HOW EVENTS UNFOLDED AROUND THE FORMER SNP LEADER

DECEMBER 2013 – Alleged offences against two staff members take place at Bute House.

NOVEMBER 2017 – Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, carries out an internal review into handling workplace complaints. A new procedure on handling harassment complaints against current and former ministers is introduced. JANUARY 2018 – Two complaints of sexual misconduct against Alex Salmond are lodged with the Scottish Government. MARCH 2018 – Mr Salmond is told of the complaints and given details of the procedures by which they will be addressed.

AUGUST 2018 – Mr Salmond is informed of the Permanent Secretary’s conclusions and that she was considering making the complaints and investigation publicly known. The Permanent Secretary added: ‘Mr Salmond was subsequently given notice that I intended to make a statement referring to the fact of the complaints.’ AUGUST 23, 2018 – The allegations are made public following a short delay sparked by legal proceedings instigated by Mr Salmond. He issues a statement refuting the claims and announces that he will challenge the legality of the Scottish Government’s investigation at the Court of Session. He said: ‘The Permanent Secretary chose to deny me contact with any current civil servant, many of whom wished to give evidence on my behalf and access to documentation to allow me to properly challenge the complaints, all of which I refute. ‘The procedure as put into operation by the Permanent Secretary is grossly unfair and inevitably will lead to prejudicial outcomes. ‘I have launched a Judicial Review in the Court of Session which will decide the issue of the lawfulness of the procedure which has been used against me.’

AUGUST 24 2018 – The Permanent Secretary issues a statement saying: ‘His statement contains significant inaccuracies which will be addressed in those court proceedings. The Scottish Government will defend its position vigorously.’ Mr Salmond denies any wrongdoing.