Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross claims he was 'physically assaulted' by a Scottish Government Minister
Douglas Ross has publicly accused another MSP of physically assaulting him inside the Scottish Parliament.
The Highlands and Islands MSP claims that the incident happened on Wednesday and involved a government minister.
Speaking at Holyrood today (Thursday), Mr Ross said: “As I left the chamber yesterday, I was physically assaulted and verbally abused by your minister for parliamentary business, Jamie Hepburn.
“I’m wondering if the First Minister will make a statement and take an opportunity to say he has a zero-tolerance approach to threatening and intimidating behaviour by his ministers.
“I have raised this yesterday afternoon with parliamentary officials. I notice the minister for parliamentary business is not in the chamber this afternoon, therefore will he be making a statement on this incident later today?”
In response, Alison Johnstone, the presiding officer said: “This is a very serious allegation and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes.”
Mr Ross has previously represented Moray at both Holyrood and Westminster.
He is currently a list MSP whose Highland and Islands constituency includes the region.