MSPs 'stunned and violated' in wake of Colin Smyth 'secret camera' allegations

MSPs have said they feel "stunned" and "violated" in the wake of allegations around suspended Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth.

Earlier this month, Smyth was suspended from the party after being arrested and charged in connection with "possession of indecent images".

On Thursday evening, it emerged that Smyth now faces a second charge over allegations a secret camera was placed inside toilets inside the Scottish Parliament.

His Holyrood pass was deactivated on Thursday, while Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone confirmed on Friday that Police Scotland had since "conducted a full sweep of all toilets and changing rooms" in the Scottish Parliament building and had not found any "covert recording devices".

Johnstone said she understood the "deeply concerning" reports would cause staff "unease" and "anxiety" as she urged them to get in touch with the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body for further support.

MSPs have reacted to the news with shock, as Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey said his colleagues were "stunned".

He told LBC News on Friday: "We were all quite stunned at last night's announcement and today's reporting. 

"People are upset and concerned. I therefore welcome the offer that the Parliament has put in place for MSPs and for staff for counselling and support."

Meanwhile, Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer – who was announced as one of the party's new co-leaders on Friday morning, alongside Gillian Mackay – said he felt "violated" by the allegations.

He told LBC News: "I feel sick to my stomach. I know that every other user of the building – MSPs, staff, visitors, journalists – feels the same way.

Ross Greer "None of us know whether we've been directly affected by this yet, and I hope that we will get answers on that. I really appreciate the fact that the Parliament's own authorities, the management team, have put so much work in over the last 48 hours to try and offer support to us."

Greer added: "I don't think there's any other way of saying it than 'sick to my stomach', and I know that I won't be the only one who feels that way.

"We all feel deeply, deeply violated right now."

After reports around the secret camera inside Holyrood toilets emerged, Smyth released a statement refuting the allegation, which he said had come as "an utter shock".

A Police Scotland spokesperson previously said: "On Tuesday, August 5 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property on Marchfield Avenue, Dumfries.

"A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date."