SNP MSP: Everyone in Holyrood is concerned about 'bugging' scandal

Kenny Gibson said he understood there is “a possibility” criminal proceedings may be raised in relation to the “bizarre” revelations.

The Scotsman exclusively revealed on Thursday that a female SNP MSP had been the alleged victim of a spy operation by a male aide who then leaked details to the press.

Parliament chiefs later confirmed they were aware of two historic cases “of this nature”, but stressed no covert bugging devices were involved.

However, they 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.”

Mr Gibson, the convener of Holyrood’s finance committee, told BBC Radio Scotland: "Of course, everyone is concerned about this, but I think we trust in the parliamentary authorities when they say they've investigated thoroughly and they don't see there's an issue on the parliamentary site. It's more about MSPs in their own constituency offices, is probably the issue."

He said: "This is to do with an individual MSP and someone that she specifically employed, and that employment was subsequently terminated.

"But of course, there are concerns. What I would say is the Presiding Officer has tried to allay those concerns. I think she's done that quite effectively over this weekend by saying that the Parliament is regularly swept for bugs.

"But the difficulty of course is with modern technology anyone can record anyone with just an ordinary phone.

"One has to work with and trust one's own staff, and I think most people do, but occasionally there may be issues between employers and their staff, and that's where these matters appear to have arrived."

The long-standing MSP for Cunninghame North added: "I think it's a very bizarre set of circumstances, to be honest. And I understand that there's a possibility that criminal proceedings could actually take place in terms of the incident we've just talked about."

The Scotsman has chosen not to name the female 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 is understood the former staff member is still a member of the party and worked for an MP after leaving the MSP’s team.

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

On Friday, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Holyrood’s chief executive David McGill confirmed they were aware of 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 and Mr McGill 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”, they added. “They chose not to take further action as the employment relationship had already ended.”