Panic alarms for MacAskill office staff

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill is installing panic buttons in his Willowbrae Road office after his staff were attacked.

The Edinburgh East and Musselburgh MSP is reportedly increasing security at the constituency office after a police audit carried out at the site.

Following the audit, Lothian and Borders Police installed CCTV cameras outside the office, which is on the corner of Abercorn Road.

However, Mr MacAskill wanted further protection for his staff and asked the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) for "exceptional expenses" to cover the cost of installing the panic alarms.

A report to the SPCB said: "He (Mr MacAskill] has advised that his office manager has on two occasions required to call the police for assistance in dealing with constituents and has been assaulted while in the office. There have also been two theft attempts."

The SPCB agreed to meet the costs because of the "health and safety implications" of the situation.