Perjury claims against Alex Salmond remain in limbo

The allegations emerged following Mr Salmond’s 2020 trial, in which the former first minister was cleared of all 14 charges of sexual assault.

Lawyers acting on his behalf told The Sunday Post that Mr Salmond had remained “anxious that this matter be fully investigated” until his death in October last year. 

They said they are still awaiting a full response from the Crown Office on potential next steps.

Mr Salmond was found not guilty of 12 charges, while one charge resulted in a ‘not proven’ verdict, and another was withdrawn by the Crown. He died of a heart attack in North Macedonia at the age of 69.

It was previously reported that the Crown Office had appointed an advocate and a senior prosecutor to investigate the claims. It has since confirmed it is still considering a dossier submitted by Mr Salmond’s legal team.

Levy & Mcrae, the late Mr Salmond’s solicitors, said in a statement: “In March 2021, we were instructed by Alex Salmond to write to Police Scotland and the Crown Office raising concerns over evidence given under oath at his trial.

“In the last four years there has been intermittent correspondence from the Crown but no substantive progress or update on an issue of major public importance and which mattered intensely to Mr Salmond.

“It remains, for his family and many across Scotland, a matter of extreme concern. He remained anxious that this matter be fully investigated, right up until his death.”

The statement added: “We have no doubt that he would have wished to ensure that justice was done, and soon.”

The Crown Office said: “Correspondence from Mr Salmond’s solicitor has been received and will be responded to in due course.”