There is some unease and discomfort. It’s not normal to have such an itchy nose
– Body language expert on SNP chief’s evidence session
Peter Murrell’s second appearance before the Alex Salmond inquiry failed to impress some committee members, with the Crown Office being asked to investigate his sworn testimony for possible perjury.
Some MSPs described his performance as “shifty” and a “masterclass in evasion”.
Body language expert Adrianne Carter, a specialist in facial expressions, emotions and behaviour, said Mr Murrell, who appeared by video link on Monday, did not appear to “have confidence in what he has said” as he responded to questions from MSPs about a 2018 meeting at his home between Mr Salmond and his wife Nicola Sturgeon.
Ms Carter, author of The Face Whisperer, said tell-tale signs included Mr Murrell repeatedly scratching his nose, shrugging his shoulders and pursing his lips. She said: “It’s a myth that someone scratching their nose when they are talking is sign of lying. It is actually a sign that someone is not comfortable. There are nerve endings in the nose that twitch.
“Mr Murrell is put on the spot when he is asked by Alex ColeHamilton about the reason for Mr Salmond coming to the house. There is unease and discomfort. The way he is hesitant about answering tells me that he is trying not to say the wrong thing or is trying not to tell a blatant lie.
“How he reacts tells me he is not comfortable with the subject matter or how he is responding. What he is having to say doesn’t sit easily with him. It’s not normal to have such an itchy nose.”
Another tell-tale sign was a one-side shoulder shrug as he replied to questions from Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser.
Ms Carter said: “The one-sided shrug is done by someone who doesn’t believe what they are saying.
“Mr Murrell raises one shoulder when he said all he knew was that Mr Salmond was coming to the house and he didn’t know the purpose of the visit. I’m not saying Mr Murrell is lying, but he doesn’t have confidence in what he has said.”
Mr Murrell appeared amused when Scottish Labour interim leader Jackie Baillie asked him if there was anyone else in the room with him after he glanced up to his left when giving evidence on the Zoom call.
However, Ms Carter said: “It might look like he is smiling but the way his lips are so tightly pressed together that they are almost invisible is a key sign of irritation, anger or frustration.”