The Scottish Parliament has been rocked by a series of disturbing allegations involving one of its own members, Colin Smyth, a former Scottish Labour MSP. The claims, which surfaced over the course of August and early September 2025, include charges of possessing indecent images of children and a separate accusation that Smyth hid a secret camera in a Holyrood toilet—a charge he vehemently denies. The fallout from these revelations has sent shockwaves through Holyrood and raised serious questions about security, trust, and the safeguarding of basic dignity within Scotland’s seat of democracy.
On August 5, 2025, Colin Smyth, who represented South Scotland and had previously held several frontbench roles with Scottish Labour, was arrested and charged with possession of indecent images of children following a search of his home in Dumfries. According to BBC Scotland News, the news of this charge was kept from the public until August 20, when it was reported in the Daily Record. That same day, police confirmed the charge and Smyth’s suspension from the Labour Party became public knowledge.
The situation escalated on August 28, when Smyth’s parliamentary pass was revoked—a move Scottish Parliament officials later clarified was based solely on the indecent images charge and followed recommendations from a full risk assessment. On the very same day, the Daily Record broke the story that Smyth was also facing a separate criminal charge: allegedly hiding a secret camera in a Holyrood toilet. Smyth has denied this allegation, publicly criticizing Police Scotland for releasing details of the ongoing investigation.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar addressed the media in Glasgow on September 1, 2025, describing the allegations as “deeply distressing and shocking for all of us and for people across the parliamentary estate.” Sarwar emphasized that Labour had suspended Smyth “as soon as we became aware of the seriousness of the allegations.” He told reporters, “I would like to believe the toilets in the Scottish Parliament are safe, because everyone deserves that basic dignity and that basic security at work.” However, Sarwar added that ensuring safety in the building was ultimately a matter for Holyrood officials.
First Minister John Swinney echoed these sentiments, telling the PA news agency he was “absolutely horrified by what has been the subject of revelations over the course of the last few weeks.” Swinney stated he was “extremely concerned about what the implications [are] for members of parliament, members of staff, journalists, for everyone who uses the parliamentary building.” He stressed the importance of parliamentary authorities providing “clear and definitive reassurance to everybody involved.”
The Scottish Parliament responded swiftly to the allegations. On August 29, it confirmed that Police Scotland had searched all toilets and changing rooms in the building but found no “covert recording devices.” Parliament officials have been keen to reassure Holyrood pass holders that their safety is being taken seriously, and additional security checks have been promised going forward. Despite these efforts, a palpable sense of disbelief and anxiety lingers among those who work in the parliament, as reported by BBC Scotland News and the Sunday Mail.
The Sunday Mail further revealed that at least five MSPs, one journalist, and several staff members had been contacted by police regarding alleged secret toilet recordings at Holyrood. The Scottish Parliament stated on September 1, 2025, that it still did not know for certain whether the police investigation into images potentially taken at Holyrood was related to Smyth. This uncertainty has only added to the unease within the building.
Smyth, who has a background as a modern studies teacher and is married with two daughters, resigned as convenor of the economy and fair work committee on the evening of September 1, 2025. He now sits as an independent MSP, though BBC Scotland News understands he has been signed off from work on medical grounds. Despite his suspension and the ongoing investigations, Smyth could theoretically participate in parliamentary debates and vote remotely when parliament returns from recess—though his current medical leave makes this unlikely.
In a statement, Smyth said, “This allegation has come as an utter shock and one I strongly refute.” He added, “For legal reasons I can’t respond to specific matters or speculation,” but stressed that he was “fully co-operating” with the authorities and hoped the investigations could be “concluded quickly and fairly.”
The timeline of events paints a picture of a parliamentary institution scrambling to respond to an unprecedented crisis. On August 8, police informed the Scottish Parliament about an inquiry into images potentially taken at Holyrood but did not disclose who was under investigation. It was not until August 18 that Scottish Labour became aware of serious allegations against Smyth and suspended him. Parliament was also informed on that day. The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body did not suspend Smyth’s pass until August 28, eight days after the media first reported the charges. Officials later explained that the suspension was based solely on the indecent images charge, following a comprehensive risk assessment that balanced a range of duties and responsibilities.
As the scandal unfolded, Holyrood party leaders scheduled a meeting with the parliament’s presiding officer and chief executive for September 2, 2025, to discuss the ongoing fallout and the steps needed to restore trust and safety within the parliamentary estate. Meanwhile, the economy and fair work committee is set to select a new convenor to replace Smyth.
The revelations have left many building users questioning whether they might have been caught up in the alleged secret recordings, with some expressing anxiety about using the toilets in the parliament. Scottish Parliament officials have been at pains to reassure staff, MSPs, and journalists that they are taking every precaution to ensure safety, but the sense of shock and disbelief remains palpable.
The entire episode serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, transparency, and swift action when allegations of this nature arise in public institutions. As investigations continue and Holyrood seeks to regain its footing, the eyes of Scotland—and indeed the wider UK—remain fixed on how its parliament handles the aftermath of these deeply troubling events.
With both the legal process and parliamentary reviews ongoing, the Scottish political landscape finds itself navigating uncharted waters. The coming weeks will likely determine not only the fate of Colin Smyth but also the confidence of those who work in and rely on the integrity of Scotland’s parliament.
