Nicola Sturgeon and her husband among Salmond inquiry witnesses
The committee's been set up to investigate how the Scottish Government dealt with harassment complaints made against former First Minister
The First Minister and her husband will be called to give evidence before a Holyrood committee investigating the Scottish Government's handling of complaints made against Alex Salmond.
Nicola Sturgeon is on the initial witness list produced by MSPs, along with the chief executive of the SNP, her husband Peter Murrell.
The committee will also take evidence from former First Minister Mr Salmond, while Permanent secretary Leslie Evans will be the first witness to be questioned.
The Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints met publicly for the first time in an online meeting on Monday.
Convener Linda Fabiani explained the committee has been set up to “consider and report on the actions of the First Minister, Scottish Government officials and special advisers in dealing with complaints about Alex Salmond, former first minister, considered under the Scottish Government's handling of harassment complaints involving current or former ministers and procedure and actions in relation to the Scottish ministerial code”.
Tory MSP Donald Cameron has called for MSPs considering the matter to “take sworn evidence, evidence on oath”.
Mr Cameron said under section 26 of the Scotland Act, and rule 12 of Holyrood's standing orders, committees can question witnesses under oath.
Arguing for this to happen, he said: “Taking sworn evidence underscores the gravity of subject matter of this inquiry and will ensure we get the best possible evidence.”
The call was backed by Liberal Democrat committee member Alex Cole-Hamilton, who said: “There will be conflicting stories and it is vital we have confidence in what we as a committee hear.”
The inquiry is taking place after the Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled in January 2019 that the Scottish Government's actions in dealing with complaints made against the former first minister were “unlawful in respect that they were procedurally unfair and that they were tainted with apparent bias”.
Committee members also stressed their desire to be able to meet in person once they start hearing from witnesses.
Labour's Jackie Baillie stressed: “I don't think the work of this committee can be conducted on a virtual basis.”
That was echoed by SNP MSP Angela Constance, who said: “My preference has always been not to be questioning witnesses remotely or online.
“I just think that is particularly problematic, I would want to do that in person.”
Mr Salmond was cleared of 13 sexual offences by a jury in March.
Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on the hour, every hour, at Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Northsound app, on your DAB radio, online at Northsound1.co.uk, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker.