. |last3=Pattie |first3=C. |last4=Bochel |first4=H. |journal=Parliamentary Affairs |volume=51 |issue=2 |pages=166–181 }}</ref> Blair then held a [[1997 Scottish devolution referendum|referendum on Scottish devolution]] in September 1997, with 1,775,045 people (74.2%) voting in favour in contrast to 614,400 (25.7%) voting against the proposal. The referendum result was recognised, and the [[Scotland Act 1998]] created the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Executive, with many of the functions of the [[Scottish Office]] and the [[Secretary of State for Scotland]] being transferred to the new Executive. The new parliament and executive were also to have control over tax varying powers,<ref>{{cite web |title=Scottish Referendums |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/politics97/devolution/scotland/live/index.shtml |website=www.bbc.co.uk |access-date=26 January 2025}}</ref> and full legislative control over areas such as [[Health in Scotland|healthcare]], [[Education in Scotland|education]], [[Police Scotland|policing]], [[Scots law]], [[Environment of Scotland|environment]], [[Housing in Scotland|housing]], [[Local government in Scotland|local government]], [[Culture in Scotland|culture]] and some aspects of [[Transport in Scotland|transportation]], amongst others.<ref>{{cite web |title=Devolution and Scotland {{!}} UK and Scottish governments |url=https://www.deliveringforscotland.gov.uk/scotland-in-the-uk/devolution/ |website=Delivering for Scotland |access-date=31 January 2025}}</ref> 

Subsequently, the Scotland Acts of [[Scotland Act 2012|2012]] and [[Scotland Act 2016|2016]] transferred powers over [[Taxation in Scotland|some taxation]] including [[Income tax in Scotland|Income Tax]], [[Land and Buildings Transaction Tax]], [[Scottish Landfill Tax|Landfill Tax]], Aggregates Levy and [[Air Departure Tax]], [[Drunk driving law by country|drink driving limits]], [[Elections in Scotland|Scottish Parliament and local authority elections]], some [[Social Security Scotland|social security powers]], the [[Crown Estate Scotland|Crown Estate of Scotland]], some aspects of the benefits system, some aspects of the [[Energy in Scotland|energy network in Scotland]] including [[Renewable energy in Scotland|renewable energy]], energy efficiency and onshore [[Oil industry in Scotland|oil and gas licensing]], some aspects of equality legislation in Scotland and gaming machine licensing.<ref name="Devolved Matters in Scotland">{{cite web| url=https://www.gov.scot/about/what-the-government-does/| title=What the Scottish Government does| publisher=Scottish Government| access-date=8 August 2019| archive-date=8 July 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708045359/https://www.gov.scot/about/what-the-government-does/| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=Devolved and Reserved Powers |url=https://www.parliament.scot/about/how-parliament-works/devolved-and-reserved-powers |website=Parliament.scot |publisher=Scottish Parliament |access-date=28 December 2023}}</ref> 

[[File:Meeting of the Dewar cabinet 1999.jpg|thumb|right|Following the [[Scotland Act 1998]], [[Donald Dewar]] became First Minister in the first Scottish parliament since 1707]] [[File:Scottish Cabinet at Bute House, June 2007 (2).jpg|thumb|right|The [[First Salmond government|first cabinet]] of [[Alex Salmond]] (2007–2011)]]

The [[List of Scottish governments|first Scottish Executive]] was formed by First Minister [[Donald Dewar]] as a coalition between the [[Scottish Labour Party]] and the [[Scottish Liberal Democrats]]. During this period, ministerial appointees were divided into ministers and deputy ministers. The Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition continued under subsequent First Ministers [[Henry McLeish]] and [[Jack McConnell]]. Following the [[2007 Scottish Parliament election]], [[Alex Salmond]] became the first politician from the [[Scottish National Party]] to lead the Scottish Government. He became [[First Minister of Scotland|first minister]] in 2007 and served in office until his resignation in 2014, with his former [[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|deputy first minister]], [[Nicola Sturgeon]], succeeding him in November 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leith |first1=Murray |title=Alex Salmond: Scotland's first nationalist leader and a tireless campaigner for independence |url=https://theconversation.com/alex-salmond-scotlands-first-nationalist-leader-and-a-tireless-campaigner-for-independence-241222 |website=The Conversation |access-date=31 January 2025 |date=12 October 2024}}</ref> 

In 2007, the administration of Alex Salmond began to use the name Scottish Government instead of Scottish Executive. The change of name was later recognised in United Kingdom legislation by the [[Scotland Act 2012]]. In 2001, former First Minister Henry McLeish had proposed such a change, but experienced some opposition.<ref name="britten">{{cite news| last=Britten| first=Nick| title=Fury at bid to rename Scottish Executive| work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]| date=10 January 2001| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1314138/Fury-at-bid-to-rename-Scottish-Executive.html| access-date=23 October 2013| quote=Henry McLeish, the First Minister, threatened to set himself on a collision course with [[Tony Blair]] by wanting to rename the Executive the Scottish Government. The proposal caused an immediate split in Labour ranks and left McLeish facing allegations of arrogance and over-ambition. [[Scotland Office]] minister [[Brian Wilson (Labour politician)|Brian Wilson]] said that the First Minister should think carefully about using the term "government". He said: "Maybe they should take time to look at how other countries with two tiers of government handle this. Nobody in Germany has any difficulty distinguishing between the government and the devolved administrations."| archive-date=18 May 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518195254/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1314138/Fury-at-bid-to-rename-Scottish-Executive.html| url-status=live}}</ref> At the same time that the Scottish Government began to use its new name, a new emblem was adopted; it replaced the use of a version of the [[Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom#Scotland|Royal Arms]] with the [[Flag of Scotland]].<ref name="aib">{{cite web| url=http://www.aib.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Resource/Doc/4/0001039.pdf| title=Annual Report and Accounts: 2009–10| publisher=[[Accountant in Bankruptcy]]| date=4 August 2010| page=61| access-date=23 October 2013| archive-date=11 August 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811090255/http://www.aib.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Resource/Doc/4/0001039.pdf| url-status=live}}</ref> 

In September 2014, the Scottish Government held a [[Scottish independence referendum, 2014|referendum]] on Scotland [[Scottish independence|regaining its independence]], following the signing of the [[Edinburgh Agreement (2012)|Edinburgh Agreement]] in 2012 by the Scottish Government and UK Government which transferred powers from the UK Parliament to the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on the issue.<ref>{{cite web |title=AGREEMENT between the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish Government on a referendum on independence for Scotland |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7eae5740f0b62305b827ce/scottish_referendum_agreement.pdf |website=HM Government and the Scottish Government |access-date=31 January 2025}}</ref>

The Scottish Government's main headquarters are based at [[St Andrew's House]] in the capital city, Edinburgh. Additionally, the Scottish Government has offices at [[Victoria Quay, Edinburgh|Victoria Quay]], Saughton House and [[Bute House]] (the official residence of the first minister), all located in Edinburgh, with an additional office at [[International Financial Services District|5 Atlantic Quay]] in [[Glasgow]]. All Ministers and officials have access to Scotland House at [[Victoria Embankment]] in London, when necessary. [[Dover House]] on Whitehall is now used by the [[Scotland Office]] and the devolved Scottish Ministers no longer use it.<ref name="dover">{{cite press release| title=Dover House base for Scottish Secretary and Advocate General| url=http://www.gov.scot/News/Releases/1999/03/92100572-43bf-4f95-8abd-63c3e5191ffa| date=8 March 1999| publisher=The Scottish Government| access-date=23 October 2013| archive-date=24 September 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924023254/http://www.gov.scot/News/Releases/1999/03/92100572-43bf-4f95-8abd-63c3e5191ffa| url-status=live}}</ref>

From 1 January 2021, the Scottish Government instructed all [[Scottish Law|Scottish legislation]] be legally required to keep in regulatory alignment in devolved competences with future [[European Union law]] following the end of the Brexit transition period which ended on 31 December 2020 after the Scottish Parliament passed the [[UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2020]].<ref>{{cite news|date=23 December 2020|title=MSPs pass Brexit bill to 'keep pace' with EU laws|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-55396311|access-date=26 December 2020}}</ref>

==Functions==
===Parliament===
{{main|Scottish Parliament}}
[[File:The Queen at the Scottish Parliament (15242836608).jpg|thumb|right|Bills introduced by the Scottish Government are debated in the Scottish Parliament, and must receive a majority in favour of a bill becoming law.]]

The Scottish Government is separate from the [[Scottish Parliament]]; parliament consists of 129 [[Members of the Scottish Parliament|members]] (MSPs) elected by the Scottish electorate. The Scottish Parliament acts as the legislative body in areas for which the Scottish Government is responsible, called "[[Devolved, reserved and excepted matters|devolved matters]]". The work of the Scottish Government, including proposed legislation, policies and activities, is scrutinised by parliament through a variety of different measures such as parliamentary debates, [[Committees of the Scottish Parliament|parliament committees]] and parliamentary questions to the appropriate Cabinet Secretary or government minister.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does">{{cite web |title=What the Scottish Government does |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/what-the-government-does/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=21 January 2024}}</ref>

The Scottish Government is directly responsible for executing [[Lists of acts of the Scottish Parliament|laws that have been approved by the Scottish Parliament]]. The party with the largest number of MSPs returned in parliamentary elections usually forms a government. As such, the Scottish Government is responsible for proposing most bills to the parliament for consideration and approval. If an overall majority in parliament approves a bill, it passes and is given royal assent by the monarch, becoming part of [[Scots law]]. Each law is sanctioned by the monarch using the [[Great Seal of Scotland]].<ref>{{cite web |title=How a Bill becomes an Act |url=https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/about-bills/how-a-bill-becomes-an-act |website=www.parliament.scot |access-date=1 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:FMQ 2 September 2021.png|thumb|left|First Minister [[Nicola Sturgeon]] before the Scottish Parliament during [[First Minister's Questions (Scottish Parliament)|First Minister's Questions]]]]

Each year, the Scottish Government produces its annual [[Scottish budget|budget for public spending]] which is presented to members of the Scottish Parliament for consideration. The Budget Bill is scrutinised by the [[Committees of the Scottish Parliament|parliamentary committees]], and goes through three parliamentary stages before passing – a parliamentary debate on the general principles of the Budget Bill, any changes to the Budget Bill can be put forward to parliament by Scottish Government ministers, with such proposed changes being considered by the Finance and Constitution Committee, and lastly, MSPs determine whether any additional changes are required following the changes proposed by Scottish Government ministers, and members then vote on whether to pass the Bill. Similar to other acts of the Scottish Parliament, if the Budget Bill passes in the Scottish Parliament, it receives royal assent and becomes an Act of the Scottish Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Scottish Budget Process |url=https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/the-scottish-budget-process |website=www.parliament.scot |access-date=1 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

Strategically, the first minister is the head of the Scottish Government, and not the head of the Scottish Parliament. The head of the Scottish Parliament is usually considered to be the [[Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament|presiding officer]] who is the speaker of the parliament and presides over all parliamentary business and debates. The Scottish Government is directly accountable to the Scottish Parliament, and both the government and parliament are directly accountable to the public of Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |title=Difference between Parliament and Government |url=https://www.parliament.scot/about/how-parliament-works/difference-between-parliament-and-government |website=www.parliament.scot |access-date=1 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

=== National Performance Framework ===

{{anchor|npf}}The Scottish Government produces a National Performance Framework (NPF) which sets out the government's priorities, objectives and overall vision for the country following election. First introduced in 2007, this framework acts a means to measure the performance of the government in eleven national outcome areas which include health, poverty, environment and education. It creates a pledge and commitment on the aspirations and aims that government wishes to create within the country, and serves as a means for the government to highlight national priorities and provides an opportunity for the government to evaluate its progress towards achieving the objectives as set out in the National Performance Framework.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/> Each of the National Outcomes is measured by a number of indicators and associated data sets.<ref>UWS-Oxfam Partnership, [http://uwsoxfampartnership.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/NPF-Report.pdf Towards a Scotland that cares: A new National Outcome on care for the National Performance Framework], published November 2021, accessed 20 February 2023</ref>

Similarly, the Programme for Government is published annually by the incumbent Scottish Government, and it highlights the government's policies, proposed actions and legislation that the government will seek to implement in the forthcoming year.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/>

===Legislation===
{{see|Lists of acts of the Scottish Parliament}}
[[File:Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme stakeholder meeting.jpg|thumb|right|Proposed government legislation and government conduct can be scrutinised by parliamentary committees.]]

The majority of bills proposed to the Scottish Parliament come from the Scottish Government. The process for introducing bills to the parliament for consideration and debate commences with the government publishing and formulating policy. A bill will only become law in Scotland under Scots law once it has been approved by a majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, where it will then be put to the Monarch to receive royal assent. Once royal assent has been given by the Monarch, the bill becomes a law of the Scottish Parliament and becomes embedded in Scots law.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/>

Once a bill is successful in becoming law, the Scottish Government has the responsibility to ensure subordinate legislation, which often comes in the form of Scottish statutory instruments, is implemented accordingly so that the new law begins to work and that any additional measures and features can be added to make the law work and ensure its effective implementation and operation.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/>

===Statistics and transparency===

The Scottish Government publishes statistics based on the majority of public life in Scotland, including, but not limited to, education, the economy, healthcare, population, death, marriages and births, as well as living standards. The government uses such statistics to evaluate its work against the data to gauge how successful, or unsuccessful, government policy is and whether it is having the desired impact.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/>

To ensure accountability, the Scottish Government publishes information for public consumption to ensure the work of the Scottish Government is accessible and transparent for the public. It commits itself to publishing information in areas relating to the spending of public money and creating a breakdown of public spending, the work of senior civil servants in the Scottish Government, including their job titles and salaries, as well as government assessment against objectives to highlight how well the government is doing in achieving the targets and objectives it creates through the National Performance Framework and Programme for Government. Additionally, the [[Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002]] gives the public the right to ask for information relating to the Scottish Government, as well as other public sectors.<ref name="What the Scottish Government does"/>

==Structure==
{{for-multi|the current Scottish Government|Swinney government|previous Scottish Governments|List of Scottish Governments}}
<!---Linked from [[Template:Politics of Scotland]]--->
The Scottish Government consists of a [[First Minister of Scotland|first minister]], [[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|deputy first minister]], a number of [[cabinet secretaries]], and a number of other ministers. For statutory purposes, cabinet secretaries, including the deputy first minister, are known as "'''Ministers'''", other ministers are known as "'''junior Scottish Ministers'''", and the first minister and all of the cabinet secretaries collectively are known as "'''the Scottish Ministers'''".<ref>UK Legislation, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/1750/article/2 The Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc. ) Order 1999, Article 2], accessed on 20 November 2024</ref> Cabinet secretaries are members of the [[Scottish Cabinet]], while other ministers do not usually attend cabinet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Who runs government |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref>

Additionally, the Scottish Government is supported by a [[Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government|permanent secretary]], two law officers – the [[Lord Advocate]] and the [[Solicitor General for Scotland]] – who serve as the chief legal advisers to the government, and the [[Chief of Staff to the First Minister]], as well as several other government officials, personal secretaries and advisers to the Scottish Government and the first minister.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cabinet and Ministers |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref>
<gallery mode="nolines">
File:John Swinney - First Minister (53720492021) (3x4).jpg|'''[[John Swinney]] (SNP)''' <br /> [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]] and [[Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland|Keeper of the Great Seal]]
Kate Forbes - 53727242856 (cropped).jpg|'''[[Kate Forbes]] (SNP)'''  <br /> [[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|Deputy First Minister]] and [[Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic]]
Joe Griffin, Permanent Secretary.png|'''[[Joe Griffin (civil servant)|Joe Griffin]]''' <br /> [[Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government|Permanent Secretary]]
Official Portrait of Dorothy Bain QC 2021 (cropped).jpg|'''[[Dorothy Bain]] ''' <br /> [[Lord Advocate]]
Official Portrait of Ruth Charteris QC.png|'''[[Ruth Charteris]]''' <br /> [[Solicitor General for Scotland|Solicitor General]]
Shona Robison - 53727584039 (cropped).jpg|'''[[Shona Robison]] (SNP)''' <br /> [[Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government]]
Angus Robertson - 53727242996 (cropped).jpg|'''[[Angus Robertson]] (SNP)''' <br /> [[Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture|Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution and External Affairs]]
Angela Constance - 53727458028 (cropped).jpg|'''[[Angela Constance]] (SNP)''' <br /> [[Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs]]
</gallery>
=== First Minister ===
{{main|First Minister of Scotland}}
[[File:First Minister outside Bute House.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bute House]] in Edinburgh is the official residence of the first minister.]]

The head of the Scottish Government is the [[First Minister of Scotland|first minister]] who also serves as the [[Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland|keeper of the Great Seal]] whilst in office as first minister. The first minister chairs the [[Scottish Cabinet]] and is primarily responsible for the formulation, development and presentation of Scottish Government policy.<ref name="role">{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/first-minister/ |title=About the Scottish Government > Who runs government > First Minister |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=9 January 2019}}</ref> Additional functions of the first minister include promoting and representing Scotland in an official capacity, at home and abroad.<ref name="role"/> In their capacity as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, the first minister is one of only a few individuals permitted to fly the [[Royal Banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Royal Banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland |url=https://www.royal.uk/royal-banner-royal-arms-scotland |website=www.royal.uk |publisher=The Royal Family |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref>

The first minister is nominated by the [[Scottish Parliament]] by fellow [[MSPs]], and is formally appointed by the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|monarch]]. The first minister appoints members of the Scottish Cabinet and junior ministers of the Scottish Government. As head of the Scottish Government, the first minister is directly accountable to the Scottish Parliament for their actions and the actions of the wider government and cabinet.<ref name="Fasjj32">{{cite web | url=https://firstminister.gov.scot/about/appointment-role/ | title=Appointment and Role | publisher=Office of the First Minister of Scotland | work=firstminister.gov.scot | date=5 February 2015 | access-date=22 January 2016 | archive-date=27 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127235859/https://firstminister.gov.scot/about/appointment-role/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The office is held by [[John Swinney]] of the [[Scottish National Party]] since 7 May 2024.

=== Deputy First Minister ===
{{main|Deputy First Minister of Scotland}} 

The [[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|deputy first minister]] supports the first minister. When the first minister is absent, such as during overseas visits and international engagements, the deputy first minister acts in his or her place. The deputy first minister may also take [[First Minister's Questions (Scottish Parliament)|questions in parliament]] on the first minister's behalf. Whilst serving as deputy first minister, the office holder holds another cabinet position. Currently, [[Kate Forbes]], the [[Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic]], serves as the deputy first minister.<ref>{{cite web |title=Deputy First Minister |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/deputy-first-minister/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=1 February 2024}}</ref>

=== Cabinet ===
{{main|Scottish cabinet}} 
[[File:New Scottish Cabinet meet at Bute House (53711442674).jpg|thumb|right|The incumbent [[Swinney government|Scottish Government]]; May 2024–present]]

The [[Scottish Cabinet]] collectively takes responsibility for policy coordination within the Scottish Government. It is supported by the Cabinet Secretariat, based at [[St Andrew's House]]. While the Scottish Parliament is in session, Cabinet meets weekly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2008/11/12105442/5 |title=Guide to Collective Decision Making |publisher=Scottish Government |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=17 August 2014 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402172504/http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2008/11/12105442/5 |url-status=live }}</ref> Normally meetings are held on Tuesday afternoons in [[Bute House]], the [[official residence]] of the [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]].<ref name="excluded">{{cite news| title=Lord Advocate excluded from new Cabinet| url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/lord-advocate-excluded-from-new-cabinet-1-748499| work=[[The Scotsman]]| date=22 May 2007| access-date=23 October 2013| archive-date=19 August 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819084102/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/lord-advocate-excluded-from-new-cabinet-1-748499| url-status=live}}</ref> Members of the Scottish Cabinet receive blue [[Red box (government)|despatch boxes]] for their use while in office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-201900001341/|title=Despatch boxes used by Scottish Government Ministers, cost and number: FOI release – gov.scot|website=www.gov.scot|access-date=26 May 2021|archive-date=26 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526153753/https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-201900001341/|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are currently two sub-committees of cabinet:<ref name="subcommittees">{{cite web| url=http://www.gov.scot/About/14944/CabinetSub-Committees| title=Current Cabinet Sub-Committees| publisher=The Scottish Government|date=13 December 2014 |access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref>

* Cabinet Sub-Committee on [[List of Acts of the Scottish Parliament from 1999|Legislation]]
* [[Scottish Government Resilience Room]] (SGoRR) Cabinet Sub-Committee

=== Law officers ===
{{main|Scots law}}
{{see|Lord Advocate|Solicitor General for Scotland|Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service}}
[[File:Ruth Charteris and Dorothy Bain at Court of Session.jpg|thumb|left|The Scottish law officers – the [[Lord Advocate]] (right) and [[Solicitor General for Scotland]] (left)]]

The [[Lord Advocate]] is the principal legal adviser for both the Scottish Government and [[the Crown]] in Scotland on civil and criminal matters that fall within the [[devolved]] powers of the [[Scottish Parliament]]. The Lord Advocate provides legal advice to the government on its responsibilities, policies, legislation and the legal implications of any proposals brought forward by the government. The Lord Advocate is responsible for all legal advice which is given to the Scottish Government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lord Advocate: role and functions |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/lord-advocate-role-and-functions/ |website=Gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref> 

The Lord Advocate serves as the ministerial head of the [[Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service]], and as such, is the chief [[public prosecutor]] for Scotland with all [[prosecution]]s on indictment being conducted by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in the Lord Advocate's name on behalf of the Monarch. The Lord Advocate serves as the head of the systems of prosecutions in Scotland and is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, suspicious, accidental and unexplained deaths which occur within Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our role in investigating deaths |url=https://www.copfs.gov.uk/about-copfs/our-role-in-investigating-deaths/#:~:text=The%20Lord%20Advocate%20has%20responsibility,behalf%20of%20the%20Lord%20Advocate. |website=COPFS |publisher=Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service |access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dorothy Bain QC nominated Scotland's new Lord Advocate |date=16 June 2021 |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/3237232/dorothy-bain-qc-nominated-scotlands-new-lord-advocate/ |publisher=Press & Journal |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref> 

The officeholder is regarded as one of the [[Great Officers of State (United Kingdom)#Scotland|Great Officers of State]] of Scotland, with the current Lord Advocate being [[Dorothy Bain]] [[King's Counsel|KC]], who was nominated by first minister [[Nicola Sturgeon]] in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-06-16|title=Dorothy Bain QC named as Scotland's new lord advocate|language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-57488977|access-date=2021-06-18}}</ref>

The [[Solicitor General for Scotland]] is one of the [[Law Officers of the Crown]], and the deputy of the Lord Advocate, whose duty is to advise the Scottish Government on Scots law. They are also responsible for the [[Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service]] which together constitute the Criminal Prosecution Service in [[Scotland]]. Together with the Lord Advocate, the Solicitor General for Scotland is one of the senior legal advisors to the government in Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |title=The role of Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service |url=https://www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/enforcementguidesc/rolecopf.htm |publisher=Health and Safety Executive |access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref> Whilst the Solicitor General for Scotland supports the Lord Advocate in their functions, the Solicitor General may also exercise their statutory and common law powers when necessary.<ref>{{cite web |title=Solicitor General |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/who-runs-government/cabinet-and-ministers/solicitor-general/ |website=Gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=2 January 2024}}</ref> The incumbent Solicitor General for Scotland is [[Ruth Charteris]] [[King's Counsel|KC]].

The Scottish law officers are appointed by the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|monarch]] on the recommendation of the incumbent first minister, with the agreement of the Scottish Parliament. They need not be members of the Scottish Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lord Advocate: role and functions |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/lord-advocate-role-and-functions/ |access-date=2 January 2024 |publisher=Scottish Government}}</ref>

=== Civil service ===
[[File:First Minister and the new Permanent Secretary (51688517926).jpg|thumb|right|First Minister [[Nicola Sturgeon]] with the [[Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government|permanent secretary]] [[John-Paul Marks]], the most senior civil servant in Scotland]]
In addition to the Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Government is supported by a number of officials drawn from the [[UK Civil Service]]. They are collectively referred to as the Scottish Administration in the Scotland Act 1998. According to 2012 reports, there are 16,000 civil servants working in core Scottish Government directorates and agencies.<ref name="service">{{cite news |title=Independent Scotland civil service '£700m a year' |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/independent-scotland-civil-service-700m-a-year-1-2954225 |date=5 June 2013 |last=Peterkin |first=Tom |work=The Scotsman |access-date=23 October 2013 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402134002/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/independent-scotland-civil-service-700m-a-year-1-2954225 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A total of eight director–generals head Scotland's civil service department. Each director–general is responsible for a number of directorates and agencies of the Scottish Government and are directly accountable for the legislation proposals, as well as implementing government policy into practice. Public bodies (non–ministerial departments of the Scottish Government) are the responsibility of the senior civil servants as opposed to Scottish Government ministers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Government structure |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/how-government-is-run/ |website=www.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=21 January 2024}}</ref>

The civil service is a matter [[Reserved matter|reserved]] to the [[British parliament]] at Westminster (rather than [[devolved]] to [[Scottish Parliament|Holyrood]]): Scottish Government civil servants work within the rules and customs of [[His Majesty's Civil Service]], but serve the Scottish Government rather than [[British government]].<ref name="faq">{{cite web |title=Answers to Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/FAQs | date=26 June 2012 |publisher=The Scottish Government |access-date=23 October 2013}}</ref>

====Permanent Secretary====
{{main|Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government}}
[[File:Permanent Secretary's office (3828921835).jpg|thumb|right|The office of the [[Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government]], the most senior civil servant in Scotland, in St Andrews House]]

The [[Permanent Secretary]] is the Scottish Government's most senior civil servant. They lead the administration's strategic board as well as directly support the first minister and cabinet and is the accountable officer with responsibility to ensure that the government's money and resources are used effectively and properly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.scot/about/how-government-is-run/|title=Government structure – gov.scot|website=www.gov.scot|access-date=13 December 2020|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219141314/https://www.gov.scot/about/how-government-is-run/|url-status=live}}</ref> The current permanent secretary is [[Joe Griffin (Civil servant)|Joe Griffin]], who succeeded [[John-Paul Marks]] in April 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Permanent Secretary |url=https://www.gov.scot/about/how-government-is-run/civil-service/permanent-secretary/#:~:text=Joe%20has%20been%20working%20for,Director%2C%20Safer%20Communities |website=www.gov.scot |access-date=27 June 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

The Permanent Secretary is a member of the UK Civil Service, and therefore takes part in the UK-wide Permanent Secretaries Management Group under the [[Cabinet Secretary (United Kingdom)|Cabinet Secretary]] who performs a number of similar functions in relation to the UK Government. The Scottish Government's Permanent Secretary is responsible to the Scottish Ministers in terms of policy.<ref name="permanent">{{cite web |title=Permanent Secretary |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/People/strategic-board/Permanent-Secretary |date=1 May 2013 |publisher=The Scottish Government |access-date=22 October 2013 |archive-date=9 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309062417/http://www.gov.scot/About/People/strategic-board/Permanent-Secretary |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Strategic Board ====
The [[Strategic board of the Scottish Government|strategic board]] is composed of the permanent secretary, the seven directors-general, two chief advisers (scientific and economic) and four non-executive directors. The board is responsible for providing support to the government through the permanent secretary, and is the executive of the Scottish civil service.<ref name=SB>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/strategic-board |title=Strategic Board |date=29 May 2013 |publisher=The Scottish Government |access-date=23 October 2013}}</ref>

==== Directorates ====
{{main|Directorates of the Scottish Government}}
The Scottish Government is divided into 55 directorates which execute government policy in specified areas. Unlike in the British government, senior ministers do not lead government departments and have no direct role in the operation of the directorates. The directorates are grouped together into eight "Directorates General", each run by a senior civil servant who is titled a "Director-General". As of February 2024, there are eight Directorates General, and supporting these directorates are a variety of other corporate service teams and professional groups.<ref name="directorates">{{cite web |title=Directorates |url=http://www.gov.scot/About/Directorates |date=23 August 2013 |publisher=The Scottish Government |access-date=23 October 2013 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106204103/https://www.gov.scot/about/how-government-is-run/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service]] serves as an independent [[prosecutor|prosecution service]] in Scotland, and is a ministerial department of the Scottish Government. It is headed by the [[Lord Advocate]], who is, along with the [[procurators fiscal]], responsible for prosecution under [[Scots law]].

==== Executive Agencies ====
{{main|Executive agencies of the Scottish Government}}
To deliver its work, there are 10 [[Executive agencies of the Scottish Government|executive agencies]] established by ministers as part of government departments, or as departments in their own right, to carry out a discrete area of work.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-public-bodies-directory/pages/executive-agencies/|title=National Public Bodies Directory |publisher=Scottish Government|access-date=24 January 2025|date=8 January 2025}}</ref> These include, for example, the [[Scottish Prison Service]] and [[Transport Scotland]]. Executive agencies are staffed by civil servants.

There are two non-ministerial departments that form part of the Scottish administration, and therefore the devolved administration, but answer directly to the Scottish Parliament rather than to ministers: these are the [[General Register Office for Scotland]] and the [[Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator]].

==== Public Bodies ====
{{main|Public bodies of the Scottish Government}}
The Scottish Government is also responsible for a large number of [[Scottish public bodies|non-departmental public bodies]] (NDPBs). These include executive NDPBs (e.g. [[Scottish Enterprise]]); advisory NDPBs (e.g. the [[Scottish Law Commission]]); [[tribunal]]s (e.g. the [[Children's Panel]] and [[Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland]]); and [[nationalised industries]] (e.g. [[Scottish Water]]). These are staffed by public servants, rather than civil servants.

The Scottish Government is also responsible for some other public bodies that are not classed as non-departmental public bodies, such as [[NHS Boards]], visiting committees for Scottish penal establishments, and [[HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland]].

==Budget==
{{main|Scottish budget}}
[[File:Finance Secretary - the 2022-23 Scottish Budget (51734149726).jpg|thumb|left|Finance Secretary [[Kate Forbes]] prepares the 2022–2023 Scottish budget.]]

The Scottish Government outlines all spending and tax plans in its annual [[Scottish budget]]. In Scotland, the fiscal year runs from 1 April until 30 March, with the budget being presented to the Scottish Parliament by the government usually in November. The accompanying Budget Document is featured with the Budget Bill, which sets out the plans in a legal document. Initially, the Budget Bill is first debated by Scottish Parliament MSPs who conduct votes within the Scottish Parliament on any amendments to the bill before voting on the bill to be made into law. Once passed by parliament and given royal assent by the monarch, the Scottish Government thus becomes legally responsible for implementing the expenditure and taxation plans which were detailed within the budget for the coming fiscal year.<ref name="Scottish Budget guide">{{cite web |last1=Institute |first1=Fraser of Allander |title=Scottish Budget Guide |url=https://fraserofallander.org/scottish-budget-guide/ |website=FAI |access-date=4 February 2025}}</ref>

The Budget outlines all plans for how the Scottish Government intends to distribute funds to each government department. The government must provide their reasonings for the allocation of funding, and may also decide on changes in tax rates and bands, changes to welfare benefits. The government also proposes any new taxes, additional welfare benefits and public services in the budget. During the 2019-2020 financial year, approximately 58% of total spending in Scotland was spent by both the Scottish Government and local government, in contrast to 41% of funding spent in Scotland by UK government bodies. The tax powers of the Scottish Government contribute towards a significant amount of the funding within the Scottish budget.<ref name="Scottish Budget guide"/>

The Scottish Government primarily spends in three main categories – Capital, Resource and Annually Managed Expenditure (AME). AME directly contributes £9&nbsp;billion to the Scottish budget, and includes all levels of funding that are devolved, however, it also continues to be annually funded by the UK Government on the basis of demand. The areas of budget responsibility in which the Scottish Government has most influence over is resource and capital spending. The resource budget is associated primarily with all day-to-day spending required to provide Scottish public services, whilst the capital budget is primarily for any investment in assets and infrastructure around the country. AME spending is usually required to be spent on areas such as NHS employees and teacher pensions, with that funding being ringfenced, meaning that the Scottish Government has very little influence over spending within AME.<ref name="Scottish Budget guide"/>

The Scottish Government's budget is primarily made up of funding from the following areas:<ref name="Scottish Budget guide"/>

* Block Grants determined by the [[Barnett Formula]]
* Devolved taxes and non-tax income
* Block Grant Adjustments
* Reconciliation payments
* Government borrowing 

The [[Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government]] is the minister of the Scottish Government responsible for outlining government spending plans in the annual budget.

==Elections and voting== 
{{Main|Elections in Scotland}} 

Unlike some other countries, Scotland and the Scottish Parliament do not elect one individual to become the first minister, nor does it directly elect members of the government. Rather, the electorate in Scotland voting in parliamentary elections to the Scottish Parliament by voting for one constituency MSP and a regional MSP. In turn, the party with the largest candidates returned to the Scottish Parliament will be asked by the monarch to form a Scottish Government in their name.<ref>{{cite web |title=How MSPs are elected |url=https://www.parliament.scot/msps/about-msps/how-msps-are-elected |website=www.parliament.scot |access-date=4 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref> From 1999 until 2007, the Scottish Government, then known as the Scottish Executive, was headed by a coalition agreement between the [[Scottish Labour Party]] and [[Scottish Liberal Democrats]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Final Year of the Coalition |url=https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/20140403%20-%20Scotland%20Case%20Study%20-%20Final_0.pdf |website=Institute for Government |access-date=4 February 2025}}</ref> Since 2007, the Scottish Government has been run by the [[Scottish National Party]], forming a majority government for the first time in the history of the Scottish Government following the [[2011 Scottish Parliament elections]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hardacre |first1=Jeremy |last2=Sandford |first2=Mark |title=Scottish Parliament Elections: 2011 |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/rp11-41/ |access-date=4 February 2025 |date=2 April 2025}}</ref> In 2007, [[Alex Salmond]] became the first politician from the SNP to lead the Scottish Government.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tempest |first1=Matthew |title=Salmond elected first minister |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/may/16/scotland.devolution |website=The Guardian |access-date=4 February 2025 |date=16 May 2007}}</ref> 

In 2024, the Scottish Government passed the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill which the government claims will "enhance Scotland’s democratic processes". One of the major introductions of the bill is the ban on MSPs also serving as an MP or Peer in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] whilst serving as an incumbent MSP in the Scottish Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |title=Modernising Scottish elections |url=https://www.gov.scot/news/modernising-scottish-elections/ |website=www.gov.scot |access-date=4 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref> The Scottish Government is directly responsible for all elections to the Scottish Parliament and local government in Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |title=Devolved and Reserved Powers |url=https://www.parliament.scot/about/how-parliament-works/devolved-and-reserved-powers |website=www.parliament.scot |access-date=4 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref> In 2015, the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill allowed all 16 and 17-year olds in Scotland to vote, the first time in which they were eligible to legally vote being the [[2016 Scottish Parliament election]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Votes at 16 passed by Scottish Parliament |url=https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,votes-at-16-passed-by-scottish-parliament_11669.htm |website=Holyrood Website |access-date=4 February 2025 |language=en |date=4 October 2019}}</ref>

==Local government== 
{{main|Subdivisions of Scotland|Local government in Scotland}}

[[Local government in Scotland]] consists of 32 local authorities which operate independently from the central, devolved Scottish Government. The local authorities, known as councils, provides public services which include education, social care, waste management, libraries and planning in their respective areas. Councils receive their funding from the Scottish Government over a three-year period, however, at times this may be reduced to every one year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Local government |url=https://www.gov.scot/policies/local-government/ |website=www.gov.scot |access-date=4 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government]] is the minister within the Scottish Government responsible for relations between the central Scottish Government and local government across Scotland.

==Responsibilities==
{{see|Devolved, reserved and excepted matters}}

The responsibilities of the Scottish Ministers broadly follow those of the Scottish Parliament provided for in the [[Scotland Act 1998]] and subsequent UK legislation. Where pre-devolution legislation of the UK Parliament provided that certain functions could be performed by [[List of government ministers of the United Kingdom|UK Government ministers]], these functions were transferred to the Scottish Ministers if they were within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government's main areas for responsibility in the country include [[Education in Scotland|education]], [[NHS Scotland|health and social care]], [[Scots law]], [[Police Scotland|policing and justice]], emergency services including the [[Scottish Fire and Rescue Service|fire]] and [[Scottish Ambulance Service|ambulance]] services, [[Local government in Scotland|local government]], [[Taxation in Scotland|taxation]], [[Housing in Scotland|housing]], rural affairs, home affairs, [[Tourism in Scotland|tourism]], [[Sport in Scotland|sport]], [[Culture of Scotland|culture]], parliamentary elections to the Scottish Parliament and local government, the [[Crown Estate Scotland|crown estate]], some [[Social Security Scotland|social security powers]] and rail franchising, amongst a considerable amount of others.<ref>{{cite web |title=Devolved and Reserved Powers |url=https://www.parliament.scot/about/how-parliament-works/devolved-and-reserved-powers |website=www.parliament.scot |access-date=5 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref> 

The 1998 Act also provided for orders to be made allowing Scottish Ministers to exercise powers of UK Government ministers in areas that remain reserved to the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]. Equally the Act allows for the Scottish Ministers to transfer functions to the UK Government ministers, or for particular "agency arrangements". This executive devolution means that the powers of the Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament are not identical.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|date=November 2011|title=Devolution Guidance Note 11 – Ministerial Accountability after Devolutio|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465291/Devolution_Guidance_Note_11_ministerial_accountability_after_devolution.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306030542/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465291/Devolution_Guidance_Note_11_ministerial_accountability_after_devolution.pdf}}</ref>

The members of the Scottish government have substantial influence over [[List of acts of the Scottish Parliament from 1999|legislation]] in Scotland, putting forward the majority of bills that are successful in becoming Acts of the Scottish Parliament.<ref name="works">{{cite web| title=How the Scottish Parliament Works| url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/9981.aspx| publisher=gov.scot| access-date=23 October 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014213042/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/9981.aspx| archive-date=14 October 2013}}</ref>

===Under Scotland Act 1998===
Functions which were devolved under the Scotland Act 1998 included:<ref name="Devolved Matters">{{cite web | url= http://www.parliament.scot/visitandlearn/Education/18642.aspx | title= What is Devolution? | publisher= Scottish Parliament | access-date= 29 August 2018 | archive-date= 22 July 2017 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170722092046/http://www.parliament.scot/visitandlearn/Education/18642.aspx | url-status= dead }}</ref>
*[[Health in Scotland|Healthcare]] – [[NHS Scotland]], mental health, dentistry, social care
*[[Education in Scotland|Education]] – pre-school, primary, secondary, further, higher and lifelong education, as well as educational training policy and programmes
* [[Student Awards Agency for Scotland]] 
* [[Scottish Public Pensions Agency]] 
*[[Scots Law|Scots law and justice]] – civil justice, civil law and procedure, courts, criminal justice, criminal law and procedure, debt and bankruptcy, family law, legal aid, the legal profession, property law and [[Disclosure Scotland]]
*Most aspects of [[Transport Scotland|transport]] – setting drink and drug-driving limits, speed limits, some aspects of railways, including Scottish passenger rail franchises ([[ScotRail]]), concessionary travel schemes, cycling, parking, local road pricing, congestion charging, promotion of road safety and road signs
*[[Scottish Environment Protection Agency|Environment]] – environmental protection policy, climate change, pollution, waste management, water supplies and sewerage, national parks and flood and coastal protection
*[[Police Scotland|Policing]] and the [[Scottish Prison Service]] 
*[[Planning system in Scotland]]
*Rural Affairs (including [[Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services]] – [[Cairngorms National Park Authority]], [[Crofting Commission]], [[Scottish Forestry]], [[Forestry and Land Scotland]], [[Scottish Environment Protection Agency]], [[NatureScot]] and [[Deer Commission for Scotland]])
* [[Housing in Scotland|Housing]] – housing policy, [[Scottish Housing Regulator]], affordable homes, [[Homelessness in Scotland|homelessness and homelessness legislation]], child poverty, security of tenure, energy efficiency, homeownership, [[short assured tenancy]], rented housing and [[Rent control in Scotland|rent control]], Town Centre First, social rents, private sector housing security, [[Tenancy deposit schemes (Scotland)|Tenancy deposit schemes]], Scottish Social Housing Charter and the Scottish Housing Quality Standard<ref>{{cite web |title=01 Housing in Scotland: A Distinctive Approach |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/housing-2040-2/pages/3/ |website=www.gov.scot |access-date=28 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Accountant in Bankruptcy]] 
*Agriculture, forestry and fisheries – most aspects of animal welfare, but not including animal testing and research
*[[Sport in Scotland|Sport]] and the [[Culture of Scotland|arts]] – [[Creative Scotland]], the [[National Gallery of Scotland]], library and museum collections, the [[National Museum of Scotland]], national performing companies and [[SportScotland]], the national agency for sport
*Consumer advocacy and advice
*[[Tourism in Scotland|Tourism]] – [[VisitScotland]] and promotion of major events in Scotland
*Economic development
*Freedom of Information (FOI) requests

===Under Scotland Acts 2012 and 2016===

Subsequently, the Scotland Acts of [[Scotland Act 2012|2012]] and [[Scotland Act 2016|2016]] transferred powers over:<ref name="Devolved Matters in Scotland">{{cite web| url=https://www.gov.scot/about/what-the-government-does/| title=What the Scottish Government does| publisher=Scottish Government| access-date=8 August 2019| archive-date=8 July 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708045359/https://www.gov.scot/about/what-the-government-does/| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Devolved and Reserved Powers |url=https://www.parliament.scot/about/how-parliament-works/devolved-and-reserved-powers |website=Parliament.scot |publisher=Scottish Parliament |access-date=28 December 2023}}</ref>
*[[Taxation in Scotland|Some taxation powers]] – full control of [[Income tax in Scotland|Income Tax]] on income earned through employment, [[Land and Buildings Transaction Tax]], [[Scottish Landfill Tax|Landfill Tax]], Aggregates Levy, [[Air Departure Tax]], [[Revenue Scotland]]
*[[Drunk driving law by country|Drink driving limits]]
*[[Air gun|Air weapons]] 
*Additional borrowing powers, up to the sum of £5&nbsp;billion 
*[[British Transport Police|Transport police in Scotland]] 
*[[Road signs]], [[speed limits]] and [[Abortion in the United Kingdom|abortion]] rights in Scotland 
* Powers over [[Income tax in the United Kingdom|Income Tax rates and bands]] on non-savings and non-dividend income
*[[Elections in Scotland|Scottish Parliament and local authority elections]]
*Some [[Social Security Scotland|social security powers]] (Adult Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment, [[Funeral Support Payment]], Carer Support Payment, Young Carer Grant, Job Start Payment, Winter Heating Payment) 
*[[Crown Estate Scotland|Crown Estate of Scotland]] – management of the Crown Estate's economic assets in Scotland
*Some aspects of the benefits system – Best Start Grant, Carer's Allowance Supplement, Child Disability Payment, Child Winter Heating Assistance, Funeral Support Payment, Universal Credit (although this is remains a reserved benefit, some powers over how it is paid have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament)
* Extended powers over [[Employment Support]] and the housing aspect of [[Universal Credit]]
*Some aspects of the [[Energy in Scotland|energy network in Scotland]] – [[Renewable energy in Scotland|renewable energy]], energy efficiency and onshore [[Oil industry in Scotland|oil and gas licensing]]
* The right to receive half of the [[Value-added tax (United Kingdom)|VAT]] raised in Scotland.<ref>{{cite news|author=Douglas Fraser
|title=Scotland's tax powers: What it has and what's coming?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35470086|publisher=BBC News|date=2 February 2016|access-date=2 February 2016}}</ref>
*Some aspects of equality legislation in Scotland
*Gaming machine licensing

The 1998 Act also provided for orders to be made allowing Scottish Ministers to exercise powers of UK Government ministers in areas that remain reserved to the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]. Equally the Act allows for the Scottish Ministers to transfer functions to the UK Government ministers, or for particular "agency arrangements". This executive devolution means that the powers of the Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament are not identical.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 2011|title=Devolution Guidance Note 11 – Ministerial Accountability after Devolutio|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465291/Devolution_Guidance_Note_11_ministerial_accountability_after_devolution.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306030542/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/465291/Devolution_Guidance_Note_11_ministerial_accountability_after_devolution.pdf}}</ref>

The members of the Scottish government have substantial influence over [[List of Acts of the Scottish Parliament from 1999|legislation]] in Scotland, putting forward the majority of bills that are successful in becoming Acts of the Scottish Parliament.<ref name="works">{{cite web| title=How the Scottish Parliament Works| url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/9981.aspx| publisher=gov.scot| access-date=23 October 2013| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014213042/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/visitandlearn/9981.aspx| archive-date=14 October 2013}}</ref>

===Matters reserved to the UK government===
"[[Devolved, reserved and excepted matters|Reserved matters]]" are public policy areas that remain under the exclusive control of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British parliament]] in Westminister. These include:<ref name="Reserved Matters">{{cite web | url= https://www.gov.uk/guidance/devolution-settlement-scotland | title= Devolution settlement: Scotland | publisher= UK Government | access-date= 29 August 2018 | archive-date= 9 April 2016 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160409023423/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/devolution-settlement-scotland | url-status= live }}</ref>
*The Constitution – [[Acts of Union 1707|Acts of Union]], [[British Monarchy|The Crown]], [[Scotland Act 1998|Devolution Settlement]]
*[[Foreign relations of the United Kingdom|Foreign Policy]]
*[[National security]] and [[British Armed Forces|Defence]]
*[[Economic policy]]
*[[Immigration in the United Kingdom|Immigration]] and [[British nationality law|Nationality]]
*[[Department for International Trade|Trade]] and industry
*[[Energy in the United Kingdom|Energy]]
*Most aspects of [[Welfare state in the United Kingdom|Social Security]]
*[[Civil Service (United Kingdom)|Civil Service]]
*[[Consumer rights]]
*[[International Development]]
*[[Copyright law of the United Kingdom|Copyright]]
*Telecommunications and [[Royal Mail|Postal services]]
*Broadcasting
*[[Taxation in the United Kingdom|Reserved taxes]]
*[[Pound Sterling|Currency]]
*[[Pensions in the United Kingdom|Pensions]]

== Offices ==
[[St Andrew's House]] is the headquarters of the Scottish Government; it is located at [[Calton Hill]] in Edinburgh. Some other government directorates are based at the [[Victoria Quay, Scotland|Victoria Quay]] and Saughton House in Edinburgh, and Atlantic Quay in Glasgow. The head offices of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Lord Advocate's Chambers are at [[Chambers Street (Edinburgh)|Chambers Street]] in central Edinburgh.

The Scottish Government owns numerous other Edinburgh properties. Both the [[Scottish Fiscal Commission]] and the [[Scottish Human Rights Commission]] are based in the old Governor's House on the site of the former Calton Gaol, adjacent to St Andrew's House on Regent Road. Other offices are scattered around central Edinburgh, including [[Bute House]] in Charlotte Square, the official residence of the first minister.

All ministers and officials have access to Scotland House at [[Victoria Embankment]] in London, when necessary. [[Dover House]] on Whitehall is now used by the [[Scotland Office]] and the devolved Scottish Ministers no longer use it.<ref name="dover"/>

The Scottish Government also operates local offices and specialist facilities around Scotland, for example those used by Rural Payments & Services<ref name="RPID">{{cite web| title=Rural Payments – Contact Us| url=https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/contact-us/| publisher=The Scottish Government| access-date=12 April 2021| archive-date=14 May 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514080135/https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/contact-us/| url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Marine Scotland#Locations and Assets|Marine Scotland]].

<gallery class="center">
St Andrew's House, Edinburgh (2496436039) (cropped).jpg|[[St Andrew's House]], headquarters of the Scottish Government
Victoria Quay (2473783476).jpg|[[Victoria Quay, Scotland|Victoria Quay]], offices of the Scottish Government
Bute House, Charlotte Square - geograph.org.uk - 1325869.jpg|[[Bute House]], the official residence of the First Minister
Atlantic Quay - Scottish Government - Glasgow - panoramio.jpg|Scottish Government offices at [[International Financial Services District|5 Atlantic Quay]] in Glasgow 
Saughton House - geograph.org.uk - 3505977.jpg|Government offices at Saughton House in Edinburgh 
</gallery>

==International network==
{{Main|International relations of Scotland}}
[[File:Scottish Government international offices.png|thumb|right|Network of Scottish Government offices worldwide]]
The Scottish Government has a [[European Union]] representative office, located at Rond-Point Robert Schuman in [[Brussels]], Belgium, which forms a part of the United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union.<ref name="eu">{{cite web| title=Scotland in the EU| url=http://www.gov.scot/Topics/International/Europe/About/Scotland-in-EU| date=24 September 2012| publisher=The Scottish Government| access-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> The Scottish Government also maintains offices within the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as the British Embassy in Berlin and has accredited representatives within the British Embassy in Beijing.

Scotland has a network of eight international offices across the world located in:<ref>{{Cite web |title=International relations |url=https://www.gov.scot/policies/international-relations |website=Scot.Gov}}</ref>

* [[Beijing]] (Scottish Government Beijing Office, [[Embassy of the United Kingdom, Beijing|British Embassy]])
* [[Berlin]] (Scottish Government Berlin Office)
* [[Brussels]] (Scotland House Brussels)
* [[Copenhagen]] (Scottish Government Copenhagen Office)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carmichael |first=Hannah |date=26 August 2022 |title=Nicola Sturgeon visits Copenhagen to officially open a Nordic Office |work=[[The Scotsman]] |location=Edinburgh |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-visits-copenhagen-to-officially-open-a-nordic-office-3820160 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130121331/https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-visits-copenhagen-to-officially-open-a-nordic-office-3820160 |archive-date=30 November 2022}}</ref>
* [[Dublin]] (Scottish Government Dublin Office, British Embassy)
* [[Ottawa]] (Scottish Government Ottawa Office, British High Commission)
* [[Paris]] (Scottish Government Office, British Embassy)
* [[Washington DC]] (Scottish Government Washington DC Office, British Embassy)

== See also ==
{{Portal bar|Politics|Scotland|United Kingdom}}

=== Workings of the Scottish Government ===
* [[Ministerial committee]]
* [[Local income tax in Scotland]]
* [[Council of Economic Advisers (Scotland)]]
* [[Scottish Broadcasting Commission]]
* [[Scottish Social Attitudes Survey]]

=== Scottish Government campaigns ===
* [[2014 Scottish independence referendum]]
** [[Edinburgh Agreement (2012)|Edinburgh Agreement]]

===History of the Scottish Government===
* [[Kingdom of Scotland]]
** [[Politics of Scotland]]
** [[Parliament of Scotland]]
** [[Parliament House, Edinburgh]]
* [[Union of the Crowns]]
* [[Treaty of Union]]
* [[Scottish devolution]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website}}

{{Government}}
{{Europe topic|Government of|title=Governments of Europe|ENG=|WLS=Welsh Government|NIR=Northern Ireland Executive|SCT=Scottish Government}}
{{UK heads of governments}}
{{Scottish Government Directorates}}
{{Non-ministerial departments of the Scottish Government}}
{{Scottish devolution}}
{{Economy of Scotland}}
{{Scottish Executive Agencies}}
{{Scottish Executive NDPBs}}
{{Scottish Executive Advisory Bodies}}
{{Tribunals of the Scottish Government}}
{{Scottish Government Nationalised Industries}}
{{British-Irish Council}}
{{Scotland topics}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Scottish Government| ]]
[[Category:Political office-holders in Scotland]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:2000s in Scotland]]
[[Category:2010s in Scotland]]
[[Category:Scottish devolution]]
[[Category:Lists of government ministers of Scotland]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Edinburgh]]
[[Category:Scottish Parliament]]