Nicola Sturgeon has asked Westminster colleagues for an explanation over claims an SNP MP travelled hundreds of miles between his constituency and lockdown addresses.
The First Minister was asked about the matter involving East Lothian MP Kenny MacAskill, who was staying in Speyside to be close to family at Christmas.
It was reported MacAskill, a former Justice Secretary, travelled around 200 miles to his East Lothian constituency to pick up keys.
The SNP also confirmed he stayed in the Moray property other than for two medical-related appointments.
The Courier newspaper also reported he was seen walking close to Ben Rinnes, near Dufftown.
A spokesman for MacAskill told the paper: “Mr MacAskill has a house in Moray, as well as a flat in his constituency.
“He returned north before lockdown to be with close family at Christmas.
“He has remained there during continued lockdown other than two visits for medical-related appointments.
“On one of those occasions, he attended at his office to collect a set of keys stored there.”
At her media briefing, Sturgeon said: “I am loosely aware of the story.”
“I have asked the whips in our House of Commons Westminster group to provide me with the details.”
North East Conservative MSP Liam Kerr today called for an investigation.
"The SNP have been quick to defend Kenny MacAskill but people deserve a full explanation,” he said.
"They need to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances.
"As an MP and a former justice secretary, Mr MacAskill should know better than most about the challenges faced by our police officers during the pandemic.”
