Full Breakdown
Paul McManus Takes Up Alex Salmond's Legal Battle Against the Scottish Government
2/14/2026, 1:36:22 AM
Overview of the Legal Action
Paul McManus, the drummer of the Scottish rock band Gun, has taken on the legal case initiated by the late Alex Salmond against the Scottish Government. Following Salmond's death in October 2024, his widow, Moira Salmond, assigned the legal rights of the case to McManus, who will underwrite the costs associated with the action. The case revolves around allegations of misfeasance against senior figures in the Scottish Government, including former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former civil servant Leslie Evans, concerning the handling of harassment claims against Salmond.
Background of the Case
Alex Salmond, who led the Scottish National Party (SNP) and later the Alba Party, was acquitted of multiple sexual offence charges in March 2020. However, he maintained that the government had orchestrated a campaign against him, which culminated in a Court of Session ruling that found the government's actions "tainted by apparent bias." This ruling awarded Salmond over £500,000 in damages. The inquiry that followed cleared Sturgeon of wrongdoing, but Salmond's claims of a conspiracy have persisted.
Key Figures Involved
- Paul McManus: Businessman and drummer for Gun, now leading the legal action on behalf of Moira Salmond.
- Moira Salmond: Widow of Alex Salmond, who assigned the legal rights of the case to McManus.
- Fergus Ewing: Former SNP minister and long-time friend of the Salmond family, who has been instrumental in the discussions surrounding the case.
- Nicola Sturgeon: Former First Minister of Scotland, accused in the allegations of misfeasance.
- Leslie Evans: Former permanent secretary to the Scottish Government, also implicated in the case.
Official Statements & Responses
McManus expressed his belief that there was a concerted effort by senior SNP figures to undermine Salmond, stating, "If the government can do this to one of their own, what chance do we, Joe Public, have if they decide to target us?" Ewing echoed these sentiments, asserting that the case aims to uncover the truth behind what he describes as a "dark shadow of deceit" surrounding Salmond's treatment by the government.
Criticism & Opposition
While McManus and Ewing have voiced strong support for Salmond's claims, figures within the SNP and the Scottish Government have denied any allegations of a plot against him. An inquiry cleared Sturgeon of any wrongdoing in the handling of the complaints, suggesting that the legal action may face significant opposition from those within the government.
What's Next
The legal team, led by solicitor advocate Professor Peter Watson, is preparing to pursue the case in court. McManus and his team aim to seek justice not only for Salmond and his family but also for broader implications regarding governmental accountability in Scotland.
Verbatim Quotes
- “McManus said: “I did not know the late Alex Salmond, and I disagreed with his politics, especially on the matter of Scottish independence.” — Paul McManus, Drummer, Gun
- “When Alex Salmond defeated the Scottish Government in the Court of Session the judge, Lord Pentland, found that their actions were ‘tainted by apparent bias’.” — Fergus Ewing, Former SNP Minister
- “I believe it will become clear and proven that there was nothing less than a concerted campaign to destroy Alex Salmond and until the whole truth is finally made public, a dark shadow of deceit and of the malicious and calculated hounding of Scotland’s former leader, hangs over Scotland and us all.” — Fergus Ewing, Former SNP Minister
This legal battle not only seeks to address the grievances of the Salmond family but also raises significant questions about the integrity of governmental processes in Scotland.
