Nicola Sturgeon, in her long awaited appearance at the Holyrood inquiry stated that claims of a plot against the former First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, were ‘absurd’.

The First Minister of Scotland is currently facing accusations of breaking ‘ministerial code’ in relation to the investigation of sexual harassment claims against Alex Salmond. 

Appearing before MSPs, Nicola Sturgeon told the inquiry that the harassment policy was not there to ‘get Alex Salmond’ and there was not a ‘shred of evidence’ to support Salmond’s claims that she was ‘out to get’ the former First Minister.

Sturgeon faces increasing pressure from Scottish Conservatives to resign as two witnesses back Salmond’s claim that she misled parliament and breached Ministerial Code. 

Sturgeon has consistently denied any breaching of Ministerial code but does admit to problems in the handling of the allegations.

The Scottish First Minister also made an apology to the two complainants of alleged sexual harassment and the public for the serious mistakes that had been made in the handling of the sexual harassment claims. 

Earlier today in the inquiry Sturgeon stated that she felt a lingering suspicion prior to being told of the harassment cases and felt there was more to the story. 

The investigation was launched into Alex Slamond following a number of allegations of sexual harassment made by various women. 

Salmond was charged and cleared at the High Court in Edinburgh of 13 charges of sexual offences following a trial in March last year.