Millionaire Rock Drummer Takes Over Salmond's Legal Case Against Scottish Government
A millionaire businessman and rock drummer has assumed the legal rights to continue Alex Salmond's case against the Scottish Government, following an assignment from the former first minister's widow. Paul McManus, drummer for the Scottish band Gun, will fund the misfeasance action initially brought by Salmond before his death in 2024, targeting senior Government figures including Nicola Sturgeon and former top civil servant Leslie Evans.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The case stems from complaints made by two civil servants during Salmond's tenure at Bute House, which he alleged were mishandled by the Government in a "tainted" process. A judge previously ruled the handling was "tainted by apparent bias," awarding Salmond over £500,000. Despite being cleared of all sexual offence charges at the High Court, Salmond maintained until his death that he was the victim of a plot by senior Government officials.
He filed the misfeasance action at the Court of Session, specifically naming Ms Sturgeon and Ms Evans, but passed away in North Macedonia in 2024 before the case could proceed to a judge. Since then, background work has been ongoing, led by Professor Peter Watson, who described litigation as a "remedy of last resort" aimed at answering troubling questions.
McManus's Motivation and Statements
Mr McManus, who did not know Salmond personally and disagrees with him on Scottish independence, stated he "strongly believes" there was a Government plot against the former leader. He emphasized, "If the Government can do this to one of their own, what chance do we, Joe Public, have if they decide to target us? I want to see those responsible held to account and to face consequences."
The legal rights were assigned to him by Moira Salmond, Salmond's widow, allowing him to fund and continue the case. This move revives a legal battle that has cast a long shadow over Scottish politics, with Salmond spending his final years at odds with the SNP and the government he once led.
Political Support and Reactions
Former SNP MSP Fergus Ewing, now an independent after announcing plans to run against the party in the upcoming election, played an "integral" role in reviving the case. Quoting Shakespeare, he declared there is "something rotten in the state of Scotland," adding, "I believe it will become clear and proven that there was nothing less than a concerted campaign to destroy Alex Salmond."
Ewing further stated, "Until the whole truth is finally made public, a dark shadow of deceit and of the malicious and calculated hounding of Scotland's former leader hangs over Scotland and us all. The quest is to seek justice not only for Alex, Moira, his family and so many dear friends – but for the sake of Scotland and for every man and woman in the land."
A spokeswoman for Nicola Sturgeon declined to comment, citing the live nature of the case, while the Scottish Government has been contacted for additional input. The continuation of this legal action underscores ongoing tensions and unresolved questions within Scottish political circles.
