The SNP defended former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill after claims he travelled hundreds of miles between his constituency and lockdown addresses.
MacAskill was staying in Speyside to be close to family at Christmas.
But it emerged he travelled nearly 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.”
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.”
