THE Scottish government has rejected reports that Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth sent a “scathing” email naming officials in her department she was unhappy with.

Acting Scottish Labour leader Jackie Baillie called on First Minister John Swinney to launch a full investigation into the allegations in the Scottish Sun.

Ms Baillie said: “These are astonishing accusations and they must not be swept under the carpet by the SNP. 

“It is unacceptable to target workers or try and drive people out of their role for no good reason. 

“Too often the SNP act like the rules don’t apply to them and that cannot be allowed to happen on this occasion. 

“John Swinney must launch a full investigation into these claims and make it clear that there is zero tolerance for bullying in his government.”

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton added the SNP “must be upfront” about whether an investigation is under way.

Government officials insisted that there “was no email.”