Millionaire Rock Drummer Takes Over Alex 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, which alleges misfeasance by senior figures including Nicola Sturgeon and former top civil servant Leslie Evans. Paul McManus, drummer for the Scottish band Gun, will fund the action originally filed by the former first minister before his death in 2024.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The case stems from complaints made by two civil servants during Salmond's tenure at Bute House. Salmond sued the Scottish Government over its handling of these complaints, with a judge later ruling the process was "tainted by apparent bias" and awarding him over £500,000. Although Salmond was charged with multiple sexual offences, he was acquitted of all charges at the High Court. He maintained until his death that he was the victim of a plot by senior government officials.
Salmond filed the misfeasance action at the Court of Session, specifically naming Sturgeon and Evans, but passed away in North Macedonia in 2024 before the case could be heard by a judge. His widow, Moira Salmond, has now assigned the legal rights to McManus to fund and pursue the litigation.
McManus's Motivation and Statements
Paul McManus stated that he did not personally know Alex Salmond and disagrees with him on Scottish independence, but strongly believes there was a governmental plot against the former first minister. "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 said. "I want to see those responsible held to account and to face consequences."
Work on the case has continued behind the scenes, led by Professor Peter Watson, who described litigation as "a remedy of last resort." He added, "It is hoped that this litigation will result in answers to many troubling questions that were first asked by Alex Salmond and will now be pursued by Paul McManus and the team we have assembled."
Political Support and Reactions
Former SNP MSP Fergus Ewing, who now sits as an independent after announcing plans to run against the party in the upcoming election, played an integral role in reviving the case. Quoting Shakespeare, Ewing said there is "something rotten in the state of Scotland," and elaborated, "I believe it will become clear and proven that there was nothing less than a concerted campaign to destroy Alex Salmond and 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."
Ewing emphasized that the legal team aims to uncover the truth and lift this shadow, seeking justice not only for Salmond and his family but for all citizens. An SNP spokeswoman declined to comment, stating it would be "inappropriate to comment on live proceedings." The Scottish Government has been contacted for further comment but has not yet responded.
