Overview

• Ross wrote to First Minister John Swinney alleging Jamie Hepburn aggressively grabbed his shoulder and used abusive language, calling it a clear breach of the ministerial code and urging his removal from government.
• Police Scotland said officers have spoken with Ross and provided advice, with no formal complaint lodged at this stage after Ross previously met police to discuss options.
• Hepburn acknowledged placing a hand on Ross’s shoulder and using “choice words,” denied any assault or force, and said he should have kept his cool.
• Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone called the claim very serious and directed that it be handled through official parliamentary and ministerial‑code procedures; the parliament said there is no CCTV of the corridor.
• Accounts remain disputed, with an unnamed MSP witness describing Hepburn’s behavior as clearly aggressive and a Scottish Government source saying it does not believe there was any physicality.