Alex Salmond invited again to harassment committee

Alex Salmond has been invited to give evidence to the Holyrood committee investigating the botched handling of complaints made against him on Tuesday 2 February.

The committee has said this is the latest possible date to take evidence from the former first minister.

It follows Salmond refusing to appear before the committee this week, citing concerns about safety in the ongoing lockdown and being able to provide evidence without MSPs having access to all relevant documents.

His lawyers had previously suggested Salmond give evidence on 16 February.

But the committee has said this date would not give it sufficient time to compile a report and for the Scottish Government to respond before the dissolution of parliament ahead of the election.

In a letter, committee convener Linda Fabiani said: “The [committee] considered your letter of 15 January and agreed unanimously to invite you to give evidence on Tuesday 2 February. Should there be pressing reasons why this date is not possible, the committee can offer Tuesday 26 January as an alternative.

“However, the committee’s timetable cannot accommodate an evidence session at any date beyond 2 February.”

Regarding safety concerns, Fabiani said the “first preference” would be for Salmond to appear in person but the committee was “content” for him to appear remotely.

She also said the committee “continues to explore all options with the Crown Office” regarding additional evidence.

Salmond has been asked to respond to the request by Thursday 21 January.

Meanwhile, SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been called before the committee for a second time.