MSP barred from Scottish Parliament after reports of 'camera in toilets'

An MSP who has been charged over possession of indecent images has had his Scottish Parliament pass rescinded after reports that a camera was found in the Holyrood toilets.

Scottish Labour’s Colin Smyth was suspended by the party following a raid on his home on August 5.

Police arrested the 52-year-old, and he was charged in connection with possession of indecent images. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.

On Thursday, Smyth was barred from the Scottish Parliament after reports there was a camera placed in the building’s toilets.

The Parliament’s chief executive, David McGill, wrote to all Holyrood staff confirming Smyth’s security pass had been deactivated.

“With Police Scotland’s investigation ongoing, the SPCB has this evening taken the decision to deactivate Mr Smyth’s parliamentary security pass,” the email read.

McGill wrote: “We recognise the nature of the criminal charges and the ongoing investigation may be upsetting for colleagues and cause distress.

“We would therefore like to remind everyone who works at Holyrood or in constituency offices of the confidential support services that are available.”

In a statement, Smyth said: “These events have come as a shock, and this is a deeply stressful time. I am obviously cooperating fully with any inquiries and hope the matter can be resolved quickly.

“I am not able to comment further at this stage, and in the meantime, I would ask for the privacy of my family and friends to be respected.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property on Marchfield Avenue, Dumfries.

“A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of indecent images. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.”