The head of Scotland’s Public Service at the time when Alex Salmond was First Minister says Mr Salmond was known for “bullying and intimidatory behaviour”.
Sir Peter Housden (pictured) told a Scottish Parliamentary inquiry Mr Salmond’s private office in Edinburgh was “punctuated by this kind of behaviour”.
Giving evidence on oath, Sir Peter said there were no “egregious” incidents involving Mr Salmond which needed formal investigation, nor were there formal complaints against the former First Minister or any suggestions of sexual misconduct.
Sir Peter acknowledged he did not directly witness any incidents of bullying and harassment, but he told the committee: “I knew that the former First Minister could display bullying and intimidatory behaviour, yes.”
“I was well aware that those behaviours took place; I had a number of conversations with people who had been on the receiving end of that,” Sir Peter said.
The committee is investigating the Scottish Government’s mishandling of an internal investigation in 2018 into allegations of sexual misconduct against Mr Salmond, and also current First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s actions before, during and after that investigation.
The inquiry found Mr Salmond had a case to answer in August 2018 and its report triggered a police investigation into complaints of alleged sexual misconduct – complaints Mr Salmond has consistently denied.
In January 2019 Mr Salmond won a judicial review against the Scottish Government after it admitted a key part of its inquiry was mishandled; he was later given £512,000 ($A913,000) to cover his legal costs.
In March this year Mr Salmond was acquitted of 14 charges of sexual assault, including one of attempted rape, after a two-week trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
The inquiry continues.
Edinburgh, 17 September 2020
