An investigation into whether Nicola Sturgeon breached a code of conduct over the Alex Salmond row has been kickstarted.
James Hamilton, a member of an independent panel of advisers, will focus on meetings between Sturgeon and Salmond during a sexual misconduct probe into the former First Minister.
In 2018, Sturgeon’s Government investigated complaints against Salmond when he was in office.
However, Salmond challenged the handling of the investigation which was ruled to be biased and unlawful.
A Holyrood committee is currently examining a fiasco which cost over £500,000 of public money.
One of the controversies is that Sturgeon and Salmond met on multiple occasions during the internal Government probe, and also spoke on the telephone.
She also had a meeting which included Salmond's former chief of staff Geoff Aberdein.
In relation to the meetings with Salmond, Sturgeon said in 2019 she would refer herself to a panel of experts in relation to the Ministerial code of conduct.
This exercise was paused after Salmond was charged, but following his acquittal the government has confirmed the referral will commence.
In a written answer, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:
“On 31 January 2019, I advised Parliament that the Ministerial Code referral had to be paused to avoid any risk of prejudice to live criminal proceedings. Since the conclusion of those proceedings, the attention of the Government has been focussed on leading Scotland’s response global health emergency. In light of the progress that has been made we are now able to re-commence the referral.
“The referral will be led by James Hamilton, who is a standing member of the panel of independent advisers. Mr Hamilton is a former Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland and has been an independent adviser since January 2013.
“Mr Hamilton will now proceed with the referral and report as soon as he is able. The report will be published in line with the terms of the remit.”
The remit of the referral includes reviewing any relevant documentation relating to the meetings and discussions between Salmond and Sturgeon.
Interviews will also take place with any Minister or civil servant who may have any “knowledge of the facts and content of the meetings and discussions”.
Hamilton may also interview any “relevant person outwith the Scottish Government”, including Salmond.
It will also determine if there is any evidence that the First Minister attempted to use information discussed during those meetings to influence the conduct of the Government investigation into Salmond.
Swinney also confirmed a separate review into the Government procedure that underpinned the Salmond investigation.
Laura Dunlop QC will lead this review and will advise on any changes.
