The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Salmond accused of breach over lottery pair’s donation
ALEX SALMOND has been accused of breaching official rules after entertaining Scottish lottery winners just days before they handed over a £ 1 million donation.
Labour has called for an investigation after it emerged Colin and Chris Weir were guests at Bute House in Edinburgh, the First Minister’s official residence, on September 9.
The long-time SNP supporters then handed over the cash to help the campaign for Scottish independence on September 13.
The First Minister’s official spokesman insisted the couple had only popped in for a cup of tea and, therefore, did not have to appear on the hospitality list.
Labour’s Paul Martin said: “This would appear to be an abuse of the ministerial conduct and has to be investigated by the independent advisers.
“It is not befitting of someone holding the office of First Minister to chase after lottery winners and hold tea parties for them at his official residence in a bid to secure donors for his separation campaign.
“It is hypocritical of the First Minister to attack David Cameron for abusing his office for party purposes yet does not see anything wrong when he does the same.”
Former lord advocate Elish Angiolini has now been asked to invesitgate if Mr Salmond was in breach of the ministerial code.
A spokesman for the First Minister said it was an “absurdity” to compare the meeting to the cash for access scandal involving Mr Cameron.
He insisted Mr Salmond had not discussed the donation with the couple, adding: “Names of guests at lunches, dinners and receptions have been published proactively since 2008.
“Colin and Chris Weir have never been to a meal at Bute House. The First Minister has known the Weirs for many years.
“He met them twice last year: once over a cup of tea at Bute House in September, and again in Glasgow at an SNP St Andrew’s Night event in November.”
Bute House contains a private residential part and public function rooms used for entertaining.
The ministerial code states party business cannot be carried out at public expense.