'Salmond files' finally published, as Scottish Government makes thousands of documents public
The Scottish Government had previously missed two deadlines to publish the documents.
The Scottish Government has published the so-called ‘Salmond files’ following a long-running legal dispute.
Around 4,700 pages of documents have now been published by the Scottish Government around a probe by James Hamilton KC into potential breaches of the ministerial code.
Scottish Information Commission David Hamilton had initially told Scottish ministers to release the files by January 15. After ministers missed this deadline, it was extended to January 22, but this was once again missed.
Mr Hamiton then announced he had instructed solicitors to begin proceedings against the Scottish Government at the Court of Session, the first time this has happened in the history of the post.
The documents relate to a probe by James Hamilton KC into potential breaches of the ministerial code by former first minister Nicola Sturgeon during the investigation into her predecessor Alex Salmond.
Last month First Minister John Swinney criticised David Hamilton, saying he had “erred in law” by demanding the government release all the documents in the ‘Salmond files’, as he believed it could inadvertently identify the women who complained of alleged sexual assault against Mr Salmond.
Mr Swinney had promised to release the files before the Holyrood election in May.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “Extensive work has taken place to review these documents and ensure that as much information as possible can be placed in the public domain.
“The courts have made it clear that those who complained in relation to allegations of sexual assault must have their identities protected.
“The Scottish Government is not permitted to release information which would breach those court orders and amount to a contempt of court.”
Dame Jackie Baillie MSP, deputy leader of Scottish Labour, said: “John Swinney and the SNP have fought this every step of the way, spending eyewatering amounts of taxpayer money in the court trying to bury these documents.
“The release of these documents is a win for transparency and for the rule of law, but it is shameful that the SNP government had to be dragged to this point kicking and screaming.
“The truth is this debacle is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the rotten culture of secrecy and cover-up at the heart of this SNP government.
“We see the same pattern time and time again - secrecy over transparency, cover-up over truth, and arrogance over openness.
“John Swinney is the architect of the SNP’s secret Scotland and he will always put his party before our country.”
Murdo Fraser MSP from the Scottish Conservatives added: “The SNP should not have had to be dragged kicking and screaming into finally agreeing to release these documents.
“This whole episode has smacked of nationalist secrecy from the start.
“They have been at pains to try and protect the reputation of Nicola Sturgeon throughout this and have shamefully and repeatedly ignored deadlines from the information commissioner to publish these files.
“The huge redactions in what has belatedly been published will make Scots wonder what on earth the SNP are still trying to hide about the conduct of Nicola Sturgeon.”