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First Minister John Swinney says reports of a staff member secretly recording an SNP MSP they worked for are “completely and utterly unacceptable”.
The Scotsman newspaper claims that a former worker had placed listening devices in the office of an unnamed politician in late 2023.
BBC Scotland News understands that the person no longer works for an elected representative but is an office bearer in a local branch of the party.
The Scottish Parliament and SNP have said MSPs are responsible for managing their own staffing issues.
Questioned about the story following First Minister’s Questions, Swinney told journalists: “I’m not familiar with all of the details… but that type of conduct is completely and utterly unacceptable.
“Individuals are entitled to operate in an open and transparent environment and shouldn’t be subjected to that kind of behaviour.”
The newspaper reported the issue had been raised with Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.
A Scottish Parliament spokesman said that MSPs were responsible for managing staff and disputes as employers.
An SNP spokesperson said: “The SNP has no involvement in the employment processes of parliamentarians.
“That is a confidential matter between elected members, employees, and Scottish Parliament authorities.
“The reports outline a very traumatic situation for those involved and nobody should ever have to experience fear or harassment for doing their job.”
The MSP has been approached for comment.
