Moira Salmond, the widow of former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, is pressing forward with her late husband’s £3 million legal claim against SNP ministers. The lawsuit, initially filed nearly two years ago, revolves around allegations of misconduct during a flawed sexual misconduct investigation conducted by the Scottish Government while Nicola Sturgeon was First Minister.
Reigniting Alex Salmond’s Legal Fight
Reports suggest that Mrs. Salmond, now 88, has been motivated to reactivate the proceedings following what she perceives as defamatory remarks in Nicola Sturgeon’s recent memoir, Frankly. According to a family friend, the memoir accuses Mr. Salmond of ‘ridiculous and inaccurate’ behavior, which deeply upset and angered his widow. The friend remarked, “It has only strengthened her resolve to ensure the full truth is revealed and Alex’s name is cleared.”
Mrs. Salmond, who now represents her late husband’s estate as executor, has reportedly assembled a high-powered legal team comprising a KC and two junior counsel to pursue the case in court. “Her case against the government is active, the legal team is prepared, the finances are in place, and this legal action will move forward without question,” the friend added.
Claims of Misconduct and Ongoing Disputes
Alex Salmond’s lawsuit alleges misfeasance, accusing civil servants under Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership of knowingly abusing their power to harm him. His widow’s revived pursuit of justice seeks not only financial compensation but also accountability for what Mr. Salmond had described as a “day of reckoning.”
Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir made several disputed claims, including allegations that Mr. Salmond opposed gay marriage, had ‘consensual affairs,’ and failed to engage with critical government documents, such as the 650-page independence white paper. She also denied accusations that a conspiracy existed to damage Mr. Salmond’s reputation. Instead, Sturgeon asserted that her former colleague jeopardized Scottish democratic institutions, including the government, the police, and the Crown Office.
Past Investigations and Legal Battles
Alex Salmond faced allegations of misconduct following a government investigation in 2018. The investigation concluded with claims of bias and unfair practices, leading the Court of Session to strike it down. He was awarded £512,000 in legal costs in response. In 2020, he was cleared of 13 sexual assault charges in the High Court in Edinburgh, although he later admitted that he “could have behaved better towards women on occasion.”
In 2023, Salmond filed the now-revived £3 million misfeasance lawsuit against the Scottish Government, asserting that officials acted unlawfully to harm him. Legal proceedings were paused after Mr. Salmond tragically passed away from a heart attack in North Macedonia in October 2024. With Mrs. Salmond resuming the case, a Scottish Conservative Party spokesperson commented, “It’s hardly surprising Moira Salmond is deeply disappointed that her previous calls for privacy to grieve have been ignored by Nicola Sturgeon.”
Government Response to the Revived Case
The Scottish Government has refrained from commenting on the legal developments, with a spokesperson stating, “It would not be appropriate to comment on live litigation.” Nicola Sturgeon’s representatives have also declined to address the reactivated case. Meanwhile, Mrs. Salmond remains steadfast in her commitment to holding those accountable whom she believes wronged her late husband and tarnished his legacy.