Lord Advocate to face questions from MSPs over property row solicitor

The Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland will appear before MSPs today to answer questions about the lawyer involved in the Michelle Thomson property row.

Mr Mulholland will be questioned about solicitorChris Hales, who was struck off after an investigation into allegations of professional misconduct in connection with 13 transactions forM&F Property Solutions, in which Ms Thomson was a partner.

Ms Thomson, who was elected as an SNP MP in May, is sitting as an Independent until a criminal investigation into Mr Hales - which began in July - has been completed.

Earlier this month, a Law Society staff member was also drawn into the row.

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie will reportedly ask Mr Mulholland when theCrown Office was “first notified of allegations of mortgage fraud against Christopher Hales”.

The Crown Office was reportedly advised informally of the allegations seven months before referring the matter to Police Scotland.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office told The Scotsman: “The Lord Advocate is always happy to answer questions in parliament.”