The Scottish Parliament has been rocked by a high-profile police investigation involving Colin Smyth, a South Scotland Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), who was arrested and charged on August 5, 2025, in connection with the possession of indecent images, including some involving children. As the investigation unfolded, further allegations emerged claiming Smyth had hidden a secret camera in a Holyrood toilet—a charge he has strenuously denied, calling it “an utter shock.” The case has sent shockwaves through Holyrood, prompting an unprecedented security response and raising difficult questions about privacy, safety, and due process within one of the UK’s most scrutinized institutions.
Police Scotland confirmed that officers executed a warrant at a property on Marchfield Avenue, Dumfries, on August 5, arresting the 52-year-old MSP. According to STV News, Smyth was suspended by Scottish Labour immediately following the arrest, and his security pass for the Scottish Parliament was rescinded as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing investigation. A spokesperson for Police Scotland stated, “On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property on Marchfield Avenue, Dumfries. A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.”
The allegations of a hidden camera in the Parliament’s toilets, first reported by the Daily Record, led to a swift and thorough response from both parliamentary officials and law enforcement. Police Scotland, with support from the Scottish Parliament’s security team, conducted a full sweep of all toilets and changing rooms in the building. The search was soon extended to include the crèche and education centre, areas frequented by staff, children, and visiting school groups. In an email to staff, the Chief Executive Office at the Scottish Parliament reassured building users: “Having conducted that search, Police Scotland confirmed no covert devices were found. Going forward we have instructed that enhanced additional checks to our existing security sweep of the building be carried out to provide reassurance to building users.”
Despite the gravity of the accusations, no recording devices were discovered during the extensive searches. Parliamentary authorities emphasized their commitment to transparency and safety, but also acknowledged the anxiety the situation had caused. Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Parliament chief executive David McGill wrote in a joint statement to staff and MSPs: “We know your reaction, like ours, to hearing of the criminal charges against an elected member of the Scottish Parliament will be one of shock. As a live criminal investigation is under way, contempt of court laws restrict the information which can be put into the public domain. This is to ensure there is no prejudice to any future prosecution.”
Colin Smyth, who was first elected as an MSP in 2016 and returned to Holyrood in 2021, has consistently denied the allegations against him. In a statement released after the charges, Smyth 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 criticized Police Scotland for publishing details of their ongoing inquiries, including his home address, which he said forced him and his family to relocate. “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.”
The impact of the investigation has extended far beyond Smyth himself. The allegations and subsequent media reporting have caused significant distress among Parliament staff, MSPs, and visitors. According to The Herald, Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens’ new co-convener, voiced the emotional toll the situation has taken: “The allegations left me sick to my stomach. I know that every other user of the building—MSP, staff, visitor, journalist—feels the same way. None of us know whether we have been directly affected by this yet, and I hope that we will get answers on that.” Scottish Government minister Graeme Dey echoed these sentiments, stating that MSPs were “stunned” by the developments and welcomed the Parliament’s efforts to provide counseling and support services.
In response to the ongoing investigation, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) deactivated Smyth’s parliamentary pass and reminded staff and MSPs of the confidential support services available to them. In an email to all building users, chief executive David McGill wrote: “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.”
Scottish Labour, for its part, moved swiftly to distance itself from Smyth. A party spokesperson told The Independent: “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 Scottish Parliament website now lists Smyth as an Independent, reflecting his administrative suspension from the party.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirmed that a standard prosecution report had been received from Police Scotland and that no court date has yet been set. Meanwhile, Holyrood officials have pledged to maintain heightened security and transparency as the investigation continues. “Our immediate priority was to conduct this search to assure the safety and privacy of all those at Holyrood,” Johnstone and McGill stated. “Having conducted that search, Police Scotland confirmed no covert devices were found. Going forward, we have instructed that enhanced additional checks to our existing security sweep of the building be carried out to provide reassurance to building users.”
For now, the Scottish Parliament and its community remain in a state of uncertainty, awaiting the outcome of the legal process. The case has underscored the challenges of balancing public transparency, individual rights, and institutional trust in times of crisis. As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on Holyrood for answers—and for reassurance that the safety and privacy of those who work and visit there are being safeguarded with the utmost seriousness.
