Holyrood bugging: No way to prevent private conversations being recorded say parliament chiefs

The Scotsman exclusively revealed on Thursday that an SNP MSP had been the alleged victim of a spy operation by a male aide who then leaked details to the press. Reports followed that two other MSPs had also been targeted in a similar way.

While parliament chiefs yesterday insisted "no covert bugging devices were involved", the statement said "no security protocol has the ability to combat scenarios such as the recording on a mobile phone of private conversations without consent".

The Scotsman has chosen not to name the politician involved or the staff member. She declined to comment, however a source close to the MSP said she had been left deeply upset by the man’s actions.

It was further reported that at least three MSPs had recording devices placed in their offices.

Holyrood officials have stressed that no covert recording devices have been identified but have pointed to the potential for “recording on a mobile phone of private conversations without consent”, warning that “such recording can regrettably happen anywhere”.

First Minister John Swinney has branded the alleged behaviour “completely and utterly unacceptable”.

READ MORE: Holyrood bosses urged to launch investigation into bugging claims

Labour deputy leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, penned a letter to Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone asking the Scottish Parliament to investigate the allegations following cross-party calls for a probe.

“At a minimum, there has been a shocking violation of trust and an unacceptable breach of standards,” Dame Jackie said in a letter on Friday.

She added: “Astonishingly, these allegations appear to have been swept under the carpet by both the SNP government and the party leadership.

“These incidents raise serious questions about the safety of our parliament and the security of our government.”

Now Ms Johnstone has confirmed that parliament officials are aware of two historic cases but has stressed no criminality was found.

In a letter to Dame Jackie, co-signed by chief executive of the Scottish Parliament, David McGill, Ms Johnstone has admitted the allegations have “been a cause for concern” for those working at Holyrood.

Ms Johnstone pointed to “a range of enhanced security measures are in place in the Holyrood building”, including ”through Police Scotland, the capability to sweep for covert devices”.

READ MORE: 'Jaw-dropping': SNP MSP's office was 'bugged by male staff member who is still involved in party'

She added that the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) is “satisfied that the security protocols at the parliament are robust and Members should feel confident to carry out their activities there”.

Ms Johnstone added: “No security protocol has the ability to combat scenarios such as the recording on a mobile phone of private conversations without consent and such recording can regrettably happen anywhere.

“Behaviour of this nature by Parliamentary staff would constitute gross misconduct and be grounds for dismissal. While the SPCB has no role in relation to other employers at Parliament, they should have similar robust arrangements in place.”

The Presiding Officer confirmed two historic cases.

In one incident, an MSP contacted Holyrood officials over “an employment dispute in a local constituency office” which “was investigated by an independent external advisory service”.

Ms Johnstone added: “We are not aware that there was any criminality involved in this case and the issue was dealt with as a localised employment dispute by the member.”

A second historic case “was brought to our attention by another member concerning a different member of staff”, Ms Johnstone added.

“They chose not to take further action as the employment relationship had already ended.”

READ MORE: John Swinney 'absolutely horrified' over MSP Colin Smyth hidden camera in Holyrood toilet allegations

The Presiding Officer has stressed that “while the details of these employment matters are confidential, we are assured that no covert bugging devices were involved”.

She said: “Beyond these two historic cases, we have no information of any other allegations of this nature at local offices or indeed at Holyrood.”

It is understood the former staff member who bugged a female SNP MSP’s office is still with the party and worked for an MP after leaving the MSP’s team.

A source said: “That the party did nothing about it was disgusting. It should have been dealt with.”

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Another MSP is alleged to have been illicitly targeted when Nicola Sturgeon was First Minister and the third in 2024 when Mr Swinney took office.

It is understood senior figures within the SNP were aware of the incidents when they happened, but say Mr Swinney, Mr Yousaf and Ms Sturgeon did not know about the claims.

One source told The Scotsman the actions were “inexplicable” and the lack of sanctions formed part of a “woman problem” within the party.

The Scottish Parliament has offered counselling to the MSP and any other staff members affected by the hidden recordings.

A spokesperson for the SNP rejected any allegations that the party or any of its leaders were aware of the issue, while also supporting calls for a Holyrood investigation.

“It is categorically untrue to state that these allegations were brought to any first minister or asked to be handled under party complaints procedures,” the spokesperson said.

“We support an investigation by the parliamentary authorities to ensure that their processes are fit for purpose and appropriately safeguard all members and their staff.

“We hope any investigation considers these matters alongside the events that have led to two Labour MSPs being suspended amid police investigations and a further Labour MSP resigning her front-bench position due to her links to a convicted sex offender.”