Police Scotland has completed comprehensive searches of the Scottish Parliament building following allegations of hidden cameras in toilets. The searches found no covert recording devices in any facilities within the Holyrood building.
The investigation relates to allegations involving MSP Colin Smyth, who faces charges for possession of indecent images. It is understood the South Scotland representative also faces an additional charge connected to the hidden camera allegations.
Scottish Parliament officials have taken immediate action, with Smyth's Holyrood access pass now "deactivated". Enhanced security protocols will be implemented going forward to ensure building safety.
Official response
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Scottish Parliament chief executive David McGill sent a letter to all building users on Friday addressing the situation. The letter confirmed: "We can confirm that Police Scotland, with our support, have conducted a full sweep of all toilets and changing rooms in our building and that no covert recording devices have been found."
The officials acknowledged that "deeply concerning reports" in the media would cause "unease and anxiety" for those working at Holyrood. They assured staff that enhanced security checks would become standard procedure going forward.
The letter emphasised that staff safety and welfare remained a "priority", encouraging people to feel "confident to use the building as you would normally".
Background and charges
Smyth was arrested on 5th August and is due to appear in court at a later date. The MSP was first elected to represent South Scotland in 2016 and was returned to Holyrood following the 2021 election.
The Scottish Parliament website now lists him as an independent after Labour confirmed they had removed the whip pending the investigation. In a statement following his arrest, Smyth said: "These events have come as a shock and this is a deeply stressful time. I am obviously co-operating fully with any inquiries and hope the matter can be resolved quickly. I am not able to comment further at this stage, and in the meantime I would ask for the privacy of my family and friends to be respected."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
