GHOST FIRMS CLAIM AS COPS PROBE ALBA

Party faces legal action over 'smears'

- BY JOHN FERGUSON

A POLICE investigation into the Alba Party's finances is probing allegations expenses claims were made in relation to firms which did not exist.

It comes after a complaint was raised by leader Kenny MacAskill over "irregularities" in accounts.

A source said: "Police were called and the party handed over information after the discovery of serious issues.

"There were expenses claims where receipts were found to be in relation to companies which did not exist. Kenny takes these things very seriously, his view is that this is money from members and donors and every penny of spending needs to be absolutely by the book."

Alba was led by Alex Salmond until his death last October.