Ex-minister apologises to MSPs after alleged assault on Douglas Ross

A former Scottish government minister apologized to MSPs in Holyrood on Tuesday for his conduct after Conservative MSP Douglas Ross accused him of grabbing him and swearing outside the chamber. Jamie Hepburn, who previously served as minister for parliamentary business, resigned in the aftermath of the incident.

Hepburn acknowledged using a few "choice words" after a clash over the chamber's timetable that spilled out of the Holyrood chamber on Wednesday, as MSPs waited for a key vote on justice reforms. The dispute centered on how long Ross spent discussing seagulls rather than proceeding with the scheduled business, according to accounts of events surrounding the day’s proceedings.

In the chamber, Hepburn said he had already apologized to Ross, the First Minister and the presiding officer. He added: "I think it it appropriate that I also apologise to this chamber and to all colleagues. For those of us who love this institution, it is important that we all act in a manner that does not bring it into disrepute. I wouldn't normally conduct myself in such a fashion. I regret that lapse last week and I wish to apologise to all colleagues." Ross welcomed Hepburn's apology and applauded as Hepburn spoke. Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone told members that they must uphold the high standards of conduct expected in Holyrood and urged everyone to reflect on their responsibilities under the code of conduct, both inside and outside the chamber.

Ross had first made public the allegation at the end of First Minister's Questions on Thursday. The two were reported to have argued over chamber timetabling on Wednesday after discussions about tackling seagulls spilled into the corridor while SNP MSPs waited for a vote on reforms to the justice system.

Ross later formally complained about Hepburn's conduct in a letter to Deputy First Minister John Swinney on Friday. Hepburn resigned hours later, a move Ross said was the "correct decision" and he appreciated Hepburn reaching out to personally apologise for his behaviour.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions within Holyrood between parties over procedural matters and the handling of contentious policy debates, including resource-heavy votes on reform agendas and public-interest issues that have drawn scrutiny in recent sessions.