POLICE at the Scottish Parliament have been told of scores of previously unreported instances of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone informed Holyrood informed of the move today following the results of a Dignity at Work survey of staff working for MSPs carried out in January by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body.

The resulting report documented a staggering 84 unreported cases of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment since 2021, including “serious allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment affecting women and men” and “incidents linked to alcohol and behaviour described as intended to ‘keep women in their place’.”

It warned: “These patterns indicate misuse of power by a small number of individuals and a gap between lived experience and official reporting volumes.”

Addressing MSPs, Ms Johnstone welcomed the report for having “brought issues to light which were previously unknown,” adding: “There can and must be zero tolerance of inappropriate behaviour.

“Speaking out is never easy and our foremost concern is for anyone affected by inappropriate conduct. I would encourage anyone who has experienced inappropriate conduct to report it.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar echoed the “zero tolerance” and called for “decisive action,” while Green co-leader Gillian Mackay said the allegations were “shocking and will be hugely concerning for everyone.”

Responding, First Minister John Swinney said: “It is vital that everyone who comes to work at this Parliament comes to a safe and respectful working environment.

“If even just one person has a bad experience here that is completely unsatisfactory, and there is a duty on all of us to address it.

“I want to make clear to Parliament a culture of appropriate behaviour is essential to the functioning of our democracy.”