A senior SNP government minister has rejected fresh bullying allegations against him.
It’s understood a number of civil servants complained about Fergus Ewing, the cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism, late last year.
In Holyrood today, Ewing confirmed a complaint process is under way.
But he stressed: “I completely reject all claims against me.”
It later emerged Nicola Sturgeon knew about the complaint when she handed him an expanded role in a government reshuffle last week.
It is not the first time allegations have been made against Ewing, the MSP for Inverness and Nairn.
In 2018, the Record revealed how Ewing apologised for his “forthright” attitude after a bullying allegation.
He said sorry days after Scottish Government refused to confirm he was the minister involved.
In a statement at the time, Ewing said: “I am aware that – on occasion – I can be forthright in the way I represent my views.
“When this specific issue was raised with me, I apologised personally to the individual concerned.
“Going forward, I will continue to ensure I maintain the high standards that are rightly expected of a Government minister.”
Ewing had been the subject of a complaint resolved informally under government guidance. It was said to have followed a meeting where a number of people were present.
