ALEX Salmond’s widow is suing the Scottish Government over its handling of an investigation into sexual harassment allegations levelled against the former first minister.
Moira Salmond, 88, has appointed a team of lawyers to restart Salmond’s case against the Government he once led.
At the time of his death, Salmond was pursuing legal action through the Court of Session and Police Scotland following his acquittal of charges of sexual assault at the High Court in Edinburgh in 2020.
The action related to a flawed Scottish Government investigation into the complaints levelled against him.
In August, prior to his heart attack in October, Salmond's lawyer Gordon Dangerfield told the Court of Session that Salmond was seeking "significant damages" and compensation for loss of earnings that could stretch into the millions.
Moira's determination to proceed is said to be driven by comments made in Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir, Frankly.
Moira previously released a rare public statement following an interview in which Sturgeon discussed Salmond’s behaviour.
Sturgeon said she stepped in “many times” when her predecessor as first minister and SNP leader had been “really rough on people”.
Moira said the comments had caused her distress, adding: “Attacks by the living on the dead will seem to many as deeply unfair. My wish, and sincere hope, is that these attacks will now stop.”
Sturgeon and Salmond were close political allies for years, but their relationship soured and later broke down completely.
A family friend told the Sunday Mail: “Moira is upset and angered by the continued attempts to smear Alex in the book – much of which is ridiculous and inaccurate.
“It has only strengthened her resolve to make sure that the full truth comes out and that Alex’s name is cleared.
“Her case against the Scottish Government is now live, the legal team is in place, the finance in place, and this will be going ahead, no question of that.
“Alex may not be here to defend himself but his family are determined to stand up to those who continue to attack him.
“There is an adjustment period ongoing until September where updates can be made by either side to their paperwork, it takes time but the ball is rolling.
"Anyone who thinks this is just going to go away is wrong.”
