SNP independence: Humza Yousaf's independence speech interrupted by Sam Eljamel protester

The First Minister’s speech was interrupted by a victim of Sam Eljamel.

Humza Yousaf has agreed to speak to a woman who interrupted his speech while the First Minister was outlining his independence strategy in Dundee.

The protester is a victim of rogue surgeon Sam Eljamel, who harmed dozens of patients during his stint with NHS Tayside. An independent review of the health board was announced in April by health secretary Michael Matheson following reports of the treatment of patients.

Theresa Mallett, speaking to Radio Clyde, said she was trying to get across to the First Minister the “need, the demand for a public inquiry” into the scandal.

First Minister Humza Yousaf with protester Theresa Mallett, 61, who interrupted his speech at the SNP independence convention at Caird Hall in Dundee. Party members will discuss how Scotland can hold a legally binding referendum for independence.

She said: "The lasting impact for me is 24-hour pain, every day for the last 11 years. He [Mr Yousaf] asked me to stay which I declined, he said he wants to speak to me. He’s got all my details, so I will speak to the First Minister and repeat my demands for a public inquiry.”

Mr Yousaf later said that he was “happy to meet” Ms Mallett. He said all the victims of the surgeon had “suffered a lot of trauma”, adding: “She had a particular concern about the need for a public inquiry, I understand the calls for a public inquiry.

"I can see the reason why we’ve not progressed with a public inquiry is because we think there may be ways of getting the answers to the questions that people want that may be quicker than a public inquiry.

"Everybody who has suffered at the hands of Sam Eljamel have every right to be angry at the situation that they find themselves in.”

Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, Liz Smith, said the interruption would have left Mr Yousaf with “no doubt about the anger felt by her and others towards him”.

She said: “I hugely admire Theresa’s and other campaigners’ tireless fight for justice and the First Minister and the SNP’s health secretary Michael Matheson must fully recognise their concerns.

“I will continue to stand alongside patients in their fight and I believe an independent inquiry is the best option to finally ensure someone is held accountable for this scandal.”

Want to hear more from The Scotsman's politics team? Check out the latest episode of our political podcast, The Steamie.

It's available wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.