Tory MSP says threats to life will not stop him running for leadership
Russell Findlay is the only contender to replace Douglas Ross
A Scottish Conservative leadership hopeful has been subject to what he is describing as “gangland threats”.
West Scotland MSP Russell Findlay, currently the only contender in the race to replace outgoing leader Douglas Ross, said he would not allow the threats to put him off running for the top job.
He told the Scottish Daily Mail police had informed him of the threat on his life from a “known criminal”.
The 51 year old former investigative crime journalist told the paper the threat could be linked to the case of William Burns, who was convicted of attacked him with acid at his home in 2015.
"I'm not going to lose sleep over it"
Burns was jailed for 10 years but is understood to have a parole hearing coming up within the next week.
Mr Findlay added that it was "a little bit tiresome and concerning that he would regard this as potentially unfinished business, if this is what this represents.
"So I would be foolish to be dismissive or flippant about it, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it".
The MSP, whose 10-year-old daughter witnessed the attack in 2015, said he did not think staying in the shadows would keep him safe.
"Being anonymous hadn't helped me," he said.
"They found me. They got to me. It could have been life ending rather than life changing.
"It could have been life ending rather than life changing"
"If I back down and go away quietly, what am I? Safer? I don't think so."
Police Scotland assistant chief constable Andy Freeburn said the force took threats against elected politicians "seriously".
He said: "While we don't discuss individual security details, we take every threat seriously.
"We have well established relationships with elected representatives and regularly discuss security arrangements further with them.
"In addition, we work closely with UK policing colleagues to ensure all MSPs and MPs are aware of relevant personal safety advice.
"We thoroughly investigate any reports of threats made and take appropriate action where any offences are identified."