Airport ‘curbed Salmond’s VIP access’

Managers at Edinburgh airport reportedly cut Alex Salmond’s access to VIP areas after he was accused of sexually harassing female staff.

Last week it was revealed police investigating sexual misconduct claims against the former first minister are looking into alleged incidents at the airport in 2008.

There was no formal complaint or investigation and no evidence of wrongdoing by Mr Salmond, The Sunday Times reported.

But the newspaper said it was agreed that he would no longer be escorted along a private corridor and stairwell used by staff and high-profile passengers but closed to the public.

It is understood Mr Salmond was not directly informed of the decision although it remained in force throughout his time as first minister.

Airport officials instead relayed their concerns to the former SNP deputy leader Angus Robertson, who was also leader of the party’s Westminster group at the time.

However, it has since emerged that Mr Salmond’s former bodyguard gave a statement last year denying the former MP had behaved inappropriately towards female staff at Edinburgh.

A spokesman for Mr Salmond said: “Mr Salmond denies all suggestions of misconduct at any time and suggests that everyone should allow police inquiries to take their proper course.”