 | 'If MSPs do not get their act together, discover their self-confidence and build a proper parliament, then there will be a draining of interest in and respect for Holyrood. Parliament will become an empty shell, lying dormant until someone else comes along to re-ignite the fire of Scottish home rule. Though hopefully not along with the drapery.' Iain Macwhirter, in the Sunday Herald, 4 th September 2005. |  |
The Labour peer and MSP, Mike Watson, has made a private appearance in court on two charges of wilful fireraising.
Mr Watson, 55, made no plea at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and was released on bail.
The charges follow an incident at an upmarket Edinburgh hotel where the Scottish Politician of the Year awards were held on 11 November.
The procurator fiscal will now interview key witnesses before taking advice on further proceedings.
The Crown Office said that in view of the accused's position as an MSP, neither the Lord Advocate, Colin Boyd QC, nor the Solicitor General, Elish Angiolini QC, would be involved in the decision-making related to the case.
Mr Watson is MSP for Glasgow Cathcart. He has been suspended by the Labour Party pending the outcome of the legal process.
This means he cannot take the whip in the House of Lords or the Scottish Parliament.
Return to home page