No covert devices found in Holyrood bugging claims

The Scottish Parliament says no “covert bugging devices” were involved in reports of MSPs being secretly recorded by members of staff.

The Scotsman newspaper reported that a former worker had placed “listening devices” in the office of a female SNP politician in late 2023.

But Holyrood’s presiding officer has now said that while there was a “localised employment dispute” involving a constituency office, it was dealt with by the MSP in question after an external investigation.

Alison Johnstone said one other historic matter had been raised by a different MSP, but that “they chose not to take further action” because the “employment relationship” with that staff member had ended.

The Parliament said it had no information about any other complaints of this nature, while the SNP has denied that it was aware of any allegations.

Speaking on Thursday, First Minister John Swinney said: “I’m not familiar with all of the details…but that type of conduct is completely and utterly unacceptable.

“Individuals are entitled to operate in an open and transparent environment and shouldn’t be subjected to that kind of behaviour.”