To ask the Scottish Government what the total cost of employing special advisers was in 2024-25. 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.Due to the appointment of a new First Minister in May 2024, there were a number of departures, re-appointments and new appointments to the Special Adviser team during 2024-25.