NICOLA Sturgeon has “emphatically” denied covering up claims of inappropriate behaviour by Alex Salmond towards Edinburgh Airport staff.
The First Minister said she was “absolutely satisfied” that the Scottish Government and the SNP had acted appropriately at all stages.
It comes after it emerged the SNP’s former Westminster leader was told of concerns about Mr Salmond’s behaviour a decade ago.
Angus Robertson, who lost his seat as an MP in 2017, was reportedly told female employees at Edinburgh Airport had complained about the former First Minister.
Police interviewed staff at the transport hub last week as part of their ongoing investigation into sexual harassment claims against Mr Salmond.
Asked about the revelations by Sky News, Ms Sturgeon said: “I understand public and media interest in this story, but as I have discussed previously there are ongoing legal processes right now.
“We are in the midst of a civil court action between Alex Salmond and the Scottish Government.
“As we know, there are ongoing police inquiries. I simply cannot comment or answer the questions that you are asking me.
“I am absolutely satisfied that I, the SNP and the Scottish Government have acted entirely appropriately at all stages.
“But once we are on the other side of these legal procedures, I will be – not just happy, I will relish the prospect to answer all and every question, but that’s the only thing I can say.”
Pressed on whether the complaints about Mr Salmond were “tolerated and concealed”, she said: “That is absolutely not the case – emphatically not the case.”
Mr Salmond, 63, was the subject of a Scottish Government probe after two woman raised complaints about his conduct in January.
The findings were passed to Police Scotland, which has now launched its own investigation.
Meanwhile, the former SNP leader is taking the Government to court over its handling of the complaints process, which he insists was unfair.
He denies all wrongdoing and any suggestion of criminality.
Earlier this week, it emerged police had widened their probe beyond the civil service, interviewing employees at Edinburgh Airport.
It is understood the inquiries relate to alleged incidents in 2008, when Mr Salmond regularly used the airport as First Minister. However no official complaint was ever made.
The SNP Government has repeatedly insisted there were no recorded complaints against Mr Salmond before January.
Mr Robertson lost his seat in June 2017 but continued as the SNP’s deputy leader until earlier this year.
He previously said: “Given ongoing inquiries I’m not making any comments at this stage.”
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