Scottish government knew of Harvard fees, water boss claims

Ms Ashford said the sponsor team at the Scottish government was aware she was participating in the Harvard course.

“I lead the wastewater workstream, so advising them that I would be out of the country in February and April 2023 was essential,” she told the committee.

Ms Ashford said that while Mr Sutherland may not have “formally requested” approval for her to attend the course, it was “not a secret”. “In fact, I actively discussed it with as many people as possible,” she said.

The chief operating officer said she had to complete a “360 review” process to enrol on the course.

“I approached a number of colleagues both internal and external to Wics to contribute to my 360-degree assessment,” she said.

“Along with many others, Jon Rathjen was one of those that I approached and who accepted.”