Police Close Investigation into Senior Civil Servant's Salmond Inquiry Testimony

Police Scotland have closed their investigation into senior civil servant James Hynd over allegations of false testimony during the Alex Salmond inquiry, with no further action to be taken.

Investigation into Senior Civil Servant Concludes

Police Scotland have announced that no further action will be taken against James Hynd, a senior civil servant who was investigated for allegedly providing a false statement under oath during the Alex Salmond inquiry.

In August 2024, it was revealed that detectives were examining evidence given by Hynd to the Scottish Parliament inquiry in 2020. At that time, Hynd served as the Scottish government's head of cabinet, parliament, and governance.

The inquiry focused on the handling of sexual harassment complaints made against Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, who was subsequently acquitted of all charges in a separate criminal trial.

The inquiry ultimately found that the government's investigation into Salmond was "seriously flawed."

A smiling man with receding hair is wearing a dark coat, tartan scart, blue shirt and tie — Image caption, Alex Salmond was cleared of all of the charges against him in a criminal trial

Details of the Police Investigation

During a Court of Session hearing in August 2024, Salmond's legal team disclosed that a Police Scotland investigation into Hynd was being led by a senior detective. The investigation centered on allegations that Hynd had given a false statement under oath at the parliamentary inquiry.

"A very, very senior civil servant - Mr James Hynd - gave a false statement on oath at the inquiry," Salmond's lawyer stated.

Hynd was responsible for formulating the Scottish government's policy on handling complaints involving both former and current ministers, including the procedures under which Salmond was investigated.

The police inquiry into Hynd's conduct came to light during a civil case hearing initiated by Salmond against the Scottish government.

Closure of the Inquiry

After nearly two years, the investigation has now concluded. A Police Scotland spokesperson said on Thursday:

"Following a complaint in relation to evidence provided to a Scottish Parliament committee, an investigation was carried out and no further action is being taken."

Subsequent Developments in Salmond's Legal Proceedings

Following Alex Salmond's death in October 2024, Paul McManus, drummer for the Glasgow rock band Gun, assumed responsibility for funding the ongoing legal case in February 2025.

This development followed the sequestration of Salmond's estate, a process equivalent to bankruptcy, due to costs associated with the court action.