Former minister Jamie Hepburn apologises to MSPs after Douglas Ross assault claim

A former Scottish government minister who was accused of assaulting Conservative MSP Douglas Ross has apologised for his conduct.

Jamie Hepburn, previously the minister for parliamentary business, quit his government job after Ross claimed he had grabbed him and swore aggressively outside the Holyrood chamber on Wednesday.

The SNP MSP admitted using a few “choice words” after a clash over discussions about a summit on problem seagulls spilled out of the Holyrood chamber.

Speaking in the chamber on Tuesday, Hepburn said he had already said sorry to Ross, the first minister and the presiding officer.

He said: “I think it it appropriate that I also apologise to this chamber and to all colleagues.

“For those of us who love this institution, it is important that we all act in a manner that does not bring it into disrepute.

“I wouldn’t normally conduct myself in such a fashion. I regret that lapse last week and I wish to apologise to all colleagues.”

After Hepburn spoke, Ross nodded and joined in the applause.

Presiding officer Alison Johnstone thanked the MSP for his apology.

She added: “Members know the responsibilities that are placed on all of us.

“I expect all members to take these obligations under the code of conduct seriously both within and outwith the chamber.”

Ross initially made the allegation about Hepburn’s behaviour at the end of First Minister’s Questions on Thursday.

The pair were said to have argued over chamber timetabling on Wednesday after a discussion about tackling seagulls ran on.

Hepburn and other SNP MSPs were annoyed that Ross chose to spend several minutes on seagulls when they were were waiting for a key vote on justice reforms.

Ross later formally complained about Hepburn’s conduct in a letter to John Swinney on Friday.

Hepburn resigned hours later and Ross welcomed the announcement.

He said: “This is the correct decision and I also appreciate Jamie Hepburn reaching out following his resignation to personally apologise to me for his behaviour.”