SNP MSP faces criticism for '˜donating to Alex Salmond appeal'

An SNP MSP has come in for criticism after a donation in his name appeared on a list of supporters contributing to the legal fund set up by Alex Salmond to fight the Scottish Government over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Colin Beattie MSP. Picture: Scott Louden

Colin Beattie, the MSP for Midlothian, was noted as a supporter on the crowdfunder launched by Mr Salmond.

The former First Minister has madea plea for funds to help pay his legal fees in a judicial review into how the Scottish Government handled two complaints of sexual harassment against him.

A donation made under the name of the MSP contributed £20 to the former First Minister’s defence fund, which he launched amid controversy on Wednesday night.

The crowdfunder has attracted hundreds of supporters and has raised nearly £100,000 – double the original target.

It is possible the donation was not made by Mr Beattie as donations can be given under pseudonyms. However, it did feature his picture and the profile of the donor showed other SNP fundraising activity.

Repeated calls to both the constituency and parliamentary offices of Mr Beattie over the past 24 hours have gone unanswered.

The record of the donation disappeared from the site shortly after members of the media asked Mr Beattie’s office about it.

Jenny Marra MSP shared a tweet from a Labour activist that called the apparent donation ‘shocking’ and asked: “What sort of message does this send to women who make complaints of sexual harassment?”

A constituent of Mr Beattie’s wrote: “My MSP @uartlach has donated to Alex Salmond’s crowdfunder - perhaps he would like to match that with another to a much better cause” with a link to a Women’s Aid fundraiser.

The SNP declined to comment.