NICOLA Sturgeon said complaints of harassment against Alex Salmond “could not be swept under the carpet” and had to be taken seriously by the Scottish Government.

The First Minister issued a statement following the revelations the Mr Salmond was the subject of two complaints that were investigated by the Scottish Government.

The investigation is into two complaints of incidents alleged to have taken place at Bute House, the First Minister’s official residence in 2013.

Ms Sturgeon said she agreed to the procedure covering ministers and former ministers in December 2017 but that while she was aware of the investigation she had no role in it.

Ms Sturgeon said that she was initially made aware of the investigation by Mr Salmond himself.

She said: “Although I have been aware for some time of the fact of the investigation – initially from Alex Salmond – I have had no role in the process, and to have referred to it before now would have compromised the integrity of the internal investigation, which I was not prepared to do.

“However, I was informed by the Permanent Secretary earlier this week that she had completed her investigation and that she intended to make the fact of the complaints public.

“Alex Salmond is now challenging the Scottish Government’s procedure in court. The Scottish Government refutes his criticisms of its process and will defend its position vigorously.

“However, this focus on process cannot deflect from the fact that complaints were made that could not be ignored or swept under the carpet.”

The First minister said here relationship with Mr Salmond, who she has previously described as a mentor, makes it difficult to deal with but that people must feel able to make complaints.

She added: “I have been clear on many occasions that all organisations and workplaces must make it possible for people to come forward to report concerns and have confidence that they will be treated seriously.

“For that principle to mean anything it cannot be applied selectively. It must be applied without fear or favour, regardless of the identity, seniority or political allegiance of the person involved.”

Mr Salmond denied the allegations and was taking action against the Scottish Government claiming he was denied the opportunity to refute them.

He said the claims which date back to 2013 were “patently ridiculous” and said the investigation was “unjust”.