Alex Salmond inquiry: Former first minister 'clears his diary' for Wednesday appearance next week

Alex Salmond has said he is free to give evidence to Holyrood’s inquiry into the botched handling of harassment complaints against him next Wednesday.

Alex Salmond has 'cleared his diary' for an appearance on Wednesday

The harassment complaints committee will meet at 5pm this evening to discuss Lady Dorrian’s judgement following The Spectator’s legal case seeking a variation to the contempt of court order linked to Mr Salmond’s criminal trial and next steps.

Mr Salmond has resubmitted his evidence via his legal team, with parliamentary lawyers set to decide whether to recommend its publication today.

If published, Levy and McRae have said Mr Salmond has “cleared Wednesday from his diary” for an appearance in front of the committee following a the committee offering Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

It is understood Wednesday was chosen to best fit around FMQs and the weekly Covid-19 statement.

The committee is examining the botched handling of harassment complaints against Mr Salmond by the Scottish Government, which led to a £500,000 legal bill after the government conceded a judicial review challenge on the grounds of the process being “tainted by apparent bias”.

Mr Salmond was also acquitted of sexual offence charges in a trial last year.

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