The Scottish Government today faced claims of hypocrisy after ministers were accused of "stocking up" on free drink while launching an alcohol crackdown.

The Scottish Government today faced claims of hypocrisy after ministers were accused of "stocking up" on free drink while launching an alcohol crackdown.

A list of official gifts received by SNP ministers since the party came to power last year show that champagne, caviar and Cuban cigars have been among the goodies picked up by ministers.

The amount of alcohol picked up by ministers has angered campaigners against plans to raise the drinks purchase age from 18 to 21 off licences.

More than a dozen bottles of spirits and wines have been picked by ministers since last May, as well as beer and lager.

"There is a stunning hypocrisy here," said Tom French from the Campaign Against Raising the drinking Age in Scotland (CARDAS).

"On the one hand the Scottish Government is saying responsible 18 to 21 year old adults should be banned from buying alcohol in shops, and that drinks deals should no longer be made available to the public.

"But on the other hand high-ranking members of the government - including the health secretary - appear to be stocking up on free vodka, whisky, wine and beer whenever they can get their hands on it.

"It really undermines their case, and sends out the message that it's one rule for us and quite another for them."

Finance secretary John Swinney picked up three bottles of whisky and a bottle of vodka which he kept for personal use.

Environment Richard Lochhead kept a bottle of whisky from the Irish minister, and also kept, as well as 12 cans of lager and 12 cans of beer by the Danish minister.

He also picked up 24 tins of curried mackerel provided by International Fish canners.

Environment junior minister Mike Russell, communities minister Stewart Maxwell and transport minister Stewart Stevenson each picked up whisky, with the latter also being given a bottle of vodka.

First Minister Alex Salmond was given Russian caviar which was consumed in his private office after being donated by the consul general of Russia.

And Nicola Sturgeon, the Deputy First Minister, also received a bottle of champagne and caviar from the consul which she held onto.

Caviar, vodka and wine were also kept for her own use by culture minister Linda Fabiani from the consul of the Russian Federation.

A stuffed toy rat, donated after the Chinese Year of the Rat by Lady Mirrlees was retained in Alex Salmond's private office.

Children's minister Adam Ingram held onto an iPod provided by Young Scot, while his colleague Bruce Crawford, the SNP business manager, was given an MP3 player by Manchester City Council.

Mr Russell kept hold of a box of Cuban cigars from the Parliamentarians of the country.