Robertson faces probe over scandal-hit HES

Culture Secretary allegedly misled Holyrood

- BY DAVID WALKER Scottish Politics Reporter

THE SNP’s Culture Secretary is facing allegations he misled Holyrood over the string of scandals surrounding Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

Angus Robertson told MSPs last week that he has never been asked to attend a board meeting of the heritage quango, which has faced reputation-ruining accusations over the last few months.

Senior members of staff have been accused of overseeing a toxic work culture, with one official investigated for allegedly making racist comments.

Another senior manager was probed for twerking in front of actor Martin Compston and being rude to Rod Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster. She is also facing a sexual harassment complaint.

Despite all of these controversies, Mr Robertson has not met any senior HES officials. When grilled about this by MSPs last week, he repeatedly insisted that he had never actually been invited to a board meeting.