Shockwaves rippled through the Scottish Parliament this week as details emerged of a criminal investigation into South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth, who stands accused of both planting a secret recording device in Holyrood’s toilets and possessing indecent images of children. The allegations, described as "unprecedented" and "deeply shocking" by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone, have triggered a crisis of trust and security within one of Scotland’s most important political institutions.
According to The Standard, the saga began in early August 2025 when senior officials at Holyrood became aware of footage potentially taken within the parliament’s facilities. At the time, however, they did not know who was implicated. It was not until August 20 that Police Scotland officially confirmed their inquiry was connected to Colin Smyth. The MSP’s parliamentary pass was not deactivated until August 28, following a meeting of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB).
In a statement to the chamber on September 2, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone did not mince words: "I’m absolutely appalled that anyone would have to face a situation like this in parliament or indeed any workplace or environment. We all feel shocked and hurt at the recent allegations relating to an elected member and reports of a shocking invasion of privacy." She emphasized that "the safety and welfare of everyone who works in this building is our priority. These circumstances are unprecedented for this parliament, and it has been and continues to be a highly complex situation to navigate." (BBC)
The allegations have cast a pall over Holyrood, with Johnstone noting, "Not a single person in parliament is unaffected." The SPCB met on the morning of September 2 and circulated a note to all building users, offering what little information could be shared given the ongoing criminal investigation. Johnstone acknowledged, "The information available to the parliament at different stages has therefore necessarily been limited. Parliamentary authorities do not have confirmation of any investigation details, and if further information is confirmed or verified, we will share this."
Police Scotland, in conjunction with parliamentary officials, conducted a thorough sweep of all toilets and changing rooms in the parliament building. No recording devices were found. Nevertheless, the incident prompted the implementation of enhanced security checks and a review of both online and physical security measures. Johnstone reassured staff and MSPs that "enhanced security checks of the building will also continue as we seek to provide further reassurance to you and to each and every person who works or visits the Scottish Parliament." (The Standard)
The fallout from the allegations has been swift and severe for Colin Smyth. The South Scotland MSP, who has been suspended by Scottish Labour, was charged first with possession of indecent images and, subsequently, in connection with the discovery of the alleged secret recording device. Although his parliamentary pass has been deactivated, Smyth retains the technical ability to participate remotely in parliamentary proceedings. However, it is understood that he has been signed off work on medical grounds.
Further complicating matters, it emerged that just days after being charged with possession of indecent images, Smyth proceeded with a planned event at Holyrood, welcoming Girl Guides into the building. Girlguiding, as reported by the Daily Record, confirmed that trained volunteers were with the young people at all times and stated, "no girls were affected." Still, the optics of the event, given the gravity of the allegations, have fueled public and political concern.
In response to mounting pressure, Smyth resigned as convenor of the Economy and Fair Work Committee after MSPs on the committee submitted a motion calling for his removal. At least five MSPs, one journalist, and several staff members have been contacted by police regarding the alleged secret toilet recordings, according to the Sunday Mail.
The emotional toll on those involved has not gone unnoticed. Johnstone and the chief executive have written to all building users to inform them of additional support available. "Meetings have taken place already and we will be continuing that process across the coming weeks and working with all staff groups," Johnstone said. She also encouraged anyone affected to contact her directly for assistance.
Despite the seriousness of the accusations, Smyth has publicly denied any wrongdoing. In a statement issued on August 29, he said, "This allegation has come as an utter shock and one I strongly refute. For legal reasons, I can’t respond to specific matters or speculation, and I appreciate there is a process to go through which I am, of course, fully co-operating with. But I sincerely hope it can be concluded quickly and fairly." He further expressed distress over the police’s decision to release details of their inquiries along with his home address, stating, "After my address was published with no warning to my family, I felt I had no choice but to move away to protect them. That has also meant losing the local NHS critical support I had been receiving for the past few weeks, making an already difficult time even more distressing. I would therefore ask that the privacy of myself, but above all my family and friends, is respected while this matter is resolved. Having this hanging over them is especially overwhelming." (The Standard)
The crisis has exposed a significant gap in Holyrood’s procedures for dealing with such allegations. Unlike the House of Commons, which earlier this year introduced a risk-based exclusion policy allowing MPs to be banned from the parliamentary estate if arrested on suspicion of violent or sexual offences, the Scottish Parliament has no such mechanism. As Johnstone clarified, "Neither officials nor the Scottish parliamentary corporate body have the authority to remove the rights and privileges of an elected member." Instead, the SPCB responded by deactivating Smyth’s pass after a thorough risk assessment, but his status as an MSP remains unchanged pending the outcome of the investigation.
Critics have questioned whether parliament acted swiftly enough. Senior officials were aware of potentially incriminating footage as early as August 8, but did not know the identity of the subject. The charge relating to indecent images only became known to parliament on August 20, when Police Scotland made a public statement. The lag between these dates and the deactivation of Smyth’s pass on August 28 has drawn scrutiny from both the public and within Holyrood itself.
As the investigation continues, the Scottish Parliament faces the daunting task of restoring trust among its members and the public. Enhanced security, additional support for those affected, and a commitment to transparency remain at the forefront of the response. But with the criminal investigation still live, many questions remain unanswered and the full impact of these allegations—on individuals and the institution alike—has yet to be determined.
For now, Holyrood remains on high alert, its leadership vowing to keep all parties updated as verified information becomes available, and its community grappling with the shock and uncertainty of this unprecedented crisis.
