Zoo and crazy golf ‘jollies’ banned by SNP after spending review
Opposition decries ‘tone-deaf response’ after tens of thousands of pounds were spent on away days
Trips to Edinburgh Zoo were among the away days enjoyed by civil servants
EDINBURGH ZOO
SNP ministers have banned away day “jollies” after it emerged that officials had spent tens of thousands of pounds on away days to Edinburgh Zoo, laser tag, crazy golf and bowling.
Humza Yousaf, the first minister, ordered an internal review last summer after The Times disclosed Scottish government credit-card transactions showing that £33,000 was spent on gatherings, food and drink or equipment for events in the three years to 2022.
The review resulted in about 10 per cent of civil servants losing their ability to use the cards and new rules for those who retained the privilege.
• SNP away days: eyebrows raised at ‘jollies’ as Scots tighten belts
All staff “away days” now have to be carried out within public sector venues and any
