Civil servant hits out at ‘inaccuracies’

THE Scottish Government’s top civil servant has hit back at Alex Salmond, accusing him of “significant inaccuracies” in his statement on sexual misconduct.

In a lengthy response issued by the Scottish Government, Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans, pictured right, whom the former first minister singled out for criticism, said: “I informed Mr Salmond and the people involved on Wednesday, August 22 of my conclusions and that I was considering the public interest in making the fact of the complaints and investigation publicly known.

“Mr Salmond was subsequently given notice that I intended to make a statement referring to the fact of the complaints. Following legal proceedings instigated by Mr Salmond yesterday that statement was delayed. However, given that Mr Salmond subsequently dropped those proceedings I am now able to confirm the fact of the complaints.

“I note that the former first minister has indicated his intention to challenge the actions taken by the Scottish Government.

“His statement contains significant inaccuracies which will be addressed in those court proceedings. The Scottish Government will defend its position vigorously. You will appreciate that for legal reasons the Scottish Government is limited in what can be said.

“The First Minister has had no role in this process. I advised her of the conclusions of my investigation on Wednesday.

“As the head of the civil service in Scotland, I have been consistently clear that there is no place for harassment of any kind in the workplace.

“In line with work already under way in the organisation to tackle inappropriate behaviour, I will consider carefully any issues about culture and working practices highlighted by these complaints.”