Scottish Cabinet

The Scottish Cabinet is the main decision-making body of the Scottish Government, the devolved government of Scotland. It is headed by the first minister, and made up of the deputy first minister, cabinet secretaries of the Scottish Government, the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General for Scotland (the Scottish Law Officers), the Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and the Minister for Parliamentary Business.

Members of the cabinet are usually appointed on the decision of the first minister, as well as individual interests in obtaining a Cabinet Secretary position along with prior experience as an MSP. Decisions made by the cabinet are subject to scrutiny from the Scottish Parliament on matters such as the budget and spending allocation. Cabinet ministers are free to openly discuss and share their opinions on matters at cabinet meetings, however, once decisions have been agreed, whether they agree or disagree, ministers are expected to "put on a united front" for the purpose of promoting government policy.

The cabinet meets each Tuesday within the Cabinet Room located in Bute House in Edinburgh, the official residence of the first minister. If required, the cabinet will meet during periods of parliamentary recess, and is supported by Cabinet Sub-Committees. The sub–committees of the cabinet have delegated authority from the cabinet to take decisions on any legislative matter which do not require full cabinet consideration.