The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Taxpayer to foot £10,000-a-day bill for duke’s hospitality at Holyrood Palace
Duke set for General Assembly of the Kirk as Lord High Commissioner
The taxpayer will pick up an £80,000 bill for a week of hospitality at Holyrood Palace hosted by Scotland’s largest private landowner.
The Duke of Buccleuch, who is one of Scotland’s richest men, is to stay at Her Majesty’s official residence while attending the General Assembly of the Kirk as the Lord High Commissioner.
Some £80,000 of public money will be spent on catering alone during his eight-day visit.
Neil Findlay, the Labour MSP, said: “The Duke of Buccleuch is one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. He is one of the last people who should be enjoying free digs and a lavish £80,000 hospitality budget at Holyrood Palace.”
The Queen honoured the Duke with a Knight of the Thistle last month, and appointed him Lord High Commissioner, which makes him her personal representative at the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly.
The annual gathering, which the Lord High Commissioner attends on the Queen’s behalf as an observer, starts on Saturday, May 19 – the same day as the royal wedding.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “There is a longstanding arrangement in place for the Scottish Government to contribute to the costs incurred by the Lord High Commissioner, who attends the General Assembly on behalf of HM The Queen.
“The contract relates to events and engagements hosted by the Lord High Commissioner at the Palace of Holyroodhouse throughout the period of the General Assembly.”
A Palace of Holyroodhouse spokeswoman said the Duke was chosen for the role because of his “well-known contribution to Scottish public life”, including his involvement in the charity St Andrew’s First Aid.
“The Lord High Commissioner fulfils an important function, representing and maintaining the historic links between the Church of Scotland and the Sovereign,” she added.
“As the Queen’s personal representative at the annual General Assembly, the post-holder routinely resides at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and organises a number of ceremonial and related events at the palace.
“This year, as in previous years, the Scottish Government will contribute to associated costs including the catering services contract.”
The Church of Scotland declined to comment.
A spokesman for the Duke of Buccleuch was approached for comment.