To ask the Scottish Government what the total cost of employing special advisers was in 2025-26. Special Advisers are appointed in accordance with Part 1 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 by the First Minister as a Special Adviser for the purpose of providing assistance to the Scottish Ministers.The total cost of Special Advisers employed during the financial year 2025-26 was £2,160,036.Total cost includes all salary costs, employer NI, and employer pension contributions.