In a dramatic legal development, a millionaire businessman and rock drummer has taken up the late Alex Salmond's case against the Scottish Government after being formally assigned the legal rights to pursue the action.
Legal Rights Transferred to Businessman
Paul McManus, drummer for the Scottish rock band Gun, will now fund and continue the legal action initially brought by the former first minister before his death in 2024. The case specifically names senior Government figures including Nicola Sturgeon, Mr Salmond's former protegee, and Leslie Evans, the former top civil servant, accusing them of "misfeasance" in relation to complaints made against Mr Salmond during his tenure at Bute House.
McManus's Motivation Despite Political Differences
Mr McManus revealed he never personally knew Alex Salmond and actually disagrees with him on the issue of Scottish independence. However, he expressed strong conviction that there was a deliberate plot against the former first minister by Government officials.
"If the Government can do this to one of their own, what chance do we, Joe Public, have if they decide to target us?" McManus stated emphatically. "I want to see those responsible held to account and to face consequences."
Background of the Salmond Controversy
Alex Salmond, who passed away in 2024 while attending a conference in North Macedonia, spent his final years in bitter conflict with both the SNP and the Scottish Government he once led. This followed complaints made by two civil servants during his time as First Minister.
The legal saga began when Mr Salmond successfully sued the Scottish Government over its handling of these complaints, with a judge declaring the process was "tainted by apparent bias" and awarding him more than £500,000 in damages.
From Criminal Charges to Civil Action
Despite eventually facing multiple sexual offence charges, Mr Salmond was cleared of all allegations at the High Court. He maintained throughout his life that he had been the victim of a conspiracy orchestrated by senior Government figures.
Before his death, Mr Salmond filed a civil action at the Court of Session specifically naming Ms Sturgeon and Ms Evans, but the case never reached a judge prior to his passing.
Legal Transfer and Current Status
On Friday, February 13, 2026, Mr McManus announced he would be taking up the case after Moira Salmond – the widow of the former SNP and Alba leader – formally assigned him the legal rights to fund and continue the litigation.
A spokeswoman for Nicola Sturgeon declined to comment on the development, citing the ongoing live nature of the legal proceedings. The case now represents a significant continuation of one of Scottish politics' most contentious legal battles, with a new financial backer determined to pursue accountability from the highest levels of government.
