SCOTLAND’S First Minister John Swinney said today he was “absolutely horrified” by reports alleging that a hidden camera had been placed in the toilets at the Scottish Parliament.

The First Minister was pressed by journalists on whether the Scottish Parliament was a “safe place to work,” ahead of MSPs returning to Holyrood tomorrow after the summer recess.

The SNP leader responded that he was “extremely concerned” about the implications for people using the building, including MSPs, staff and journalists, but there were “strict limits” on what he could say, given potential legal proceedings.

Suspended Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth has denied allegations that he placed a secret camera in the toilets.

He was arrested last month and charged with a separate offence of possession of indecent images.

On Friday, Police Scotland confirmed that officers had searched toilets and changing facilities in the building, with “no covert recording devices” found.