Former Aide: I Arranged Meet With Sturgeon After Sex Complaints Emerged

Chief of staff takes witness stand

- Alan McEwen

Alex Salmond met with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after his former top aide was alerted to allegations made against him by women, his trial heard yesterday.

Geoff Aberdein said the meeting between the current and former first ministers took place at Sturgeon’s private residence in April 2018.

The 37-year-old, who was made Salmond’s chief of staff in 2011, said he was informed there were complaints about his former boss.

Aberdein said he was asked to help arrange the meeting by being the “point of contact” to speak to Salmond.

He also told the jury about another meeting on March 29, 2018, between a complainer at the trial, Sturgeon and himself.

Aberdein said it took place in Sturgeon’s office at the Scottish Parliament and happened after he was informed about complaints by two women about Salmond’s alleged behaviour.

He told the court the woman didn’t tell him that she had intended to make a complaint about Salmond’s alleged misconduct.

Earlier, after being called as a defence witness, he told the court Salmond was “firm but fair” to work with.

Aberdein, who now works in finance, said the former SNP leader could be “very demanding” but added it was the best job he’s ever had.

Salmond, 65, is on trial at the High Court in Edinburgh facing 13 charges of alleged offences against nine women. He denies all the charges.

His defence team were presenting their case for the second day.

The jury heard from Samantha Barber, 50, a businesswoman who said she attended dinner sat Bute House, Salmond’s official residence while serving as first minister.