Scottish Government releases thousands of Nicola Sturgeon inquiry files

The Scottish Government has released thousands of files from an investigation into former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

It comes after ministers were threatened with legal action for missing two deadlines to release the documents – warning them they risked being found in contempt of court.

The Government had been ordered to disclose material related to the 2021 investigation by senior counsel James Hamilton into Sturgeon’s handling of complaints made against her predecessor, the late Alex Salmond, during harassment allegations.

Mr Hamilton’s inquiry cleared Sturgeon of breaching the ministerial code in her dealings with the complaints process, which was later ruled unlawful by the courts.

Last November, the Information Commissioner ruled that the Scottish Government had wrongly withheld some of the evidence used during the investigation.

Sturgeon made complaints against her predecessor, the late Alex Salmond. STV News

The information commissioner told ministers they must release some of the information used in the investigation by January 15.

After ministers failed to meet that deadline, Mr Hamilton warned in writing that legal proceedings would follow if they had not complied by January 22.

The Government missed that second deadline, informing the commissioner of its decision only minutes before the cut-off.

On Tuesday, February 24, thousands of documents relating to the James Hamilton report were published.

A Scottish Government spokesperson 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.”