The figures show that £158.6 million had been spent on private consultants since 2018/19.
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said taxpayers would question whether it was value for money.
“If there’s a way to waste taxpayers’ money, the SNP will manage it.
“We know the SNP don’t get much right on their own, but the solution isn’t to throw more and more taxpayers’ money at highly-paid consultants.
“The public will rightly question if spending £160 million on outside help is good value for taxpayers when that cash could have been used to improve public services or reduce taxes.
“Reckless use of taxpayers’ money is driving the disconnect between the public and politicians.
“It’s causing people to lose trust in politics and feel that the Scottish Parliament just doesn’t get it.
“We’re determined to do things differently and, going forward, we have committed to making sure that taxpayers’ money is always spent effectively and efficiently.”
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A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government may undertake procurement of consultants if in-house resources are unavailable, or if specialist skills are needed.
“All spend is carefully considered to ensure value for money for the people of Scotland.”
