Colin Smyth, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for South Scotland, has found himself at the center of a controversy that has rocked Holyrood and sent shockwaves through the political landscape. The 52-year-old politician, who was suspended by Scottish Labour earlier this month, now faces not only a charge of possessing indecent images of children but also a further allegation of hiding a secret camera in a toilet within the Scottish Parliament building.
According to BBC News and corroborated by The Independent, Smyth was arrested in Dumfries on August 5, 2025, after Police Scotland executed a warrant at his residence on Marchfield Avenue. The initial charge, which prompted his suspension from the Labour Party, relates to the possession of indecent images. However, the situation escalated when news emerged that Smyth would face an additional charge concerning the alleged placement of a covert recording device in the Holyrood building in Edinburgh.
Smyth has strenuously denied the latest allegation. In a statement released to the press, he declared, "This allegation has come as an utter shock and one I strongly refute." He emphasized his cooperation with Police Scotland, stating, "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."
The MSP's access to the Scottish Parliament was officially revoked on August 28, 2025, as the Parliament’s corporate body cited the ongoing criminal investigation as the reason for the decision. His Holyrood pass was deactivated, a move communicated to all MSPs by David McGill, the Parliament’s chief executive. The Parliament's website now lists Smyth as an Independent MSP, reflecting his administrative suspension from Labour following the party's awareness of the police investigation.
Police Scotland, responding to the gravity of the allegations, conducted a comprehensive sweep of all toilets and changing rooms within the Scottish Parliament. Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone reassured staff and the public, writing, "We can confirm that Police Scotland, with our support, have conducted a full sweep of all toilets and changing rooms in our building and that no covert recording devices have been found. We have also instructed that enhanced additional checks to our existing security sweeps of the building take place going forward."
Despite the exhaustive search yielding no evidence of hidden cameras, the allegations themselves have cast a long shadow over Holyrood. The Parliament has moved to bolster security, promising regular and enhanced checks to ensure the safety and welfare of all staff and members. In an email to MSPs, Presiding Officer Johnstone emphasized, "Staff safety and welfare is our priority."
For Smyth, the fallout from the investigation has been intensely personal. He criticized Police Scotland for publicly releasing details of the ongoing inquiry, including his home address. "The speculation, and the recent decision by the police to publicly release details of their ongoing inquiries along with my home address has been devastating and has taken a serious toll on my health. 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," Smyth explained in his statement, as reported by The Independent.
He further appealed for privacy, not just for himself but especially for his wife and two daughters. "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," Smyth said. The emotional toll of the public scrutiny and the legal proceedings has been evident, with Smyth describing the experience as "devastating" and "overwhelming" for his family.
Smyth’s career in public service dates back to his election as an MSP in 2016, with a successful re-election in 2021. Before entering politics, he worked as a modern studies teacher, a background that, until now, seemed far removed from the allegations currently facing him. Over the years, Smyth held several frontbench roles within Scottish Labour and even served as the party’s general secretary.
In response to the unfolding events, Scottish Labour has maintained a cautious stance, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations while refraining from further comment due to the ongoing legal process. A party spokesperson told BBC News, "Swift action was taken after we became aware of these serious allegations. Colin Smyth MSP is an Independent MSP. We cannot comment further on these deeply concerning developments while legal proceedings are ongoing." The party’s swift suspension of Smyth underscores the gravity with which it regards the situation and its commitment to due process.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirmed receipt of a standard prosecution report from Police Scotland regarding the case. Smyth is scheduled to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a future date, where the charges will be formally addressed. The legal proceedings are expected to draw significant attention, given the high-profile nature of the allegations and their implications for trust and security within the Scottish Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Parliament has sought to reassure staff and the wider public that support services are available for anyone affected by the situation. "We recognise the nature of the criminal charges and the ongoing investigation may be upsetting for colleagues and cause distress. We would therefore like to remind everyone who works at Holyrood or in constituency offices of the confidential support services that are available," wrote David McGill in his communication to MSPs.
Though barred from physically entering the Parliament, it is understood that Smyth could still participate in debates and vote remotely, utilizing systems established during the pandemic. This arrangement ensures that his constituents in South Scotland continue to have representation, albeit under extraordinary circumstances.
As the investigation continues, the case has prompted broader discussions about privacy, the responsibilities of public figures, and the measures in place to safeguard both the public and the integrity of democratic institutions. Smyth’s request for privacy for his family—echoed in both his public statements and those of his legal representatives—serves as a stark reminder of the human cost that often accompanies high-profile legal battles.
While the legal process unfolds, the Scottish Parliament is left to grapple with the task of maintaining trust and security, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The story, for now, remains one of allegations, denials, and an institution determined to uphold its standards in the face of adversity.
