And bill is set to rise by thousands
BY ANDY PHILIP Political correspondent THE failed court case against Alex Salmond has cost taxpayers nearly £120,000 – and the total could still increase dramatically.
Officials confirmed the Scottish Government’s legal advice bill two months after its harassment probe into Salmond was ruled unfair.
But it is understood the two sides are still locked in dispute over fees owed to Salmond. He previously claimed the Government faces a £500,000 bill overall.
The legal fees are not connected to the criminal charges Salmond is contesting in court after a police probe into alleged sexual offences, which he denies. A freedom of information response from the Government showed the net cost of the legal advice defending the court challenge was £118,523.
Officials were unable to confirm how much will be paid to Salmond, saying “these costs have not yet been calculated”. Judge Lord Pentland ruled in January that the Government’s probe was “tainted with bias”.
The Scottish Government said: “It was necessary and appropriate for the Scottish Government to instruct counsel who have rights of audience in the Court of Session where Mr Salmond served his petition for judicial review. Specialist external legal assistance was also required.”
Salmond’s spokesman said: “The FOI only deals with one part of one side of the full costs, which will run to many times this estimate.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are in discussion with Mr Salmond’s agents in relation to the expenses from his petition for judicial review, as is normal and appropriate in any litigation.”