John Swinney defends £45,000 business-class flights to World Cup

John Swinney has defended the use of more than £45,000 of public funds on business-class flights for him and two senior aides to the World Cup.

The first minister flew to Boston on 11 June for Scotland's opening match, before taking part in trade talks in Kentucky three days later.

While he and two senior officials travelled business class, Sports Minister Maree Todd and several other officials went to the US on significantly cheaper economy-class flights.

Swinney insisted the government had sought to "minimise" costs, while Justice Secretary Neil Gray defended the business class flights as a means of ensuring ministers "arrive fresh" when they travel overseas.

In total, the government spent £98,442 on trips for Swinney, Todd and their officials to the US, including flights, hotels and expenses.

Flights for Swinney and his private secretary John Webster cost £17,893 each.

Business-class tickets for the first minister's special adviser Colin McAllister cost £9,864.

The government spent a further £11,800 on economy-class flights for several officials accompanying Swinney, as well as more than £10,000 on car hire for the first minister's visit.