[11] Salmond's second cabinet was formed on 19 May 2011 and dissolved on 18 November 2014, following his resignation as first minister following the defeat of the Yes Scotland campaign in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

[16][17] Humza Yousaf succeeded Sturgeon as first minister, forming his first cabinet of the Scottish Government on 29 March 2023.

His cabinet was dissolved on 25 April 2024 following his decision to withdraw the SNP from the Bute House Agreement.

[20] From the formation of the Scottish Government in 1999 until the election of Alex Salmond as first minister in 2007, the Lord Advocate was a regular attendee at meetings of the cabinet.

[21] As a result, the number of occasions where the Lord Advocate would attend cabinet meetings was significantly reduced.

[27] During significant events impacting Scotland, other Scottish Government junior ministers may be requested to attend cabinet meetings.

Members of the cabinet will travel to other parts of Scotland, out-with Bute House in Edinburgh, to discuss local issues and gather public opinions on a range of government policies and objectives.

In October 2024, the Scottish cabinet travelled to Ayr in South Ayrshire, chaired by the first minister.

The cabinet toured local businesses and projects to highlight the objectives of the Scottish Government.

First Minister, John Swinney, said the travelling cabinet "connects with communities across the country and enables us to make informed decisions as we strive to create a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland".