Newly released files reveal minister almost gave whisky to alcohol rehab project

Staff at the former Scottish Executive were given advice about what gifts were appropriate after a minister nearly gave whisky to an alcohol rehab project.

Information from the "rough guide" on working for ministers has been revealed among newly released documents from 2004 Scottish Cabinet meetings.

The pamphlet includes real-life scenarios to illustrate situations staff may have come up against while working for the Scottish Executive, now the Scottish Government.

One referenced an unnamed minister almost giving whisky to an alcohol rehab project as a present.

It said: "It is appropriate for the minister to give overseas hosts a gift.

"External relations are good sources of advice about what to give and are able to provide gifts at a substantially reduced cost - meaning you don't have to buy them and then claim the money back.

"The Executive will normally offer whisky and shortbread. But do think of your hosts.

"The minister very nearly gave whisky to an alcohol rehab project. It would not have been very well received by the staff."

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