Tempers flared at the Scottish Parliament this week, as a heated confrontation between two prominent Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) spilled out of the chamber and into the headlines. Conservative MSP and former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has publicly accused Scottish National Party (SNP) minister Jamie Hepburn of physically assaulting and verbally abusing him in the corridors of Holyrood. The alleged incident, which occurred on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, has triggered a political storm and raised questions about standards of conduct at the heart of Scotland’s devolved government.
According to multiple reports from BBC, Sky News, The Herald, and Daily Record, the altercation erupted after a fiery exchange in the chamber over the scheduling of a government summit to tackle Scotland’s increasingly problematic seagull population. Ross, MSP for the Highlands and Islands, had earlier criticized the planned summit as a “sham” and a “farce,” arguing that it was not open to the public, media, or even other politicians. He insisted that ministers postpone the event, which was organized in response to mounting concerns about aggressive gull attacks endangering public safety and disrupting local businesses.
The debate over seagulls, while seemingly parochial, has become a flashpoint for broader frustrations in the parliament. On Wednesday, Ross’s intervention over the summit delayed a crucial vote on landmark justice reforms – legislation aimed at scrapping Scotland’s controversial “not proven” verdict after years of campaigning by victims’ advocates. The delay drew ire from justice campaigners who were present in the gallery to witness the vote, as well as from the Scottish Greens, who saw Ross’s maneuver as an unwelcome distraction.
It was in the aftermath of this contentious session that the alleged assault took place. Ross claims that as he was leaving the chamber, Hepburn “grabbed me on the shoulder and held on to me all the way out of the chamber. At the same time he was continually swearing at me and getting more and more aggressive. He just wouldn’t give up. He lost his temper in a big way and there is no way that behaviour can be tolerated in any workplace.” Ross further alleged that the incident occurred in full view of security and other parliamentary staff, adding, “I can see no way he can continue in his role in government, particularly in a role which means he has to work with MSPs.”
Hepburn, MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and the government’s Parliamentary Business Minister, has not denied that a physical and verbal confrontation took place. Speaking to journalists, he admitted, “I put my hand on his shoulder and probably used a few choice words I shouldn’t have. That’s it.” He elaborated, “I will freely fess up to things I’ve done, but I will not apologise for things I’ve not done. I am clearly sorry I conducted myself in the fashion that I did and I recognise that I let myself down but that is the extent of it. Some of what has been suggested does not tally with the reality.” Hepburn declined to answer whether he would resign or whether he had breached the ministerial code, but offered, “I would freely speak to him if he wished.”
Ross made his allegations public at the end of First Ministers’ Questions on Thursday, September 18, 2025, and confirmed that he had reported the incident to the parliament’s chief executive. He was advised to speak to the police, though as of Thursday, no official complaint had been filed with Police Scotland. A police spokesperson stated, “Officers have spoken with Mr Ross. No complaint has been made and suitable advice was given.”
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone did not mince words about the gravity of the situation, telling the chamber, “This is a very serious allegation and it is important that it is dealt with through the appropriate processes. I expect all members to take their responsibilities under the code of conduct seriously.” She also noted that such allegations would typically be investigated initially by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland, an independent watchdog.
First Minister John Swinney, who was attending a state banquet for US President Donald Trump in Windsor on the day of the incident, said on his return to Holyrood, “It’s the first I’ve heard about it. Obviously, I was away yesterday so I don’t have any knowledge about it.” He added that he would “consider these issues” after learning of the accusation in the chamber. Ross pressed Swinney to reaffirm a “zero tolerance approach to threatening and intimidating behaviour by his ministers.”
The Scottish Parliament confirmed that no CCTV footage of the incident exists. A spokesperson emphasized, “The parliament takes a zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment and any allegations of criminality should be reported directly to the police. Complaints about the conduct of a member arising from their ministerial duties are dealt with under the Scottish ministerial code and are a matter for the first minister. The parliament has provided the member with advice on these avenues.”
Behind the scenes, political reactions have been mixed but tense. A senior government source insisted that Hepburn would not be dismissed over the incident but notably refused to say that Ross was lying in his account. Meanwhile, a Scottish Labour source told Daily Record that one of their party’s MSPs had witnessed “screaming and shouting” between Ross and Hepburn. The controversy has fueled debate about the pressures and passions that can boil over in the political arena, especially when longstanding grievances and high-stakes legislation are at play.
This is not the first time that Holyrood has found itself wrestling with questions about conduct and accountability. The Scottish ministerial code requires ministers “to maintain high standards of behaviour and to behave in a way that upholds the highest standards of propriety.” The current episode has reignited calls for clarity and consistency in how such standards are enforced, particularly when the stakes involve public trust in democratic institutions.
As of Thursday evening, the immediate future for both Ross and Hepburn remains uncertain. Ross has called for Hepburn’s resignation, arguing that the minister’s behavior is incompatible with his duties. Hepburn has expressed regret for his language and demeanor but has stopped short of offering a full apology or stepping down. The first minister and parliamentary authorities are now under pressure to demonstrate that the processes for investigating and resolving such serious allegations are both robust and impartial.
While the details of what transpired in the corridors of Holyrood may remain disputed, the incident has thrown a spotlight on the standards of civility and respect expected of Scotland’s elected representatives. As the political fallout continues, many in and outside the parliament will be watching closely for signs that lessons are being learned and that accountability, not just rhetoric, will prevail.
